May is Youth Service Month in Rotary. It is a reminder of the remarkable impact young leaders are already making in the world. They inspire, uplift, and drive change through a powerful blend of hope, enthusiasm, and courage. With determination, they embrace challenges and pursue their aspirations with unwavering energy.
It brings me great joy to see so many young people across Rotary District 5050 stepping forward, committing to personal growth while living Rotary’s vision of taking action to create lasting change in their communities, around the world, and within themselves. Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also leaders today. Their role is essential, not simply as participants, but as partners in service and stewards of what lies ahead. Youth leadership is fundamental to the future of Rotary and to the strength of our communities.
Young people consistently demonstrate compassion, resilience, and a strong commitment to Service Above Self as they support one another and respond to the needs around them. They identify challenges, take initiative, and inspire us all through their vision and determination.
What is most striking is not only what youth accomplish, but how they lead. They show up with authenticity. They ask important and sometimes difficult questions. They bring urgency to issues that require our attention now. In doing so, they remind us why we chose a path of service. Through my Club visits across District 5050, my research connected to the UNESCO forum on youth, and my conversations with Rotaract leaders, one message is clear: young people are seeking genuine partnership and space for their voices to be heard, valued, and acted upon.
Across District 5050, we are grateful for the programs and dedicated leaders who build meaningful connections with Interact students aged 15 to 18. Through the dedication and support of AG Peter Tam in establishing a new Interact Club in Maple Ridge, the District now proudly has 25 Interact Clubs. By engaging youth in Rotary initiatives and providing opportunities to participate in projects such as Starfish Packing and Green Bag food collection, we demonstrate the power of collective action to support the most vulnerable. At the same time, we affirm our trust in young people, encouraging them to lead with integrity, to challenge the status quo, and to imagine new possibilities.
Youth leadership is evident throughout our District: in the courage of Interactors initiating change, in the leadership of Rotaractors strengthening communities, and in the transformative experiences of those participating in programs like the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Engaged in Service (YES), Youth Adventures In Leadership (YAIL), and Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE). These opportunities cultivate leadership skills while fostering a deep commitment to service, ethics, sustainability, and strong character.
On 28-31 May 2026, RYLA 2026 will be in action, with dozens of youth from throughout the District gathering at Stillwood Camp in Chilliwack, BC, for a weekend of team and leadership building, while having fun and developing lasting friendships. These programs do not happen by chance. They have tremendous impact due to the dedicated leaders, and their subcommittee members, who give their heart and soul to each program, leaving no students out.
Special recognition to:
Youth Services Leaders: Felicity Dye and Norm Samuelson
RYLA Leaders: Sharon Crowson and Adam Hill
YAIL Leader: Jaymee Lynn
YES Leaders: Bernie Halliday and Bev Harrington
Youth Exchange Leader: Scott HermanRotaract Leaders: Nav Sangha and Carmen Mendonca
Each of these champions has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to uplifting the youth they support, strengthening their communities, and making a meaningful impact in the world. Please join me in congratulating and celebrating their achievements, as well as recognizing the dedicated committee members whose collaboration and commitment ensure these programs thrive.
As Rotarians, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to support and uplift youth in meaningful ways. How can we strengthen the connections between our youth programs and our Rotary clubs? How can we create more meaningful opportunities for collaboration? Shared meetings, multi-club gatherings, and joint service projects are a starting point, but how do we ensure youth are leading in these spaces, not simply participating?
Our role is not to shape youth in our image, but to walk alongside them. To listen without assumption, to create space where their ideas are amplified rather than filtered, and to offer guidance when it is sought, along with encouragement when the path is uncertain. This is where true intergenerational collaboration blossoms, not in structure alone, but in mutual respect.
When we intentionally invest in youth, engaging and including them, we strengthen our communities and help ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for Rotary. This month, and throughout the year, I invite each of us to reflect on:
Are we creating environments where young people feel they belong?
Are we listening as much as we are leading?
Are we open to being changed by those we seek to empower?
I encourage every Club to consider how it is engaging with youth in its community. Are there opportunities to deepen connections, listen more intentionally, or collaborate on projects that matter to them? Remember, even small, thoughtful steps can lead to lasting impact.
To the young leaders of Rotary District 5050: your voice matters. Your leadership matters. And your impact is already shaping a future that will continue to unfold for years to come.
Let’s continue to move forward together, with humility, with intention, and with a shared commitment to service that transcends generations.
With gratitude,
