A very important message from our District Governor, Wendy Jones:
Dear Rotary Clubs of District 6380, I hope this message finds you well and energized as we continue our year of service and impact. I am reaching out today to share an important opportunity—one that not only transforms the lives of young people around the world, but also enriches the heart of every club that participates. We are currently preparing for the arrival of our three inbound Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students, and we are in need of three clubs to serve as their host clubs for the upcoming exchange cycle (August 2026 through June 2027). In addition, we are seeking host families who are willing to open their homes and hearts to these remarkable young people. |
What Does It Mean to Be a Host Club?
Being a host club is a deeply rewarding experience. Clubs build lifelong connections, strengthen their youth programs, and bring the global mission of Rotary directly into their community. The financial commitment for each participating club is approximately $2,250. This includes a monthly stipend paid to the student. Host clubs also help coordinate school enrollment, involve the student in club meetings, and provide general guidance and support.
What Does a Host Family Do?
Host families play an essential role in the exchange experience. Rotary recommends each student experience living with 2-3 families for a period of 3 to 5 months. The opportunity to be a host family is for all families and individuals (living alone or with others, with or without children, employed or retired). The home can be in a city or rural setting where the student attends school.
Host families will:
- Provide the student a bed, a place to study, and meals
- Receive an opportunity to learn more about another culture
- Include the student as part of their family life
- Offer guidance on navigating school and the community
- Share local culture and traditions
- Create a safe, supportive home environment
Hosting is not about luxury—it’s about warmth, curiosity, and the willingness to share life with someone from another culture.
Help Us Share the Impact — Past RYE Students and Families
If your club has had past Rotary Youth Exchange students, or if you have alumni in your community, we would love to hear their stories. Please encourage them to share their experiences with us. Their voices help bring the program to life and inspire others to get involved. Contact Pattie Courtney (pcjohn15@yahoo.com) for more information.
Service Project Opportunities for Our Students
Our inbound students love being active and involved. If your club has service projects or activities in which these students can participate, please share them with Pattie Courtney (pcjohn15@yahoo.com). This helps them build relationships throughout the district while giving clubs the chance to engage with these young ambassadors. Let’s show them we are People of Action and what it means to be a Rotarian.
A Reminder: Every Club Should Have a Youth Service Director
Youth programs—RYE, Interact, Rotaract, RYLA—are core to the future of Rotary. We encourage every club to appoint a Youth Service Director who can help coordinate and champion these opportunities.
This is a wonderful chance for our district to continue building bridges across cultures and generations. If your club is interested in hosting a student, serving as a host family, sharing past RYE stories, or offering a service project, please reach out. Your participation could make all the difference for a young person – and for your club.
Pattie Courtney D6380 Youth Exchange Chair
Patti Griffith- 517-546-1108