PDG Mary Lou Harrison introduced Madelyn and Abby as executives of D7070 Rotex Club. Rotex is Youth Exchange Student Alumni.
Madelyn is the President and Abby is the Social Media Director.
Madelyn was an exchange student from Belleville to Denmark in 2018/19. Abby was Brighton's outbound to France in 2017/18.
Their presentation today was in part a practice to the converted. They plan to visit as many Rotary Clubs in the District to promote and encourage Clubs to participate in the Youth Exchange Program.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) changed their lives. Helped them to see beyond themselves, to see different views and a new perspective.
Abby shared that her biggest lesson on exchange was to learn who she is as a person.
The world becomes a smaller place. When they look at a map now, they think of friends from around the world.
Youth Exchange is also good for Clubs.
A little history. Youth Exchange started in Rotary in the 1920's and in our District in the 1970's in Belleville.
Youth Exchange best way to bring and ensure peace in our world.
Rotex - past Youth Exchange Students, or new to Canada.
They want to help Rotary and connect students to Rotary.
Rotex goals:
1. Promote RYE
2. Help D7070 get to 30 students by 2030
3. Events for exchange students
4. Buddy system to support exchange students
5. help students make transition back to Canada after exchange.
To contact Rotex by email: Rotex7070@gmail.com
R Rob said each club needs champion to push for Exchange Program.
Cost to club for outbound about $800. Cost for inbound about $3500.
Rotex can help recruit outbounds in the high schools and with exchange program in general.