Rotary.org: News - Council approves fifth Avenue of Service
Change font size:
Related Stories
Advertisement:

 Council approves fifth Avenue of Service

By Ryan Hyland 
Rotary International News -- 28 April 2010 
 
  • Print
  • E-mail page
 
 

A representative makes a point on a resolution during the opening day of the Council 26 April. On Wednesday, the Council approved adding a fifth Avenue of Service. Rotary Images/Monika Lozinska-Lee

Representatives at the 2010 Council on Legislation approved an enactment 28 April to add a fifth Avenue of Service: New Generations.

After adopting an amendment to change the name from Youth Service, as originally proposed, to New Generations, the Council narrowly supported the addition to article 5 of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. The 263-250 vote was received by surprised gasps and applause after a short debate.

New Generations joins Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the foundation of club activity. Before starting a project, Rotarians are asked to think broadly about how their club and its members could contribute within each avenue.

“It’s a significant change – a historic day in Rotary,” said Council Chair Mark Daniel Maloney. “Rotarians have always strongly supported youth activities even though they were never part of the four Avenues of Service. I think this strengthens our commitment.”

The Avenue of New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

Representative Ronald P. Sekkel, of District 5170 (California, USA), proposed the enactment by saying that New Generations is the future of Rotary.

Opponents argued that youth services are already covered by the four Avenues of Service. One representative said that adding a fifth avenue could decrease emphasis on the other four avenues.

Representative Emile M. Rijcken, of District 1900 (Germany), said the new avenue is well deserved.

“The volume of activity in youth programs shows how strong Rotary can be,” she said. “The addition of New Generations to the Avenues of Service will contribute in an enormous way toward public opinion.”

