Rotary Youth Leadership Award District 9800

We believe that everyone has the potential to be a leader in their own life and in their community. We also believe that an important step towards leadership is understanding what it is that you value and what you're passionate about. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a chance for young people aged 18 to 25 to come together to reflect on their values and vision, whatever those values might be, and develop skills to make a difference in their community.

RYLA is a week-long residential personal development program for young people aged 18 to 25, which focuses on self, leadership and community. RYLA is held across Australia and internationally. In District 9800 (Melbourne, Bendigo, Echuca-Moama and surrounds) RYLA aims to give young people the chance to come together in a supportive environment to gain a better understanding of their own strengths, and the unique qualities and abilities of others.

Over the course of the week participants have a chance to learn about teamwork, communication and motivation, as well as further develop the skills needed to make a difference in their communities. We also have a lot of fun!

Applications open in June each year for the program which is conducted in the first week of December. Young people aged 18 to 25 who live within the district are encouraged to submit an application. More information about the program, including how to apply is available online http://www.ryla9800.org.au/default.asp?p=2)

The RYLA program in District 9800 is run entirely by young people for young people, many of whom are past RYLA participants. The participants are supported by facilitators who conduct focus groups where participants can discuss issues raised by the program in a safe and suppprtive environment and a management team who are responsible for cooking meals for everyone to enjoy. The team have all participated in training to help equip them for their roles

The RYLA program is conducted all around the world, so for those who don't live within our District, log on to the Rotary International Website (www.rotary.org) to find out about the program closest to you.