

Clare Lawlor
RYLA District 9705 Chairperson
RYLA District 9705 Chairperson
T: 0468 372 773
In 2023 the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) will be held from the Saturday 7 to Friday 13 January inclusive at the Warrambui Retreat & Conference Centre, Murrumbateman, NSW.
Objectives: RYLA is a challenging 7 day residential program for young people aged 18 to 30. RYLA offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to access some influential and inspirational speakers and trainers. With presentations, workshops and exercises, attendees will be introduced to concepts of effective leadership including:
- Leadership Theory
- Communication,
- Resilience,
- Mental Health,
- Values & Ethics,
- Leadership in Service & Community,
- Youth Leadership,
- Goal Setting/Visioning
- Conflict Resolution & Mindfulness
What do the RYLArians take home with them? The programme aims to help them to:
- Build communication and problem-solving skills
- Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school or community
- Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
- Unlock their potential to turn motivation into action
- Have fun and form lasting friendships
- Build on the existing leadership of participants
- Encourage participants to further develop their own skills, talents and abilities, and
- Remind participants of their responsibility to their communities and to the world.
How do you get involved? SPONSOR A YOUNG PERSON TO ATTEND! It's that simple
Young people in our District have been hugely affected by to 2019/2020 Bushfires and the COVID-19 Pandemic so now is the perfect time to support them in their leadership development.
Participants can complete an application form online - https://forms.gle/bYo1tqn8GduCJ3kL9
Sponsoring Rotary Clubs can then complete an Endorsement form which can be found in the files on the left hand side of this page.
The sponsorship fee for each participant is $950 (no GST applicable), which includes a generous subsidy from the District.
Where to find Candidates
Clubs should seek applications from candidates and their employers to sponsor suitable employees. Potential RYLA Candidates are already in your community now! It is easier to find them than what you may first think. Here are some suggestions:
- Previous participants in Rotary Youth Programs (eg. Youth Exchange, RYPEN, public speaking, NYSF etc)
- TAFE/Educational facilities
- Community organisations
- Various workplaces and sporting clubs
- Community leaders
- Your own networks
- Fellow Rotary member’s suggestions
Start talking with your members and young people in your community ... in the words of our 2020 RYLArians ... RYLA is a leadership programme like no other. It’s something that you have to experience yourself. You will make lifelong friends. There are supportive mentors and an opportunity for self reflection and it pushes you out of your comfort zone! Improve your life now! Why not give it a go!”

Discuss these suggestions at your club. Chances are it will lead to further ideas that can be used in your own community. Further information by contacting the District Chair, Clare Lawlor, on 0468 372 773 or at ryla9705@gmail.com and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/District9705RYLA