This last week the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program took place in Stanwell Topps and as usual approximately 90 young people attended a week out of their life where their expectations were blown away. It is an amazing experience that they will take with them for the rest of their life.

Speaking to some of them after the program they now realise what leadership is all about and how they can use it to assist themselves and the people around them to make a better world in which to live.

They were also made aware that Rotary has provided this opportunity for them. This is the avenue that Rotary has to potential new members, so we can continue to give younger people this opportunity, so they can help maintain the momentum and success that programs like these enjoy.

Thank you Jean!

Our clubs part is significant and Jean Elborne has been coordinating this for some time and it is a terrific job that she does to make this happen every year. Thanks to Jean and the team that works diligently to ensure we have a sizable, (8) number of participants in the program. 

Our guest speaker this week is Michael Kelly, and is surprisingly, speaking on the topic “Developing a Voice that Inspires People to take action, again and again”; this is what Rotary has to do better. The RYLA program is an example of where we give young people a great experience and need to continue to inspire them to such an extent that they become involved in Rotary and share in the spirit and pride of being a Rotarian.

Off to Singapore and the Philippines:

As I mentioned last week a number of members including myself, PE Patricia Harrison, VP Rene Benetiz, PP Adrian Pilton and Dairneen, PP Bruce Edwards and Zeny, David Smith and Sue Walker will travel to Singapore and Manila to join the members of the Singapore and Makati Club who are participating in a delegation and Tri-club project to work on micro financing opportunities in the Philippines.

I’m hopeful that this will lead to many others ideas where we can all work together to support each others projects. This is an opportunity to realise each clubs true potential.

Sell, Sell, Sell!

The Art Union Tickets are selling slowly and I would remind you all that this is an important fundraiser for the club this year and will assist our long term sustainability. Please think creatively about how you can offer others outside the club the opportunity of buying tickets especially with the very attractive prizes that can be won.  Your support is very much required and appreciated.