For young people looking for a great experience to strengthen their leadership skills in a fun environment, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is accepting applications.
The intensive one-week leadership training program is for youth, both male and female, aged 18-25 and runs July 4-11 at Selkirk College in Castlegar. The program incorporates, through a number of excellent presenters, challenging small and large group work and interaction with approximately 50 other young adults.
Topics include: awareness of self/others; group dynamics; dealing with conflict/change; goal setting; styles of leadership; and many more.
One of the senior organizers, Stacey Cassidy, attended RYLA as a youth in Grand Forks and was really influenced by her time there. Cassidy, who works as a revenue development coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, is now heavily involved in the Castlegar Rotary Club and acts as district youth services chair.
“I attended RYLA as a participant in 2007,” she said. “When people ask me to tell them about my experience the most accurate thing I can say is that it was indescribable and life changing. At RYLA I learned so many different skills that I find myself applying daily to my work, social and family life.”
Cassidy said that RYLA is so much more than just a leadership seminar.
“At RYLA we hear from phenomenal presenters, participate in hands-on breakout sessions, delve deeply into topics in small groups, get creative, ask questions and have fun,” she said. “We explore a wide variety of topics including ethics, communication, leadership, impromptu speaking and group dynamics.”
Anyone wanting to apply should contact their local Rotary Club for sponsorship by May 31. For more information contact Stacey at 250-365-7728 or by email at Stacey.a.cassidy@gmail.com.