For more information

58 Comments:
At 2:32PM on 7 March 2013, Paul Rwehururu Bahurwire wrote: World Rotaract Week day 13th March happens to be the day when the Rotaract club of Makerere University holds fellowship. Since 1987 when we joined that club Rotaractors have carried out wonderful projects in Uganda- polioplus, environmental, educational, etc. We salute the Rotaractors and encourage those of age to join Rotary. Happy celebrations!!!
At 10:13AM on 5 September 2012, Rotr adeyi tomisin kamaldeen....district 9125. wrote: Am so happy the 5th avenue of service is Now introduced to rotary rotaract..i think it is better to av the thought of rotary from the interact level, it would be so easy for such ap guy to later join rotary..(kopsy...rac lautech., Zone j,, district 9125 nigeria)
At 10:52AM on 4 September 2012, Rtn James Galabuzi Mukasa wrote: Its great that in the month of September, we reflect and put our focus to the fifth avenue of service- the New Generations. These are the future of Rotary that we should work closely with them as we prepare a plateform for them to find. Its like a parent who would wish his/ her family to stay happy even when he/ she nolonger exists. He will do any thing possible to prepare and invest for his family so that it finds a healthy and happy environment. This is the approach we should consider for the New Generations. Lets embless the New Generations as they are the future of Rotary in the World. President Gala. RC Kampala Uganda
At 3:08PM on 26 September 2011, Geoffrey Davis wrote: I am working on a talk for our club about New Generations and just wanted to say it was great to read all the comments about this step.
At 1:28PM on 8 September 2011, Joe Morris wrote: New Generations is a robust challenge. A recent presenter at our club said set the lofty goal, and somehow the details will fall in place as people come together to solve the problems as they come along...
At 3:58PM on 19 August 2011, P/P Mark Zober wrote: District 2490 (Israel) is holding its first New Generations Planning Meeting of RY 2011-12 today Friday August 19 in Haifa. I suggest we exchange ideas, plans and projects across districts. Please send your thought to me P/P Mark Zober at rotarymark@gmail.com and I will pass them on to our DG Moshe Edlman. Thank you Yours in Rotary
At 11:45AM on 9 May 2011, Rtn.Advocate Rainge,Rotary club Adimali Dist.3201 wrote: I congratulate the rotary leaders who have recgnized the importance of new generation and has made it the fifth avenue of rotary.It would be a good idea if we can invite new innovative ideas in this avenue from rotarians of various clubs. All clubs may be motivated to conduct classes in schools and colleges around their club so as to inculcate in them basic moral values and give them awareness as to what is rotary that in future years they get a passion to join rotary
At 9:49AM on 2 November 2010, decha patamasiriwat wrote: The best in ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
At 3:48PM on 13 October 2010, Muoka Pascal wrote: i love rotary international
At 1:25PM on 9 August 2010, Dr. Danilo K. Villena, District 3820 wrote: The addition of "New Generations" to the four avenues of service recognizes the strong need for Rotary to prepare its future members who will definitley continue the legacy of service to humanity, the very reason why Rotary exists. The New Generations as an avenue of service gives more strong focus on the youth sector and what they can do to transform their own lives and the lives of others via school and community youth projects, programs and activities. To the proponent of the resolution and to all those who accepted and approved it, congratulations for a great job.
At 1:17PM on 9 August 2010, Joel Kopke, Director New Generations D7640 wrote: This clearly brings together all the district's youth programs under one unbrella. By joining hands we have been able to do a better job of interacting within RYLA, Interact, Rotoract and RYE. We will cross promote and make more efficient use of resources. NG is a wonderful addition to Rotary.
At 12:43PM on 14 July 2010, Lee Denlinger wrote: I authored this 5th Avenue of Service which was approved by Pleasanton North RC, the clubs of District 5170, then ably represented by PDG Ron Sekkel to the Council on Legislation. As District 5170 Chair of Youth and Young Adult Services at the time, I did not listen to the "nay sayers" and felt strongly that our youth had to have a definite "voice" of recognition in RI. The saying that "one person can make a difference" is true and I am so proud that my contribution made Rotary history.
At 10:20AM on 6 July 2010, MRS JUMOKE BAMIGBOYE wrote: Rotary is moving in the right direction building youths for the future of our club. Catching them young has always been the right approach in a changing world. jumoke bamigboye is member of Rotary Club of Ilorin, District 9125 Nigeria
