From the Governor's Desk . . .
Posted by Sherri Muniz
on Sep 05, 2011
“Teenagers volunteer 2.4 billion hours annually in the
United States.
United States.
Youth volunteering has increased steadily over the past ten
years, with 30% of youth participating in volunteer activities at least once a
month in 2000.
years, with 30% of youth participating in volunteer activities at least once a
month in 2000.
Out of 13.3 million youth, 59.3% volunteer an average of 3.5
hours per week, versus 49% of the adult population who volunteer an average of
4.2 hours.
hours per week, versus 49% of the adult population who volunteer an average of
4.2 hours.
When youth volunteer, adults tend to volunteer also.”
Above cited in University of Nevada
Reno – Fact Sheet 03-23 http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/cd/2003/fs0323.pdf
Reno – Fact Sheet 03-23 http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/cd/2003/fs0323.pdf
We find ourselves now in Rotary’s “New Generations” Month – focusing on our Rotary programs:
RYLA, Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange, as well as related
programs such as EarlyAct or EarlyAct FirstKnight.
RYLA, Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange, as well as related
programs such as EarlyAct or EarlyAct FirstKnight.
Throughout this month’s district newsletter As the Wheel Spins you will find
articles about the amazing programs Rotary offers – programs that can change
the lives of those who participate. Young people who are active in service
organizations are less likely to abuse alcohol, or become pregnant – they are
more likely to do well in school and graduate – and through Rotary’s programs
they learn about the Four Way Test and develop ethical leadership skills. Each young person involved in Rotary’s New
Generations programs has their life changed for the better in some way . . .
articles about the amazing programs Rotary offers – programs that can change
the lives of those who participate. Young people who are active in service
organizations are less likely to abuse alcohol, or become pregnant – they are
more likely to do well in school and graduate – and through Rotary’s programs
they learn about the Four Way Test and develop ethical leadership skills. Each young person involved in Rotary’s New
Generations programs has their life changed for the better in some way . . .
But, as Rotarians we have our lives changed as well! The Rotarians who work on your New Generations
programs will say over and over again – “We get more from the experience than
the kids do!” The enthusiasm and energy
of our EarlyActors, Interactors, Rotaractors, RYLArians and Youth Exchange
students is infectious! We learn much when we see the world through their eyes
. . and the programs of our New Generations truly allow us to really make an
impact on the world, one kid at a time. With each life we change, we make the
world a slightly better place!
programs will say over and over again – “We get more from the experience than
the kids do!” The enthusiasm and energy
of our EarlyActors, Interactors, Rotaractors, RYLArians and Youth Exchange
students is infectious! We learn much when we see the world through their eyes
. . and the programs of our New Generations truly allow us to really make an
impact on the world, one kid at a time. With each life we change, we make the
world a slightly better place!
And I believe that our service to the New Generations
programs helps to keep us younger, more vibrant – both as a club and as
individuals . .I am reminded of James A Garfield’s quote "If wrinkles must
be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit
should never grow old." Perhaps keeping our spirit young is one of the
greatest of all benefits of serving our New Generations!
programs helps to keep us younger, more vibrant – both as a club and as
individuals . .I am reminded of James A Garfield’s quote "If wrinkles must
be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit
should never grow old." Perhaps keeping our spirit young is one of the
greatest of all benefits of serving our New Generations!
This month – let’s all ask – how can we expand in this
avenue of service? – If your club sponsors any of the New Generations programs,
commit to one extra hour this month doing something with the young men and
women involved. Is there a program we
can add to our club? Contact the district committee chairs for the programs and
schedule a club meeting with them – brainstorm how you can reach out in the
area of New Generations service. Is
there a nearby club that is sponsoring one of the programs – can you visit and
observe or join in on a project with the youth?
Help keep your spirit and the spirit of your club from ever growing old!
avenue of service? – If your club sponsors any of the New Generations programs,
commit to one extra hour this month doing something with the young men and
women involved. Is there a program we
can add to our club? Contact the district committee chairs for the programs and
schedule a club meeting with them – brainstorm how you can reach out in the
area of New Generations service. Is
there a nearby club that is sponsoring one of the programs – can you visit and
observe or join in on a project with the youth?
Help keep your spirit and the spirit of your club from ever growing old!
A great way to continue to learn about the New Generations programs is to
subscribe to the New Generations monthly newsletter offered by RI – go to http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/Interact/Pages/ridefault.aspx -- at the bottom of the page, you
will find a subheading “Subscribe to the e-newsletter” where you can enter your
email address and click “Submit”
subscribe to the New Generations monthly newsletter offered by RI – go to http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/Interact/Pages/ridefault.aspx -- at the bottom of the page, you
will find a subheading “Subscribe to the e-newsletter” where you can enter your
email address and click “Submit”