Become a community leader through Rotary program

Almost two decades since completing a Rotary youth leadership program, Strathalbyn resident Melissa Maidment still possesses invaluable community and leadership skills learned all those years ago.

Growing up in a family with strong community-values, Ms Maidment wanted to learn further about being an active and contributing member of society.

“‘The community gives you so much, you should contribute back’ – we had that instilled in us,” she said.

“The program gave me the confidence to keep contributing to the community.

“Some of the public speaking skills were really instilled in me… and enabled me to have more confidence with emceeing gigs and private parties.

“I also got community knowledge and learned how community hierarchy works: ‘I’m not without, so why don’t I share?’.”

Young residents are now invited to join the seven-day residential program Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) to develop life skills and become a community leader.

The Rotary-sponsored program for people aged 18 to 25 is held annually in September, offering informative sessions on effective leadership, with guest speakers, forums, seminars, team-building and problem-solving exercises, sport and recreation.

Awardees gain skills including public speaking, self-confidence, conflict-resolution, corporate and social ethics, creative thinking and problem solving.

While Ms Maidment’s lifelong skills were particularly useful as a youth mentor, a Strath Youth Theatre leader, business owner and community member, she recommends the program to anyone wanting to reach their full potential.

“It was quite an experience in terms of self-reflection as a leader within the community,” she said.

“In your early 20s, it was really helpful to learn how to transition from a young person into adulthood.

“What stood out for me was a lot of those speakers who gave us a lot of self-confidence… and also how to delve into self.”

Ms Maidment also found the program “really fun”, and made friends with a range of people.

“I kept a couple of friendships over that period of time,” she said.

“It definitely has kept me in that mindset to stay and participate in community.”

Applications are now open for September 23 to 29.

For further information, visit: (ryla9510.org).