May is Youth Service Month
What is Youth Services? At one time we called it “New Generation” Services. It is our emergent Fifth Avenue of Service. Youth Services focuses on positive change implemented by youth. It also recognizes youth involvement in service projects – both in the community and internationally. The four primary youth programs involved have not changed - Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Rotary Youth Exchange. But now they are linked in one area of focus.
Interact is a program primarily for Middle-School and High-School youth. We currently have about 29 active Interact Clubs operating in D6270. Is your club sponsoring an Interact Club? Interact students are great partners for service projects and have become involved in tree planting with a number of Rotary clubs this year. Elmbrook sponsored a new club this year, as did Oshkosh Southwest.
Rotaract, a program for young adults age 18 through 30. They include both University-based and community-based clubs. According to the “official” Rotary records we have 10 active clubs. This year, Sheboygan sponsored a new Rotaract Club at Lakeland University. And, a new club is getting off the ground at Carroll University, sponsored by Waukesha Noon Rotary. Sponsoring a Rotaract Club is another way that Rotarians can reach out and Make A Difference for developing young professionals. Try mentoring Rotaractors or inviting them to your meeting to network and learn from a speaker.
And, finally Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE). Another of our premier programs – cultural exchange involving high school students. RYE focuses on building peace and understanding through experiencing another culture. Lives are changed – both students’ and hosts’. People are often more tolerant of differences. Inbound students – hosting someone from another country as they explore the USA; Outbound students – sending our youth to “see the world”, what an opportunity to grow. Do it!