At 1:41PM on 14 June 2010, Nell Clausen wrote: I love that RI has adopted this 5th Ave of service. Our club has always had a Youth director and there are many items that fall under this category - Youth Scholarships, Youth exchange, Interact and any involvement we can have with the youth in our community.
At 10:21AM on 14 June 2010, Birol YESILADA, New Generations Chair District 5100 wrote: This is a refreshing decision and one that is going to give new life to Rotary world wide. It is a perfect extension of our ethical values and peace that will be furthered by the youth. Congratulations on a historic decision.
At 10:28AM on 11 June 2010, Derek SLADE wrote: I became a member (and still am) of the Saint-Ghislain Rotary Club (District 1620 in Belgium) in 1979, the year it received its Charter. The Club already had then, and has always had, a sub-committee with its Chairman and members, to deal with a fifth Avenue of Service, namely "young people". Indeed, the vast majority of Rotary Clubs in Districts 1620, 1630 and 2170 have alwys had such a sub-committee {"Jeunesse" in French, "Jeugd" in Flemish} as witnessed by the RI Directory Belgium & Luxemburg, published annually. Furthermore, our "parent club", Dour-Quiévrain-Haut Pays (District 1620) submitted a proposition in 1997 to the Council on Legislation that this fifth Avenue of Service be incorporated into the Constitution of RI and was in fact one of 16 resolutions among the 87 submitted to be adopted by the Council on Legislation at its meeting at New Delhi in January 1998 [Res. 98-211]. The name was changed by our 3 Districts to "Nouvelles Générations" as from July 1998 but has reverted, since July 2009, to "Jeunesse".
At 12:45PM on 7 June 2010, Dieter Shaw wrote: Over the past near-30 years I have seen Rotary change and membership age (most Rotarians are now retired).and, often, decline. The New Generation initiative is very welcome as an Avenue of Service but I am concerned that, for many clubs, this will simply mean a change of name from Youth Service. For this to really work we need to think like the younger generation. What will they get ot of it? How do we excite them in a world where the tempo is ever faster? Where many demands are made on the young professional? A new name is a good start but where do we go from here? There must be some serious thought given to this in terms of developing a strategy and motivating the clubs from the very top tof Rotary hrough the districts and the members. We cannot afford to fail, lets ask the questions and get it right.
At 2:05PM on 24 May 2010, ADRR Abbi wrote: I am taking this opportunity to applaud all Rotarians in support of this new avenue and those responsible for the voting process. Being a member of a Rotaract Club that is sponsored by a Rotary group that supports us and youth services with great ease I initially failed to consider that this was not commonplace with all Rotary groups. Unfortunately over time I have been cured of my naivety. Rot. Ben Aghazu suggested the avenue be incorporated as "Fourth: The development of the new generations for responsible world citizenship". (Kudos on this by the way). I am fearful that so simple a core principle may be missed by some. It is true that many Rotarians incorporate Youth Activities in their club focuses, but feeding a child and motivating a child to feed others require different mindsets. It is wonderful for us as a Rotary Family to try to heal the world, but it is far more impressive for us to motivate a generation to heal itself. I have never felt that Rotary's avenues were crafted to maintain to the end of time; in fact I would be bold enough to say that Rotary's true goal is to help craft a world where each person is a Rotarian by actions; so much so that history records us a family that changed the face of the world and not one trying to change it. "The development of the new generations for responsible world citizenship" should accomplish this. Bravo again to those bold enough to see this. Yours in Rotary Abbi Christopher ADRR, District 7020 Rotaract Club of Tortola
At 9:12AM on 17 May 2010, dilip pangarkar wrote: New Generations - When from the fifth avenue of service will have to be taken up by the Clubs....?
At 9:21AM on 17 May 2010, Rtn.Balaji wrote: We only hope that this is taken in true sprit & mind by all the Rotary clubs & ensure that the GEN NEXT is given the full importance with values of life
At 9:16AM on 12 May 2010, Bernie Lucking wrote: This is not something I would have voted in favor of. Looking at three of the existing four avenues of service in our club there is very little that we do that isn't for youth or next generations or whatever you want to call it. So, now what? Do all the committee chairs report to a new avenue of service head? This is bureaucracy gone amok.
