Dan Doherty ably kicked off our first meeting of Rotary's New Generations month. The objective of the New Generations Program is to make youth a higher priority. Dan described his meeting at the conference in New Orleans in May. What he heard is that today's youth are into social activism. They want to be involved and change the world.

The program rests on three pillars: Engagement, Empowerment and Encouragement. In District 5360, there is an effort to establish an on-line community to connect youth in RYLA, RYPEN, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, 4-way Test Speech Contest and Ambassadorial Scholarships. This program is helped by Servus Credit Union, which has agreed to partner with Rotary International Districts 5360 and 5370 on youth programs.

What does that mean? Servus will provide $75,000 in funding per year for three years for the two districts: New Generations

Dan described a conversation he had with a Rotaract member, who said he was not going to become a Rotarian. Why? Because "Rotarians don't do anything except have lunch and raise money"!!!

Dan introduced Brad Rains, a member of Kids Cancer Care. Brad gave a moving story about how he was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 6, and the impact this had on his life. He was one of the 14 kids on the house building in Mexico this year, and thanked the club for our support. His final message: "I can. Kids can. We can."

Next up was Sadiq Vialla. Sadiq participated in our 4-way Test Speech Contest, and then was invited to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). He described his experience as amazing. The energy, sense of acceptance and belonging and skills learned have had an impact far beyond RYLA.

He also participated in RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment), a four-day camp for 13-18 year olds who are "at risk". He learned that "at-risk" youth are just average people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time, disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. The program teaches them how to be a leader and overcome barriers. Sadiq is now on the District 5360 New Generations Committee.

Cory Tretiak, president of the Calgary Metro Rotaract Club, briefly described Rotaract, an organisation for 18-30 year olds which can be university or community-based. There are two other Rotaract clubs in District 5360, one at U of C and one at U of Lethbridge.

Globally, there are 8,400 clubs in 170 countries. They are very similar to Rotary clubs in their beliefs and operations. His club works for the Peter Laugheed Children's Centre. Last year, they gathered clothes and toys and raised $1,800 for the Centre.

He invited us to participate in their meetings, held every Tuesday at Ruth's Chris Steak House, 94, 115-9th Avenue SE, 2nd Floor at the Calgary Tower. Dinner is only $15!

Geoff Hughes, the district RYLA Chairman, briefly described how Rotary often encourages, but fails to enable Youth. Geoff then thanked all of the speakers.

reported by Duncan Stanners