Youth Service: Mission

Youth Service is Rotary's commitment to the future. By encouraging, mentoring, and empowering our youth today, we are creating a legacy that will allow Rotary to continue its mission to see that all men and women of this world are given the opportunity to lead their lives in health, safety and prosperity.
 

Youth Service Commitment

Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) are Rotary sponsored programs that allow each club within the District to structure their own unique approach to Youth Service. Rotary also sponsors Global Scholars and Peace Fellows with the aim of empowering and educating young people to give back to their communities and the world.
 
District 5240 has a team of very dedicated Rotarians who have all found their "Rotary Moments" in working with our youth. We are here to help, encourage, offer information, advice, all to help pave the way for new youth service clubs and help older clubs thrive.
 

Youth Programs

Interact
Interact is a service club for youth ages 12 to 18 who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their communities and learning about the world. Clubs, which meet at least twice a month, are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Interact clubs organize two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Members of sponsor Rotary clubs mentor Interactors as they carry out the projects and develop leadership skills.
 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Each year, thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Young people are chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expenses-paid camp to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event’s curriculum.

Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)
Each year, Rotary Youth Exchange gives thousands of students the opportunity to experience life in another part of the world. During exchanges, students develop new skills, build lifelong friendships, and gain a new perspective of themselves and the people around them that fosters an understanding and appreciation of different cultures.  Click here for the High School Year Pre-Application for RYE.
 

Rotaract
Rotaract is a service club for young people ages 18 and up who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges while developing leadership skills and making friends from around the world. Rotaract clubs are members of Rotary International.
District Youth Service Leadership
 
Youth Service Director

Scott Astrosky
Rotary Club of Pismo Beach-Five Cities
Email

 

 

District Interact Chair

Mike Dutra
Rotary Club of Westlake Village
Email

 

 

 

RYLA Chair

Darin Arrasmith
Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks
Email

 
 
 

District Youth Exchange Chair

Barry VanderKelen
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo
Email