RYLA, short for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, is a leadership programme created by Rotary Clubs and districts, in which each participant can develop their own leadership skills while enjoying themselves. The programme is funded by the Rotary Foundation, which supports not only educational projects like this one but also humanitarian ones.
The Foundation covers grants for the professional training of younger generations, allowing clubs to put the fifth avenue of service into practice: "new generations".
RYLA was created in 1971 as an official Rotary International programme, with the goal of training younger generations according to leadership principles and Rotarian values.
The programme's ultimate goal is developing good communication and problem-solving skills, together with the ability to turn one's own motivation into concrete action.
RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts each year. Young people aged 18 to 30 can take part, nominated by a Rotary club.
The District 2050 RYLA
District 2050 organizes its own RYLA every year and has an official website, with the programme, how to take part, FAQ and contacts: ryla.rotary2050.org.
- Format: a residential experiential lab lasting several days, mixing training sessions, group work and hands-on challenges. Participants learn by doing, not by listening to lectures.
- Who can take part: young people aged 18 to 30, nominated by a Rotary Club in their area. No prior connection with Rotary is needed.
- The Club's role: the Rotary Club enrols and nominates the young person. The participation fee is paid by the Rotary Club sponsoring the candidate and covers the training programme, accommodation, meals, teaching materials and all activities.
- How to apply: the Club joins through the form on the website and receives a personal code and registration link, which it passes on to the candidate; the candidate then completes the registration.
- After the RYLA: participants join the RYLA alumni community and can carry what they learned into their Rotaract or Interact club and their professional life.
Each edition has its own theme, venue, dates and deadlines: check the official website for the current edition.