As Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Chair for 2023, I thought it would be good to explain why our club should support youth.  So, here is what I think.

 

Supporting youth is an essential responsibility of every community, and it is particularly important for organizations like Rotary Clubs to take an active role in this effort. There are a number of reasons why supporting youth is so important, and understanding these reasons can help us to better understand the value of our efforts and the impact that we can have on the lives of young people.

One of the most significant reasons why supporting youth is so important is that it can help to create a more educated and productive workforce. When young people receive a good education and have access to the resources and support that they need to succeed, they are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to pursue higher education or training. This, in turn, can lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential. When young people can find good jobs and support themselves and their families, it can lead to economic growth and prosperity for the entire community.

Another key reason why supporting youth is so important is that it can help to reduce crime, poverty, and other social problems. When young people are provided with positive role models and opportunities to develop important life skills, they are less likely to become involved in criminal activity. They are also more likely to find constructive ways to channel their energy and emotions, which can lead to greater personal and community stability. Furthermore, when young people are able to access education, job training, and other resources, they are more likely to be able to break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

 

Additionally, supporting youth can promote greater social cohesion and civic engagement. When young people are engaged in their communities and have the opportunity to give back, they are more likely to develop a sense of civic responsibility and social connectedness. They are also more likely to become active members of their communities as adults, which can lead to greater social cohesion and a more vibrant community overall.

 

Lastly, youth programs can provide young people with positive role models, help them to develop important life skills, and expose them to new opportunities and experiences that can help to broaden their horizons and improve their prospects for the future. These experiences can be valuable in helping young people to grow into responsible and productive adults.

 

In conclusion, supporting youth is an essential responsibility of every community, and it is particularly important for organizations like Rotary Clubs to take an active role in this effort. The benefits of supporting youth are numerous, and it can lead to economic growth and prosperity, reduce crime, poverty and other social problems, promote greater social cohesion and civic engagement, and provide young people with positive role models, life skills, and opportunities that can help to broaden their horizons and improve their prospects for the future.