May is Youth Service Month
May is Rotary’s Youth Service Month, a time to celebrate and strengthen our commitment to developing young leaders through programs like Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Youth Exchange. Youth Service, recognized as one of Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service, emphasizes empowering young people to act in their communities, build leadership skills, and foster international understanding. Rotary clubs play a vital role by mentoring, sponsoring, and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to serve and grow, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to carry forward the values of Service Above Self. As we focus on Youth Service this month, let’s actively engage, support, and invest in young people who will shape the future of Rotary and our world.
RYLA Recap 2026
In recognition of Youth Service Month, RYLA Chair Darin Arrasmith shared the following reflections from the RYLA program held April 16–19, 2026:
District 5240's RYLA event was truly a success on so many levels. It is one of the few events in our district where we get to combine fellowship amongst Rotarians from many clubs who share the same passion. Interactors from across the district get to know each other and create bonds that would otherwise not be possible. Members of our Rotaract clubs come to share their passion with Rotarians and motivate the students. We had RYE students who gave a glimpse into the possibilities that Rotary offers to youth all over the world.
Not only was this one of the largest events in our District's history, it was one of the most powerful and uplifting years that I can remember. We wound up with 230 students and approximately 50 volunteers. We had amazing talent and passion across the board. The administrative staff showed extreme efficiency and was prepared for anything! We had 3 people in the governor line working all 4 days! This was a record year for the number of prior RYLA graduates who came back and served as counselors or instructors. They are the heart and soul of keeping RYLA 5240 a sustaining legacy that we can all be proud of.
District Stepdown and Awards – Saturday, June 27th
Come “Unite for Good” as we celebrate the incredible work our clubs and Rotarians accomplished during the 2025–2026 Rotary year. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and be inspired as we learn from one another. Together, we can explore new ways to grow, strengthen, and energize our clubs for the future. Go to https://rotarydistrict5240.org/events/district-stepdown-luncheon-awards/ to register. Early bird pricing until May 31st, 2026.