Richmond Rotary seeks young leader

Richmond Rotary is seeking a potential young leader to be sponsored for a five-day leadership course in January.

For more than a decade, Richmond Rotary has sponsored a local participant to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) in Christchurch, a programme designed to elevate leadership skills to the next level.

Last year’s successful Richmond candidate, Dylan Gelling, a 21-year-old builder now working in Christchurch, says the experience gave him valuable skills and a nationwide network of like-minded people.

“It pushes your boundaries; it challenges you,” he says of the course.

“You meet all sorts of people from all walks of life. Apart from looking really fantastic on your CV, a lot of the things you learn are life skills, and leadership skills for me trying to progress in my career. I saw it as an awesome opportunity and felt pretty lucky to be chosen for it.”

Debra Gibbs, Richmond Rotary’s new generations’ chairperson, says the club covers the cost of the five-day course which is about $1,700. The selected candidate is responsible for their own travel to and from Christchurch.

Participants are aged between 18 and 25 and are chosen for their potential to lead, either within the community or at work.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for a young person to develop their self confidence and self esteem, as well as enhance leadership skills.”

For more information about the course visit the Rotary website. Applications close 17 November and can be submitted via email at secretary@richmondrotary.org.nz