At 11:18AM on 7 May 2010, SP.Manikandan, Charter Secretary, RC of Karaikudi Heritage wrote: It is a great moment in the path of Rotary. Young ignitive minds should be encouraged to brought Rotary into the world. Basically I am an interactor and that gives a lot of thought in my mind about Rotary. After inducting new generations as an avenue, the clubs will actively take part in the youth activities. Rotary International should give a detailed directions and instructions for the service of this avenue. "One representative said that adding a fifth avenue could decrease emphasis on the other four avenues" - I disagree with this statement and I say this must definitely increase the emphasis on the other four avenues. Watch and carefully listen with in a year, if proper direction and instruction will be given, this avenue will bring a lot of things and services to other four avenues. I request all the clubs should take more efforts to bring new ideas in this avenue.
At 1:57PM on 5 May 2010, Bernd Dinnert DGE district 7080 wrote: Thank you, thank you for creating the NexGen Avenue of Service. It endorses our District 7080's focus on younger generations at our upcoming District conference. Our focus was established before the motion was passed. Our theme, as suggested by the Rotaractor District conference committee members, is "Tomorrow is Today" . It is emphasizing the importance of cooperating with the younger generations. We will celebrate this at our District Conference in Mississauga, Ontario in October. Thank you for legitimizing it.
At 3:04PM on 3 May 2010, DRR Sanjeev Kumar, RID3300 Malaysia, RAC Subang wrote: Indeed a pleasant surprise to receive this news during D3300 Goodwill Visit to D3500 Taiwan. As rightly pointed out by few esteemed commentators earlier, serious effort into New Gen will give clubs access to new, younger members. This will help maintained, rejuvenate and grow clubs. Also, many instances of Rotaract and Interact being neglected for other avenue of services. A ready pool of potential Rotarians, many from these Partners in Service clubs never joined Rotary, for numerous reasons. With the creation of this 5th Avenue, hopefully we can see a better progression rate from Interact to Rotaract and finally to Rotary. DRR Sanjeev Kumar, RID3300, Malaysia.
At 11:58AM on 3 May 2010, Steve Silverman wrote: Forward thinking and relevant goals as with our future vision and our six areas of focus - Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, Disease prevention and treatment, Water and sanitation, Maternal and child health, Basic education and literacy and Economic and community development. We need the partnership of 'New Generations'. I feel good about this! Congratulations Council.
At 12:03PM on 3 May 2010, kripal singh,RC of Durgapur steel city D 3240 wrote: No organisation can survive without fresh recruitment, which bring newer idias and young hands and brain to work for the society, very bold and good step by RI, 2nd century of Rotary requires this type of decisions.
At 12:04PM on 3 May 2010, Leslie PT Sim, D3310 - Dist Rotaract Chairman/A-RYLA Mentor/YEP Director 2009/2010 & Dist Interact Chairman/YEP Director 2010/2011 wrote: I've always felt that Youth Service/SNG has been on the "back seat" in Rotary. Rotary keeps saying that "our youth is our future..." yet from the days when Youth Service was not even one of the 4 Aves of Service right up to the new CLP structure - it seemed like only lip service. Making SNG a full fledged pillar under the CLP sends a strong message to clubs & Rotarians to walk the talk... Our club is the "youngest" club in our district (ave age of our members is below 40 yrs old) and 25% are ex Rotaractors. Leslie PT Sim President, RC Singapore Centennial
At 12:05PM on 3 May 2010, Gary Peterson wrote: How wonderful that all of our youth activities now have a permanent home. Well done!!
At 12:06PM on 3 May 2010, Dr Seshukumar wrote: Its exciting to note that New Generations is added as Fifth Avenue of Service. The New Generations can be considered as the Vital Respiration of Rotary.
At 12:08PM on 3 May 2010, PDG Ameer Janmohamed wrote: Not a moment too soon.
At 12:10PM on 3 May 2010, Jan ten Sythoff wrote: A very good decision. Especially, the name 'New Generation' appeals to me since 'youth' is used so often in many other fields. Now we can use this new Avenue for renewal, education, innovation and inspiration. Fantastic!
At 12:07PM on 3 May 2010, Dennis Wong, wrote: A good idea. Our Club, Sunrise Rotary Westport (CT), allocates significant resources (brains, brawn and bucks) on youth activities under the title Rising Young Voices. In addition to traditional programs such Interact and the 4-way Test, we have an ongoing diversity program. This year we added a Young Social Entrepreneur Award to recognize high school students who use business skills to address and solve social problems. We continue to look to engage young people with new ideas and programs that include the Rotary mission of service above self.
