from The Rotary Club of Halifax North West
Welcome to the monthly newsletter from the Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest, where we share the club’s and Rotary’s news and activities with the communities we serve. This issue highlights Rotary’s Youth Services.
Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service. In addition to the typical Rotary Clubs for adult professionals and like-minded people devoted to community service, Rotary also includes Interact and Rotaract Clubs for the younger generation.
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interact Clubs normally reside in high schools and are supported by a local Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Halifax North West actively supported an Interact Club prior to COVID, and is currently working to renew that support.
Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18 and older to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service. Rotaract Clubs normally reside in colleges and universities, and although they have full status as clubs within Rotary, they are usually affiliated with and supported by Rotary clubs in the community. Our Club is affiliated with the Rotaract Club at Dalhousie University. In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities one project at a time.
A less-known youth service within Rotary is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections. RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14- 30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a oneday seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.
RYLA events provide the opportunity for secondary school and university students and for young professionals to connect with leaders in their community to:
- Build communication and problemsolving skills;
- Discover strategies for becoming dynamic leaders in their school or community;
- Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors;
- Unlock their potential to turn motivation into action; • Learn ethical business practices; and
- Have fun and form lasting friendships.
Our Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest welcomes everyone to explore community service with us! We pride ourselves on being diverse and inclusive – and we’re friendly! We currently meet virtually every Tuesday from 1145 to 1 pm. at Freeman’s on Dutch Village Road in Fairview. For more information contact Roger Chiasson at rogerchiasson305@ gmail.com or 782 234 9408.
Photo credits to:
https://www.rotary.org/
https://www.rotary-ribi.org/
