How to Get Started

Although starting a Youth Exchange program in your club or district might appear formidable, the benefits of participating in Youth Exchange outweigh any difficulties. Rotarians who take the time and effort to start a Youth Exchange program almost invariably become strong supporters of the program. The following is a checklist of ideas to help get you started:

• Download the PDF files located here. They contain helpful information and promotional information from both Rotary International and District 5130.
   
• Promote the program to your Rotary Club. Get the current and incoming President firmly behind the program. While not enormous, there is a monetary commitment. It will be necessary to commit to the expenditure.
   
• Contact our district Youth Exchange chairperson or your local representative. A list of these contacts can be found here.
   
• Promote the program to school officials. Establish permanent communication links with all area schools. Solicit assistance from a Rotarian who is a teacher, a principal, or on the school board. Promote the program to the Rotary club(s). Encourage all club presidents to appoint a club Youth Exchange chairperson. Have a current or past Youth Exchange student speak at a club meeting.
   
• Develop a calendar of events for the year. Successful exchanges are a result of detailed planning. Use the provided Generic Calendar or the more detailed Master Calendar to help you.
   
• Publicize the program throughout the community. Put up posters in the schools. Have former Youth Exchange students speak at the local high schools and extend invitations to both Rotary and non-Rotary families to participate in the program as host families. Speak with your local schools Interact clubs.
   
• Familiarize yourself with the various forms that must be completed so that the exchange may be facilitated.
   
• Attend the district Youth Exchange meetings and events. Meetings are an ideal way for you to make contacts and learn about the program from others who are veterans. Consider attending the annual Youth Exchange officers' pre-convention meeting, held just prior to the RI Convention.

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Contact District Chair Sondra Schaub: sondrajschaub@earthlink.net 707-822-7807 Cell 707-616-7790 Fax 707-822-7807 Copyright 2007 - RI District 5130 Youth Exchange Program Website Maintained by John Necker Sebastopol Sunrise

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