The Rotary motto Service Above Self conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide. Click on one of the links below to see how you can get involved.
Youth Services Programs:
Adopt-a-School
The Adopt-a-School program was created to recognize three students and one teacher every quarter from Fort Myers High School for their extraordinary efforts and academic
The goal of this program is to assist all third grade students in Lee County to complete the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing the students with their own personal dictionaries. Students benefit from an increased self-reliance and resourcefulness inspired by the maxim, “look it up.” The importance of using a dictionary to make sure all words are spelled correctly is emphasized. This is an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary.
The Interact Club of Fort Myers is a “community club” for youth ages 12 – 18. Dedicated to service, Interact benefits from sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, which provides support and guidance. With clubs in over 120 countries, its global youth network is dedicated to community and international service. Interact’s name is a combination of the words international and action, and every club project, great or small, has a lasting impact on society worldwide.
Our Club promotes child water safety education through Josh the Otter in our local communities. This year over 700 students will receive water safety education through the “Josh the Baby Otter” program with our members and Interact students providing the training.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international not-for-profit program which teaches creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills to children from elementary school through college. Further, this program also allows participants to acquire skills in teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership. Our Rotary Club has sponsored several local teams for the past three years and is sponsoring at least one or two teams again this school year.
The Rotary Club of Fort Myers has sponsored the Rotaract Club at Florida Southwestern State College for many years. Rotaract is a global community of young adults taking action to create positive change. Open to adult’s ages 18-30, the club holds bimonthly meetings where members exchange ideas, plan community service projects, and socialize. Rotaract Clubs are organized and operated by members, thereby creating excellent opportunities for professional development and leadership experience.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program provides young adults with an exposure to Rotary’s values of service, high ethical standards, and peace. RYLA is a four-day retreat conducted at the district level and follows a seminar or leadership camp format. RYLA develops the qualities of leadership, citizenship, and personal development among young people in our district.