RYLA

 

RYLA is Rotarians working with youth in leadership development.  

 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. Young people ages 18-30, chosen for their leadership potential, attend an all-expense-paid seminar, camp or workshop, generally three to ten days in length, organized and run by Rotarians with records of achievement. The RYLA event can be sponsored by several districts jointly, by one district, or by a Rotary club.

  

  

RYLA programs vary according to the age and interests of participants and length of event. In 1996, the RI Board of Directors recommended a core curriculum for every RYLA that includes the following:

 

  • Fundamentals of leadership
  • Ethics of positive leadership
  • Importance of communications skills in effective leadership
  • Problem-solving and conflict-management
  • What Rotary is and what it does for the local community
  • Building self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Elements of community and global citizenship while reflecting issues of local relevance in a manner appropriate to local customs.

 

The impact of the program spreads further as the program awardees influence other young people. Moreover, RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of Interact and Rotaract clubs with their leadership development and service activities.

 

The program is an exciting opportunity not only for the attendees, but also for the Rotarians, who are given the chance to help develop their own leadership skills and create new friendships with each other and the participants.

 

Organizing and implementing a RYLA program is a complex undertaking, requiring the time and effort of many Rotarians at the club and/or district level. Its worth is realized by those Rotarians who, through RYLA, have seized the opportunity to work with one of the world's most valuable resources — tomorrow's leaders.

 

The participants our Club has sponsored are: 

1968 - Lynn Fredricks, Corowa

1968 - Ray Bratt, Corowa

1968 - Zanette Spencer, Rutherglen 

1992 - Nicole Scheetz

1993 - Scott Fredericks

2024 - Ruby Crawford

 

COROWA FREE PRESS Wednesday February 12, 2025

Ruby's leadership journey at RYLA camp

By Robert Muir

Ruby Crawford's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) experience has provided a digital detox fostering leadership, resilience and lasting connections.

Sponsored by Corowa Rotary, Ruby recently attended the unique youth leadership awards held at the picturesque Malmsbury Camp.

Ruby, who works as a Senior Team Leader for the Carers Aged and Disability Service at Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) in Wodonga, shared her inspiring journey and the profound impact the camp had on her.

Ruby Crawford, daughter of Kerrie Crawford, a member of Corowa Rotary, has been with UMFC for six months. In her role, she leads a dedicated team supporting volunteers, carers

and children of all ages. UMFC provides essential care and resources to those in need, offering services ranging from disability support for young people to family camps and one-on-one support.

RYLA 2024 was a unique experience for Ruby and other participants. The camp's lack of phone reception and internet initially felt daunting but soon became one of its best features. This "digital detox" allowed participants to connect deeply, share stories and build lasting relationships without the distraction of technology.

The camp was filled with hands-on activities focused on leadership and management skills, including teamwork, communication and project management. Participants practised these skills daily through group challenges and activities.

A highlight of the camp was the guest speakers, including a First Nations woman who shared her powerful story of resilience and strength. Her talk on breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and surviving domestic violence left a lasting impression on everyone. Other speakers covered topics such as global leadership, financial literacy, storytelling, and mental resilience, each bringing unique perspectives and wisdom.

The diversity of participants made RYLA truly special. Ruby expressed her deep gratitude to Corowa Rotary for sponsoring her and making this opportunity possible. She described RYLA as "a journey of growth, self-discovery, and stepping outside my comfort zone”. The experience reminded her of the power of human connection in a technology-driven world. 

"Hopefully reading about Ruby's experience will have young people in our community realise this opportunity is available to them”,  Rotary past president and Paul Harris Fellow Meredith Miegel said.

For those interested in learning more about RYLA, visit the D9790 RYLA Website  or contact Corowa Rotary Club

Back