|
 DG
Bernie's Weekly Message
OUR FUTURE FAMILY
One of the
joys that a family experiences is to support their young ones in the
various activities undertaken in the pursuit of one's self
improvement and, when the week is over, to drive to the site and
ferry their charges back home, comfortable in the knowledge that it
has all been worthwhile.
Well, it happened in
Rotary this week. The annual RYLA live-in was conducted at Wonga
Park and 52 eager young adults embraced the outdoor life and
commenced their week long seminar. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award
is a seven day seminar for 18 to 25 year olds who commit to this
leading program and discover their unique talents and abilities and
how to use these in their immediate environment and wider
community.
An energetic, positive
and non-judgemental team provides an exciting and memorable
experience. There is an opportunity to practice leadership and team
building while being encouraged to recognise and embrace one's
personal vision. They find out how to contribute to the life cycle
of a group, be an effective speaker and be willing to clearly
describe and share one's emotions.
The program is aimed
at encouraging and developing leadership and social skills so that
awardees can, more effectively, contribute to their communities in a
practical manner.
So, what has this got
to do with the Family of Rotary?
There were attendees
at the seminar that are already involved in social work and helping
young homeless youth. I had the privilege of meeting two young men
from the Sudan who have already experienced life in its rawest form.
They are so positive that one could feel very proud in their company
and admire their courage and willingness to not let anything stop
them from improving their life and the lives of others. There was
also a young lady from Somali who is also involved in social work on
the streets.
This is a dynamic part
of the Family of Rotary and it drew many Rotarians to their
presentations and dinner on Wednesday night at the camp. It was
great to also see Rotarians turning up on Friday to take these young
people home again, their week concluded. Each Rylarian, because that
is what they are now, clutching their certificate acknowledging that
fact
So you didn't go, you
didn't know it was on, your Club did not sponsor a young person, you
could not attend the dinner and presentation during the week, you
couldn't find the place, you had too many other things to
do?
Make sure you get
involved next year and ensure you are going to nurture part of the
Family of Rotary, because, if you cannot, part of our future will
slip away.
Lead The
Way by involving yourselves with and encouraging our young
adults.
Bernie Walshe
District
Governor
| 
