May is Youth Service Month, a time when Rotary celebrates the power of young people to lead positive change. Through programs like Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange, Rotary empowers youth with leadership skills, global connections, and opportunities to serve their communities.

This month, Rotary clubs are encouraged to:

• Highlight and support youth-led service projects
• Partner with schools and youth groups
• Promote mentorship and leadership programs
• Celebrate the achievements of young leaders

Rotary believes in investing in the next generation—because they’re not just our future, they’re our present. Let’s inspire and support youth as they shape a better world. In our District, we are constantly exploring ways to enhance our impact through programs and projects that focus on our community’s young people. As I’ve traveled to clubs throughout the year, it's clear just how committed we are to this mission.

From Rotary Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange, to an incredible variety of local initiatives—Dictionary Projects, Scholarship Awards, Book Drives, Character and Reading Programs, Career Fairs, Teacher Grants, Mentoring Opportunities, and more—our clubs are making a real difference. Together, we’re helping young people grow, lead, and thrive—and that’s something to be proud of.

The Maricopa Rotary Club has actively engaged elementary school students in the community through various educational and philanthropic initiatives, fostering a connection to the city's rich railroad heritage and broader learning opportunities. One of their service projects has been providing 10 fourth graders with the opportunity to build their own miniature railroad display (pictured here).

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