ROTARIAN FOUNDING SUPPORT FOR YPA
The YPA initiative is an innovative and exciting way to support young people in the pivotal high school age range of 14 to 18. Many of the world’s most recognized peace leaders and scholars have pointed to the potential of young people as peacebuilders. I agree.
— Peter Kyle, Past RI Director Zones 33 & 34 (2020-22)
a bold foundation
In late 2020, an idea that Rotarians from Zones 33 & 34 could model how to make learning to be a
peacebuilder widely accessible across their communities emerged.
In April 2021, Youth & Peace in Action (YPA) was announced and endorsed by Rotary International
strategic partner Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). YPA launched on International Peace
Day, September 21, 2021. More than 20 Rotary Districts joined together as collective Founding
Sponsor of YPA and contributed nearly $300,000 that was matched by collaborating funders. Rotarians in D6860 (Alabama) and D6670 (Ohio) also joined in.
hundreds of rotarians contributed funds and volunteer support to bring ypa to their schools, clubs, and communities.
Rotary District 6900 (GA)
This Champion District recruited over 50 schools, clubs and youth service organizations to participate in YPA and provided support to Activators and students throughout the year, including the creation of promotional materials packages (banners, flyers, t-shirts) to support the launch of YPA in Sept. 2021.
Special thanks to District Governor Mary Ligon, Interact Chair Becky Stone, and DGN Andre Marria.
Rotary District 6930 (FL)
District Governor Michael Walstrom is serious about his commitment to youth and peace! So serious, in fact that he walked the length of the entire Rotary District (180 miles!) to show support and raise awareness for YPA.
Special thanks to Lisa Talley and Sandy Burkhart, D6930 YPA Chairs.
Rotary District 6960 (FL)
District Governor Andy Lyman (then DGE) boldly stepped up in July of 2020 to declare Rotary District 6960 the first YPA Champion District. Andy has been a Zones-wide leader and supporter of YPA as he continues to “champion” his vision for peace for all young people across the Zones and beyond, not just those in D6960!
Special thanks to YPA District Chair Holly Kobe.
Rotary District 6980 (FL)
Rotary District 6980 engaged multiple Interact Clubs in YPA, and supported young people in their District in creative endeavors over the course of the year. For example, Celebration High School was the FIRST school or club to sign up to participate in YPA. In December 2021, supported by the Rotary Club of Celebration and District 6980, they hosted their annual Global Youth Leadership Summit. The theme this year: putting youth and peace in action!
Special thanks to the YPA District Committee: Bill Stack (Chair), Martin Tracy, