Dear fellow Rotarians,
A two-or three-piece suit is the standard business attire in Australia , just as it is in many other parts of the world. But one item of apparel is uniquely associated with the Land Down Under. I refer, of course, to the hat worm by actor Paul Hogan in the "Crocodile Dundee" movies.
Within the Rotary world, Australia also is closely linked to the popular Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYAL) program, which began in the district level in Queensland in 1960 and was adopted as a Rotary program at the RI Convention in Sydney in 1971.
Because September is New Generation Month on the Rotary calendar, this is the time for Rotarians to focus on the programs that support the development of youths and young adults. If we believe that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, we should LEND A HAND in molding them in the most beneficial ways possible. I encourage all clubs to use the slogan "Every Rotarian an example to youth" in club bulletins and publicity materials during New Generations Month.
It is also relevant to recall the Rotary Code of Policies, which states that Rotary clubs should provide a forum for young people to share there concerns, hopes, dreams, and ambitions, as well as there ideas for solutions to problems that beset them and their communities. It is essential that clubs and districts identify socially and economically disadvantaged youths with leadership potential and invite them to participate in RYLA.
Another important programs is Rotaract, Rotary club-sponsored clubs for community minded men and women between the ages of 18 and 30. Rotaractors are involved, energetic, and very committed to the Rotary ideal of service. Every Rotaractor is a potential Rotarian, so any Rotary club that does not already sponsor a Rotaract club should consider doing so this year. You will find Rotaractors' fresh ideas and perspectives to be most valuable, and when this young people eventually join you as full Rotarians, their presence will help energize and diversify your club.
Rotarians also promote the ideal of service to young people though the interact club program. School based Interact clubs provide youths between the age of 12 and 18 the opportunity to work together in fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. Of course, one of the most rewarding and popular of Rotary's programs for young people is Youth Exchange, which offers students the opportunity to leard firsthand about other cultures by living and studying abroad.
And as business leaders, Rotarians are in a unique position to provide vocational guidance and career opportunities to young people. Clubs should participate in local school projects that emphasize the importance of a good education. Likewise, we should initiate or support projects that address problems such as homelessness among children, child abuse, and domestic violence.
This month, let us LEND A HAND to the new generations and secure a future for our clubs, our communities, and our world.
Jonathan Majiyagbe
President, Rotary International
