As Rotarians, we have a responsibility to ensure that when we interact with youth through our programs and activities, we are following Rotary's general guidelines. Some of you may be quite familiar with these, but as a reminder, please review the following information and reach out with any questions. We appreciate every Rotarian in our district and your commitment to ensuring that we are in compliance with any Rotary International policy that helps protect our Youth.
District 6250 is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians; spouses or partners of Rotarians; and any other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and youth with whom they come into contact.
Many Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have Youth Programs that occur within their clubs. Some examples found in clubs across the district include:
High School Student participation in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. This may include the transportation to/from the annual event.
“Student of the Month” Programs where a local Rotary Club recognizes a local high school student at a Rotary Club or Rotary program. This may involve the transportation of the student to/from the event.
“Student Scholarship Programs” where a local Rotary Club recognizes/selects a student to receive a scholarship. At times, one-on-one interviews or conversations may take place.
High School Student participation in Rotary Interact Programs/Clubs within a school. Rotary Volunteers are often present at meetings and may provide one-on-one guidance with a High School Student.
College Student participation in Rotary Rotaract Programs/Clubs within a school. Rotary Volunteers may often be present at meetings and may provide one-on-one guidance with a college age student who is still a minor.
High School Student participation as a Rotary Outbound Exchange Student, where the student spends 3-12 months studying and living overseas. (Short-Term and Long-Term Programs)
High School Student participation as a Rotary Inbound Exchange Student, where a student from outside the United States spends 3-12 months studying and living overseas. (Short-Term and Long-Term Programs)
A Rotary Youth Volunteer is any adult involved with any Rotary sponsored youth activity that has direct interaction with youth, either supervised or unsupervised.
If a Rotary Club participates in any program involved with youth – including but not limited to the list above – the club MUST have an identified Club Youth Protection Officer (CYPO) that is recognized by the District and has completed additional training.
ALL VOLUNTEERS interested in participating in Rotary Youth activities that involve one-on-one (unsupervised) contact with youth must complete a background check on an annual basis.