What is the history of SFTL in our District?

Originating in 1959 in Queensland, Australia, RYLA (or Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) was created as a festival highlighting local youth organized in honor of a royal visit by Princess Victoria. Through Rotarians’ constant belief in the potential of youth, RYLA has since become an opportunity to help the next generation of leaders define themselves and expand their skills. Officially adopted by Rotary International (RI) in 1971, this exciting program engages Rotary clubs and districts around the world.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, personal growth, service and aims to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth; provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders; encourage leadership of youth by youth; recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

Since District 7680 formed in 1992, RYLA has been held at separate locations including  Catawba College in Salisbury; Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer; Queens University in Charlotte; Davidson College in Davidson; Wingate University in Wingate; and Garner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. Rotations generally occur due to campus construction.

Our RYLA, along with most programs throughout the world, used to consist of some form of  Rotary Volunteers offering their views on leadership, visits to local business, workshops and exercises to teach teamwork. But in 2008 we investigated a more formal program, one that can deliver an exceptional growth experience for our leaders of tomorrow.

CCL (or Center for Creative Leadership) agreed to partner in delivering a world class Leadership Program. CCL is based in Greensboro, NC, with offices around the world. Founded in 1970, their mission has been to advance the understanding, practice, and development of leadership for the benefit of society worldwide. Clients are a who’s who of Education, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Higher Education, Nonprofit, Foundations, Technology, Military, Pharmaceutical and Energy.

By contract, the program was named Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders or SFTL, and the first program was delivered in 2009. The growth of students has simply been amazing and inspiring to see. It truly leaves Rotary Volunteers with the comfort of knowing our future is in good hands.