The history of Rotary’s work with young people dates back to 1920. Started as Boys’ Week, it expanded its focus to include girls in 1924. RI’s effort was to promote youth development in education, citizenship, health & hygiene, and vocation.
Rotary went on to form other programs for young people, starting with Interact, Rotaract for young leaders, and Rotary Youth Exchange, for students who stay with host families in another country. D7780 also includes the very successful RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly) as part of youth services.
In 2010, Youth Service became Rotary’s Fifth Avenue of Service. For decades, Rotarians have recognized the positive change that young people bring about through leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster World Peace and Cultural Understanding.
D7780 Youth Services Leaders include for RYLA Phil Giordano (Scarborough RC), Sam Klemarczyk and Emily Rumble (New Voices); Youth Student Exchange contacts are Dick Hall (Portland RC) and Kathi Perkins (Westbrook-Gorham RC); Sheila Rollins (Bath Sunrise RC) and Peggy Belanger (KennebunkPortside RC) for Rotaract, and Kevin Raymond (Dover RC), Erin Haye (Ogunquit RC) & Tina Fox (Oxford Hills RC) as Interact Leads.
We are all very grateful for all of the time and effort from our Rotarians who support any and all Rotary Youth Services.
On a personal note, Many Thanks to D7780 Rotarians and Rotary Clubs for your kind words of sympathy, calls, and texts of support, and sincere outreach.
Your love and caring have softened the sorrow of losing my dear, sweet, loving mother. Her “joie de vivre” will live on in her family and all who knew her.
Whether you are a new Rotarian, a Rotaractor, a Club Officer, a Board Member, a Committee Member, or just wanting to learn more about roles in Rotary we have the training for you. The 2021 District Training Program has gone Virtual with classes like Foundation Basics, the Treasurers Role, Goal Setting, Growing Membership, Opportunities for International Service, Fundraising in our Current Environment, and the role Secretaries play in Rotary. For more information and specific dates for each
Protecting the environment has become a new area of focus. Communicate this important change to your community by creating a press release for local media outlets and by posting stories on your Club’s website. Visit the Public Image committee section of the District’s website for a sample press release and a story that can be shared on your website or used as a guide to create your own story.
Time to Update Your Club’s Logo
The current Rotary International President, Holger Knaack, and the incoming RI President, Shekhar Mehta, have requested that clubs update their logos to align with Rotary’s brand standards.
There is a template available in the Brand Center that you can use to create a club logo. After it is created, please use it consistently. Don’t forget to update your club website, social media accounts, signage, and any other places you may be using the logo.
The template is located on the Rotary.org website: login, and then select ‘my rotary.’ Scroll down a bit, and you will find a section under “Featured Links” where you can click on “Brand Center.” Once inside this section of the website, select “Materials,” then select “Create Your Own.” You will find the template there.