At 12:07PM on 3 May 2010, Subash wrote: great to hear about the new avenue and hope it helps Rotaractors and Interactors and also motivates them to continue the service for Rotary International.
At 12:05PM on 3 May 2010, keith raymond, Rotary Club of Colombo West, Sri Lanka wrote: Good News, a confirmation of the obvious, Rotary needs to groom young people to continue the good work of Rotarians and become world citizens who believe in "Service Above Self".
At 12:04PM on 3 May 2010, Julius Aguni, Rotary Club of Ekpan, D9140 wrote: A quest fulfilled and indeed a gap bridged for all generations. The place of the "Youth" in Service to Humanity has been formally recognized and would help broaden Rotary membership base in near future. Many thanks to the 2010 Council.
At 12:02PM on 3 May 2010, Sampathkumar Iyengar wrote: It is the recognition of youth and their contribution that the 5th avenue of Service - New Generations will and should recognize. Rotary Principles and values have to flow smooth and fast to the Generation NEXT if Rotary has to survive the coming generations
At 12:00PM on 3 May 2010, David Tai wrote: Including a fifth Avenue of Service will bring focus and emphasis on Youths as a valuable resource. Not totally convinced however, that we need a fifth Avenue of Service (New Generattion) to bring about an increase in Club membership. The opportunities already exist in the present structure to introduce youth as a resource and to increase membership. Why is it not happening now? I'm constantly reminded that "the Future of Rotary is in Your Hands". Are we not conscious and aware that "the Youths of Today are the future Leaders of Tomorrow and indeed the Future of Rotary. Rtn David Tai Rotary Club od Singapore, D3310
At 11:59AM on 3 May 2010, Esievoadje Akpofure wrote: The 5th avenue of service is a welcomed idea. The future of Rotary is in the younger generation & a avenue to assist it is good
At 11:55AM on 3 May 2010, Rtn.PHF.Er.M.AMALAN ASHOK-RC of DEVAKOTTAI-RI dist-3212 wrote: Great news for Rotary world.New generations are the future of Rotary .The New Generations Avenue of Service acknowledges young people as important contributors.I feel a fresh breath of air coming into Rotary.Thank you, 2010 Council for this truly historic enactment.
At 11:55AM on 3 May 2010, Jim Leggett Rotary Club of Shelton WA D5020 wrote: Thank you to the Council. This acknowledgement has been disoussed at the local level for sometime & will comfirm to the world our/Rotary's commitment to youth.
At 5:36PM on 30 April 2010, Lucy Arthur, Club Advisor: Interact Club of La Florissante, Trinidad wrote: I am, indeed, quite delighted to see the New Generations represented as a specific Avenue of Service. This will definitely encourage Rotarians to pay more attention to Rotary's valuable resource, the Youth. Perhaps, fewer Interact Clubs will be neglected and terminated. This is a very welcome resolution; One I trust will become part of Rotary's Mandate.
At 3:15PM on 30 April 2010, Jan McElroy, DGN D.7870 wrote: This will get us thinking about new ways of recruiting members, new ways of conducting club meetings and new types of programming. I feel a fresh breath of air coming into Rotary.
At 3:16PM on 30 April 2010, Sally B. wrote: WONDERFUL! Our Club has had Youth as a Board Position and 5th Avenue of Service unofficially for years. They are the future of more than Rotary. New Generations says it all! Sally B. Coral Gables, FL US
At 3:16PM on 30 April 2010, Ben Aghazu wrote: Dilendra Raj Shrestha wrote above: The question now is to how this 5th avenue is to be linked to the Objects of Rotary? How about this: The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise; and in particular, to encourage and foster: First: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service. Second: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; Third: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life; Fourth: The development of the new generations for responsible world citizenship; Fifth: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
At 11:07AM on 30 April 2010, Bella Olatunde Olasunkanmi wrote: This is a very bold step by Rotary International in line with being relevant in a modern world. this will lead to greater success. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful family.
At 10:50AM on 30 April 2010, Bella Olatunde Olasunkanmi wrote: This is a very bold step by Rotary International in line with being relevant in a modern world. this will lead to greater success. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful family.
