The RYLA program promotes positive outcomes for young people because:

• The RYLA team, all young people themselves, act as positive role models for the participants and model behaviour consistent with RYLA's philosophy of utilising your skills and talents, challenge by choice and following your passion.
• It's an opportunity for young people to meet individuals involved with a range of community projects and motivates them to get involved.
• Participants at RYLA also have the opportunity to experience a range of learning styles and develop skills in communication, negotiation and assertiveness - all skills essential for participation in their community and in life.
• Participants have the opportunity to spend time with and form strong bonds with other young people.

Young people who participate in the RYLA program have had this to say about what they gained from the program:

More than I could ever have truly hoped.I have gained a greater understanding and awareness of who I am and my vision for life. I have made inspiring friendships and connected with people on a level I never thought possible.

I learnt a number of different things about myself, but a big message I have gotten was to not hold myself back. If there is something out there that I want to do then I should go out there and do it.

An increased sense of self-esteem and self-worth. I have an increased sense of who I am, or at least the knowledge that I don't know and was inspired to find out. I met so many people who were awesome and learnt about effective ways to communicate with other people who have a different approach.

The RYLA programs aims to provide an opportunity for a diverse range of young people to come together to gain a better understanding of their own strengths, as well as those of others. For this reason we encourage you to 'think outside the square' when sourcing a candidate for RYLA. Below are some ideas for where you might find young people keen to participate in the program

• Local government youth service or community centre
• Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLEN)
• Your workplace
• YACVic - Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
• CMYI - Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues
• St John Ambulance cadet program
• Lighthouse Foundation
• Victoria Police
• YMCA
• Church Groups
• Youth radio and media outlets
• Sporting Clubs, Surf Lifesaving

The District 9800 RYLA Committee, consisting primarily of Rotarians from District 9800 and past RYLArians or team members, is responsible for liaising with Rotary Clubs throughout the District regarding the RYLA program.

The Committee meets monthly and its key tasks include:

• Sending information regarding the application process and call for applications to each Rotary Club in the District in July each year
• Liaising with each Rotary Club in the District regarding the application process and their nominated candidate
• Contacting each Club to confirm their candidate's nomination, and providing further RYLA details
• Maintaining a database of RYLA participants
• Encouraging Clubs to have the Co-directors, past RYLArians or Chairman speak at their club to raise awareness of RYLA.
• Organising a bus to transport those RYLA participants who live outside of Melbourne to camp.

Membership of the Committee is generally by invitation, however expressions of interest from Rotarians are always welcome.

The current committee members are: Wayne Hunter (Chairperson), Rob Head, Gerrard White, Stuart Cardell, Caley Otter, Tim Bates, Christine Waugh, Alick Weber and Richard Clark

Each year, a Rotary Club from District 9800 takes on the role of 'Host Club' to support the RYLA program. This role includes co-ordinating Rotarian attendance at the annual RYLA Rotary Club night and hosting a barbeque on the final day of the RYLA program. The RYLA Rotary Club night will be hosted by Southbank Rotary Club in 2010 and will be held on Thursday 9th December at Camp Oasis, contact Stuart Cardell, Southbank Rotary Club, email: carducks@hotmail.com to register your interest.

The RYLA Committee would like to thank the 2009 Host Club, The Rotary Club of Camberwell, for their support.

The host club for 2010 is The Rotary Club of Southbank. We look forward to sharing some amazing experiences with them!

Each year, a RYLA Rotary Club Night is held on the second last night of RYLA to provide an opportunity for the RYLA participants to share their experience with the Rotarians of District 9800.

he Rotary Club Night for 2009 was held on Wednesday 2nd December and hosted by the Camberwell Rotary Club.  The RYLA Committee and Team would like to thank all the Rotarians who attended and the RYLArians who shared their experience of RYLA with the dinner guests - it was a fantastic night!

This year the Rotary Club night will be held on Thursday 9th December. We wish to extend an invitation to all Rotarians and their guests to join us for this special night. Keep your eye out for an invitation in the mail, or email the co-directors for further details."

Following the RYLA program each year Rotary Clubs are strongly encouraged to invite their RYLA candidate back to their club to share their experience of RYLA. This is a great opportunity to gain a further understanding of how, through RYLA, Rotary has encouraged and supported young people in the development of self-awareness, understanding and community participation.

The RYLA Alumni Network is being established to provide a social network as well as support for RYLArians following their involvement in the program. Further information can be found under RYLA Alumni.