Dear Rotarian:
You are invited to be a part of a brand new event that has the potential to shape the future of Rotary International. The first 5 & 5 Young Professionals Summit for Rotary Districts 7210, 7230, and 7255 will be taking place in August 2016 at Bear Mountain, NY. Out of 150 grant applications to the Rotary Foundation for 2016-17 for similar programs featuring young professionals and Rotary, only 19 grants were approved. Only ONE grant was received for Rotary Zones 24 and 32, and this is it! These zones encompass the North East of the United States and all of Canada, so this is truly a unique opportunity.
The goal of the Young Professionals Summit is to understand how Rotary International can be relevant to Young Professionals, what it needs to become to continue to attract members of all ages and demographic groups. We are looking for eager, motivated people with a true sense of “Service Above Self” who are ready to throw away the box and work together on ideas to improve their community and the world through Rotary.
During the weekend, there will be an action-packed agenda. You’ll be networking with one another and the leadership of the sponsoring districts, working with hand and heart on a service project, enjoying nature and Bear Mountain with outdoor activities, and honing your leadership skills. You will have an opportunity to think critically and creatively to help Rotary by providing the insight it needs to continue and thrive.
Each of the three Districts will be selecting ten young professionals (aged 25-40): five will be Rotarians, and five will be non-Rotarians/Rotaractors. A Rotary club will endorse a Rotarian applying for the event, and that Rotarian will put forward a non-Rotarian friend or colleague they in turn are sponsoring and recommending for the event.
Please see the attached application. The application is also available online at each district’s website. The completed applications for a Rotarian and non-Rotarian pair, with sponsoring club President’s signature of approval, are due by June 1, 2016. Applications should be returned by email to: RotaryYPS2016@gmail.com, copying Drew Kessler at dkessler@mtb.com, and with your district listed in the email header. The final selection of attendees will be made by the YPS Committee. Phone, Skype, or in-person interviews may be scheduled as needed to make the final selections. Selections will be announced by June 15, 2016, and selected applicants are expected to confirm and hold free the August 12-14th, 2016 weekend free for participation in the summit.
Regards,
2016 YPS Committee