During the month of May, Rotarians worldwide celebrate the opportunities Rotary provides for youth to connect and grow through service. It is the month where activities created by members of Rotary clubs that are involved in Rotary Youth Service, are celebrated and activities that develop leadership skills, as well as promote peaceful engagement are highlighted. At Stroudsburgs Rotary youth are a valued commodity as it is clear that they will sustain our club in the future.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed activities, the youth found creative ways to continue to serve in communities. They stayed connected by meeting online to discuss ways to work together, strengthen participation, recognize past accomplishments, and find ways to work together in the future. Additionally, they served by sewing masks, making greeting cards for elders and the military, distributing food at homeless shelters, collecting items for those in need, and more. They also created activities that allowed them to come together to have fun.
Youth activities build awareness of Rotary in communities while exposing youth to the ideal of “Service Above Self.” Youth Service is important because the youth are the future of Rotary. Furthermore, in order for Rotary to survive and thrive beyond our lifetime, Rotarians must be involved in Youth Service which includes programs for those up to age 30.
These programs range from providing scholarships, Youth Exchange opportunities, Peace Fellowships, and United Nations Day to sponsoring youth service-based programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Early Act, New Generations, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Community Corps.
Please contact Stroudsburgs Rotary’s Youth Service Chair Lisa Baldwin-Kolba, to learn ways you can help. Don’t forget to give her a word of encouragement.
All the Best…
President Cleo MeriAbut Jarvis
