Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

‘Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts, where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections.’ (RI RYLA website) 

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program has been an official program of Rotary since 1971. RYLA is a transformational leadership conference open to 18 to 30-year-olds looking to develop their leadership potential, build lasting connections and gain new insights and experiences.​​​ 

It focuses on: 

• Providing young, emerging leaders with a range of leadership skills, techniques, and tools they can use at work, study and in the community. 

• Developing young leaders who celebrate diversity, create sustainable change, and become service-minded global citizens. 

• Personal development, leadership, and teamwork. 

• Learning strategies for managing conflict resolution, working in teams, and overcoming challenges. 

• Professional development and connecting participants with opportunities to serve the community through Rotary. 

• The combination of leadership skill development and vocational training helps young people discover their potential and hone their skills. 

RYLA is best described as a ‘challenge by choice’ program: participants engage in various activities, including workshops, team-building exercises, outdoor activities, and guest speaker presentations. Sometimes, participants will push themselves to undertake activities outside their comfort zone – hence, challenge by choice!​ Young people, many of them graduates of the RYLA program, lead our program in a range of leadership roles, supported by experienced facilitators and mentors dedicated to helping participants achieve their full potential. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.