New Generations
New Generations joins Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the foundation of club activity. Before starting a project, Rotarians are asked to think broadly about how their club and its members could contribute within each avenue.The Avenue of New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.There are many Rotary Concepts living in there.Building Communities and Bridging Continents… is in there.The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace … is in thereRotarians have excelled in implementing the concepts in the “Object of Rotary”… That’s what we doWe’ve focused on vaccinating the world’s youth.A Rotarian in this room even convinced warring factions in Sri Lanka to cease fire long enough for Days of Tranquility to vaccinate youth against polio.With our clubs located in so much of the world, Rotary could focus on providing leadership development activities, involvement in community & international service projects, & exchange programs, for much of the world’s Youth.We have RYLA, Youth Exchange, Interact, Rotary Peace Communities, and more. Elevating Rotary’s Service for Youth (amended to "New Generation") to be an Avenue of Service is not only important for the additional focus on service …but for the increase in potential strength and support of Rotary Clubs that comes from knowing our additional emphasis on youth.Why Youth? …The youth may be the key to attaining future Peace, Goodwill, and understanding whether internationally or locally.We invest and hope to affect future Peace with our peace centers.An investment of Service in youth will yield benefits for more years than any other service.Of Course as Rotarians we desire, to care for and to serve all humankind … from young to old, near & far.Yet, as statespersons and citizens of the world devoted to Service Above Self … we should elevate our focus of service … and in many cases we have … to those who can carry peace into the future….for many, many years… the youth…our hope…. for Peace, Goodwill, and Understanding.