The views of Rotary by young leaders in your community, as well as young participants in our youth programs could be VERY different from the reality. You have the opportunity to open their eyes, dispel misconceptions, and attract new members by simply making their opportunity to attend a Rotary event attractive and affordable. Reaching out to current participants in Interact, Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, as well as recent alumni of these programs can bring huge rewards. Consider inviting them to a club meeting, district event, regional learning seminar or international conference.

While out of financial reach for many, there are ways to make these events more accessible, such as:

• Reviewing your club and district budgets early in the Rotary year to provide for full or partial subsidies for young leaders to attend
• Reducing or waiving conference registration fees for Rotary youth participants, especially when there is no incremental cost for their attendance
• Encourage clubs that sponsor a young person to budget for defraying the cost of travel and accommodations
• Solicit club members willing to sponsor attendance for a young attendee
• Appoint young leaders to serve on the committees organizing your events, to suggest agenda items interesting and appealing to their age group