At 10:49AM on 30 April 2010, Justin Schonegevel wrote: As incoming District Rotaract Representative for District 9350, this news comes as gift! We look forward to more support from Rotary as we develop young leaders and potential Rotarians. This Decision will go along way to include youth in decision making in Rotary clubs, bridge the gap of the old clubs and new clubs. And encourage young members to join Rotary! See you all in Montreal!
At 10:43AM on 30 April 2010, Pooncharas Promopakorn wrote: New Generation as the Fifth Avenue of service is the way to make Rotary stronger with more members and more pr, more energy.
At 10:43AM on 30 April 2010, Jeri Wigdahl wrote: The representative in the photo is PDG Alana Bergh of District 5010, and a member of North Pole Rotary Club here in Alaska. We're very proud to have Alana as a member of our club.
At 10:43AM on 30 April 2010, Mike Hanna Rotary Club of Edmonton - Riverview wrote: Today's young people have grown up with a greater global conscience as a result of economic forces and media. Their energy and idealism is needed to spur us to face difficult challenges. The New Generations Avenue of Service acknowledges young people as important contributors and provides them through Rotaract and Interact vehicles for participating in the global Family of Rotary. Now they have a proven Rotary network to help them reach out and touch other youth, You are never to young to learn about Service Above Self.
At 5:45PM on 29 April 2010, Phyllis Catton wrote: How exciting for our Council on Legislation having the insight to approve a 5th Avenue of Service-New Generations. While attending NAYEN CONFERENCE in Chicago in February, there was a lot of exciting "buzz" about New Generations and many Districts had dedicated to bringing it into their programs. Youth development is our Rotary future and necessary for Rotary to grow with our young adults for survival and strength in Rotary's future. Our hats are off to you!!. I already have a canidate I can bring into the program and I am sure we can find more. Thank you. Phyllis Catton, Southlake Rotary Club of Texas, District 5790.
At 12:47PM on 29 April 2010, Ben Aghazu wrote: I am so thrilled. In a speech in 2006 to District 9110 Conference in Abeokuta, Nigeria, titled "Rotary in The Next 100 Years", I predicted the addition of an additional and fifth avenue of service for youth in these words: "the development of young persons for responsible world citizenship" but I missed the mark on the timing. I predicted the proposal to enact this would be defeated inseveral Councils until the 2046 Council when it would pass! The development of young people with broadened views of world citizenship is a veritable tool towards achieving world peace. Thank you, 2010 Council for this truly historic enactment.
At 11:50AM on 29 April 2010, Linda May, Rotary Club of Blaby Meridian, England wrote: Delighted to see the addition of New Generations. Rotarians please remember, "Youth is our Future - there is no alternative"
At 11:50AM on 29 April 2010, Geraldine Nicol wrote: Our club's New Generations focus on all youth programmes was the reason for almost doubling our membership in 3 years. It has been wonderful to watch the Rotary commitment to youth across our country, South Africa, where more than 23million ( more than 50% of the S.A. population) are below the age of 23 and so the need for Rotary support is huge. As Chairperson of District 9350 New Generations committee , and on behalf of this district, I commend Council on an excellent decision . This will set strong doundations which will ensure that Ray Klingham Smith's commitment to building bridges and building communities will continue to permeate down to the children and youth of the world , who ARE the future of Rotary , and the future of our world!. Geraldine Nicol Stellenbosch Rotary Club, South AFrica
At 10:28AM on 29 April 2010, Janey Ball wrote: Great news for Rotary.
At 10:29AM on 29 April 2010, Satyendra Pahariya, President Elect RC Jaipur India RID 3050 wrote: I am extremely happy to to see the replacement of the words 'Youth Service' to 'New Generations'. My Club has a distinction to have 56 Interact Clubs which is highest number of Interact Clubs sponsored by a single Club and maintaining it. We value this amendment.
At 10:35AM on 29 April 2010, Dilendra Raj Shrestha wrote: Its historic decision. But, what I understand is 4 avenues of service were developed in 1920s to define 4 objects of Rotary. The question now is to how this 5th avenue is to be linked to the Objects of Rotary?
At 10:36AM on 29 April 2010, CHEW Ban Seng, Rotary eClub of 3310 wrote: Wonderful recognition after so many years. For us at Rotary eClub of 3310, we salute the passing of this passage... as youth development is certainly our passion as seen in the many projects and activities we are involved since our charter. :-)

Add a comment

* indicates a required field
Copyright © Rotary International
Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Site Map