![]() ![]() The focus of the RYLA event was to bring out the leadership potential and skills of the selected high school participants, to help learn the essence of being “servant-leaders.” ![]() Two weeks ago a dozen Rotarians from Carlsbad’s two Rotary clubs joined 40 other Rotarians to host the three-day Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference for nearly 300 high school juniors. Being in a service club has given me the chance to combine my singular actions with those of others and create a bigger result than ever possible by myself. It has been a short, but memorable and rewarding, journey. In this short time span I have hosted two foreign exchange students as part of the Rotary’s international Youth Exchange Student program, participated in the annual Rotary at Work day (an international event), served breakfast at Brother Benno’s, flipped bratwurst at the Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest fundraiser, and much more. In joining the Rotary Club of Carlsbad I encountered an incredibly diverse group of individuals with varied backgrounds, beliefs, political and religious ideals - so different but each with a common, shared vision of “serving others before self.” I joined Rotary three years ago because of a burning desire to help those less fortunate than me and to experience the fellowship that a club can provide. Not too surprising, as exemplified by the projects they support, these service clubs all share a common passion for helping others through service. Notably, Rotary International has focused on the worldwide eradication of polio and most recently started its initiative to provide clean water and sanitation in developing world countries. on Thursdays the Lions Club Meals on Wheels program the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at Rady’s Children Hospital and the Optimists’ Rainforest Project to help cancer-stricken children. Some of the many examples of North County charitable projects supported by service clubs include the Rotary Club support of the Brother Benno’s Homeless Shelter, where Rotarians routinely serve meals to the homeless at 6 a.m. Here in North County, this influx of fresh young blood has enabled service clubs to step up their activities and take a hands-on approach to charity, not just raising money but also contributing “sweat equity” to worthy local projects. That’s why what were once all-male clubs have been open to women for more than 20 years, and leaders are actively and aggressively recruiting younger members from all walks of life - and from all ethnic groups and religions. ![]() Service clubs recognize that their success at fulfilling their service-oriented mission is dependent on maintaining their membership ranks. The club recently counted an 18-year-old high school student and a 22-year-old active Marine among its members. ![]() Historically, the demographics have been slanted toward established professionals with sufficient discretionary income and free time to participate in their club’s service-based activities.īut the tide has definitely shifted and members are getting younger and more diverse - a case in point being the venerable Rotary Club of Carlsbad, which is more than 70 years old. ![]()
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