Greetings 5150 Rotarians,
 
May is Rotary Youth Services Month.
 
In 1949, the Rotary International Board adopted the slogan "Every Rotarian an Example to Youth" as an expression of commitment to children and youth in each community in which Rotary clubs exist. Serving young people has long been an important part of the Rotary program.
 
Youth service projects take many forms around the world. Besides the programs that we are all familiar with, including Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Rotary Youth Exchange and Youth Scholarships, Rotarians also sponsor Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, athletic teams, centers for disabled children, school safety patrols, summer camps, orphanages, recreation areas, safe driving clinics, county fairs, child-care centers, and children's hospitals.  Many clubs provide vocational counselling, establish youth employment programs, and promote the use of The 4-Way Test. Increasingly, drug/alcohol abuse prevention and AIDS awareness projects are being supported by Rotarians.
 
 
In every instance, Rotarians have an opportunity to be role models and mentors for the young people of their community. One learns to serve by observing others. As our youth grow to become adult leaders, it is hoped each will achieve that same desire and spirit to serve future generations.
 
It is the responsibility of each Rotarian to prepare the New Generations—all young people up to the age of 30—by improving their life skills to ensure a better future, while recognizing the diversity of their needs. All clubs are encouraged to undertake projects that support the fundamental needs of the New Generations: health, human values, education, and self-development.
 
Fundamental to all Youth Service activities is our commitment to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, partners, 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 young people with whom they come into contact.  Please refer to our Youth Protection Guidelines (District 5150 Guidelines for Rotarians When Working with Youth) on our District website to learn the simple steps you need to follow to protect our youth.
 
Thank you for being the change you wish to see in our youth. After all, they are our future!
 
Yours in Rotary, 
Gary Chow
Governor, 2022-2023
Rotary International
District 5150