May is Youth Services Month
May is a significant month for Rotary as we celebrate Youth Service Month. This special designation shines a spotlight on the various youth programs offered by Rotary, emphasizing the vital contributions and leadership development of young individuals worldwide.
Focus on Youth Programs
During Youth Service Month, Rotary Clubs place a special emphasis on their youth service programs. These include:
- Interact: Designed for students aged 12-18, Interact clubs empower young people to engage in service projects and develop leadership skills.
- Rotaract: Targeting young professionals, Rotaract clubs provide a platform for emerging leaders to connect, learn, and serve their communities.
- RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): This program focuses on developing leadership skills among young people through workshops, camps, and seminars.
Highlighting Youth Impact
Youth Service Month is an opportunity to highlight the positive impact of young leaders. Through their dedication and innovation, these young individuals provide valuable service both locally and globally, addressing pressing issues and fostering change.
Community Engagement
Rotary Clubs often organize a variety of events, projects, and initiatives to involve youth in community service. These activities not only serve the community but also enhance leadership development among young participants. Examples include:
- Organizing community clean-up drives
- Conducting educational workshops
- Participating in international service projects
Leadership Development
Youth Service Month serves as a platform to showcase Rotary’s commitment to developing leadership skills in young people. Through its programs, Rotary encourages volunteerism, promotes international understanding, and prepares the next generation of leaders.
Celebrate Youth Achievements
Throughout May, Rotary Clubs celebrate the accomplishments of young leaders. These celebrations recognize the positive changes made by youth in their communities and highlight inspiring stories of service and leadership.
In summary, Youth Service Month offers a valuable opportunity for Rotary International to celebrate and promote the impact of its youth programs. By focusing on leadership development, community engagement, and global service, Rotary empowers young people to make a difference in the world.
Epic Day of Service - May 16, 2026
In May 2026, Rotary clubs around the globe are gearing up for an unparalleled event: the Epic Day of Service. This ambitious initiative aims to unite members from different chapters in a concerted effort to make a significant impact in their communities. With projects scheduled on every continent, this day promises to be a testament to Rotary's commitment to service above self.
The Epic Day of Service will see Rotarians engaging in a diverse array of projects. From environmental initiatives like tree planting and beach cleanups to community-building activities such as constructing playgrounds and renovating schools, the day is designed to address local needs while embodying Rotary's core values. This collaborative effort seeks not only to improve the immediate surroundings but also to foster a sense of global solidarity and shared purpose among participants. As Rotarians come together, they will demonstrate the power of collective action to create lasting change across borders and cultures.
As part of this initiative, The Rotary Clubs of East Hawaii will be having a Food Fight for Hunger Carnival event to raise money for local charities including the Food Basket, The Salvation Army, and HOPE Services Hawaii. The event will be held at St. Joseph School Cafeteria on May 16, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
