Victoria Alvarez and other youth exchange students during their trip to the West Coast of the United States.
By Rotary Voices staff
As the year draws to a close, we recap our top five stories of the year (based on number of views):
- During her Rotary Youth Exchange to the United States, Argentinian Victoria Alvarez met teenagers from all over the world and learned how to appreciate different points of view. Alvarez shared how her Rotary Youth Exchange opened her eyes.
- Chris Davidson, a member of the Rotary Club of Newport News, Virginia, joined 29 other Rotary members under the age of 40 during a Young Professionals Summit in Chicago to discuss how Rotary can better attract and engage young professionals. Davidson shared what young professionals are looking for in Rotary.
- Jurag Gago, a Rotary Youth Exchange student from Slovakia, fell in love with Chicago during his year in the United States, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aurora Sunrise. Gago shared how Rotary Youth Exchange exceeded his expectations.
- Bill Wittich, past president of the Rotary Club of Laguna Sunrise, Elk Grove, California, USA, is the kind of guy who hangs out in the local Starbucks. Wittich discovered that the best way to invite someone to join Rotary is to ask.
- Ron Nethercutt, a member of the Rotary Club of Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines, shares his reason for wearing a Rotary pin. Nethercutt was attending a large chamber of commerce meeting in New Orleans when he was approached by a young lady who thanked him. When he asked why, she recounted how her Rotary scholarship allowed her to earn a master’s degree in international banking and improve her life circumstances.
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Rotary Voices 
December 2014
To: 2014-15 District Youth Exchange Chairs
2014-15 Youth Exchange Multidistrict Officers
2014 Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention Meeting Participants
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
As a Youth Exchange Officer, you do incredible work worldwide. You empower, engage, and enlighten our youth as they help shape the future of Rotary. As impactful as each of us can be individually, we are more influential when we come together as a unit, learning with and from each other. I hope you will consider joining this global conversation at the Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention Meeting on 4-5 June in São Paulo, Brazil.
During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to create new connections with Youth Exchange leaders, share your expertise, and learn better practices from fellow Rotarians. It will be from these diverse experiences that we can truly develop a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing this unique program. Iâm happy to announce that this year there will be twice as many concurrent workshop sessions to provide even more opportunities for us to interact and share our best practices.
You are welcome to attend the preconvention-only, or add the full convention registration. Click here for registration information. As you prepare for the meeting, I invite you also to participate in the Youth Exchange Officers Banquet on 5 June and encourage you to purchase your tickets, as they often sells-out. The banquet provides a wonderful opportunity for relaxation and energy: to enjoy each otherâs company and carry on the spirit of collaboration.
As you plan your travel and hotel arrangements, please note that the official Youth Exchange Officers Hotel is the Novotel Center Norte, which is also the location of the YEO Preconvention and the fellowship banquet. More information on RIâs official hotels is available here .
Working with Rotarians in Brazil, I have also arranged a special tour of Rio de Janeiro and Paraty for Youth Exchange officers prior to the preconvention meeting. The tour will run from 28 May through 2 June, and you can find more details on the itinerary and booking procedures can be found at ; http://www.belobrasil.com.br , pass word: Login: brasil Password: belo ( dead line for reservation April 28th)
I hope to see you in São Paulo as we gather to celebrate Rotary and the impact of its programs. Youth Exchange equips students to fully engage in a worldwide understanding of cultural diversity. Together we can ignite our passion for global impact and deepen our commitment to Light Up Rotary.
Sincerely,
James Landmann
Chair
2014-15 RI Youth Exchange Committee
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