Release the potential leader within.

Started in Queensland, Australia in the 1960s the programme is run all over the world by Rotary Clubs.  The principle aims of RYLA is to provide an effective learning experience for selected young people who have already shown embrionic leadership skills, to encourage leadership of young people by young people and to recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

What are the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA, is a leadership development programme run by Rotary for young adults. Each RYLA course is sponsored by a local Rotary club or group.  In our District it is run by our Passport Club.

Whether you are a secondary school pupil, university student or young professional, RYLA will help you discover your potential and develop the skills needed to be a leader in your community, career and everyday life.

What does RYLA offer?

RYLA programmes run between three to ten days and give participants the opportunity to:

• Gain exposure to leadership scenarios
• Explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team
• Discuss and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management
• Build confidence in yourself and what you can achieve
• Meet new people and make lasting friendships
• Learn how to arrange youth activities and community service projects at locally and internationally

Being a leader is not just about being confident enough to speak out and knowing what to say, it is knowing when to listen to others and understand. RYLA teaches this, and other soft skills, to help everyone to be the best they can be.

Teamwork exercises bring people together from different walks of life in a safe environment where everyone can get to know each other without fear of exclusion or negativity.

As with all Rotary programmes, Rotary members are appropriately DBS checked and risk assessments are carried out for all activities.

Who is eligible?

You don’t need to be a high achiever with outstanding academic grades, just be willing to try something new through activity-based learning and discover new talents along the way, as well as having fun.

RYLA programmes involve physical challenges so can be demanding. Some degree of fitness is required.

The courses are open to people aged 14 to 30.

Our District RYLA Course

Anyone interested in taking part should contact their local club in the first instance.

District 1180 Rotarians and Clubs should contact the District RYLA Coordinator Nick Gidney at RYLA@rotary1180.org for further information.

So What can you expect?
By giving the opportunity of experiencing practical learning combined with current best practice in leadership training. Delivered by specialist tutors the candidates gain benefit by

• building confidence through presentation skills, working  and cooperating together
• learning new skills utilising outdoor and water activities
• working effectively as a team in difficult situations
• experiencing how to make effective decisions using challenging exercises
• recognising and utilise skills in others
• working to tight deadlines
• understanding the problems of leadership
• learning from their own mistakes in a friendly atmosphere

Who runs RYLA?
The week is organised in partnership with Arthog activity centre which has over 30 years experience of providing world class outdoor activity training. The outdoor activities are delivered by qualified staff
The Centre is beautifully situated on the slopes of Cader Idris overlooking the sea. It has purpose built and recently redeveloped accommodation, with its own laboratory, library and extensive grounds which include a high ropes course.
The course content is delivered by a team of Rotary members from the District 1180 under the supervision of an Internationally renowned corporate training organisation.

How to apply to "get on board"
Participating Rotary Clubs can sponsor up to two candidates for the event. This sponsorship covers the cost of the week’s accommodation, food and activities.
Your local club will be able to inform you if they are a participating club and advise you of their full application process, which may include a written submission and interview. To find your local club see: http://www.ribi.org/ or look on this map.

 How to find your way there
These directions make the assumption you are coming from Dolgellau, where the turn off is not as obvious if you were coming from Friog and Fairbourne.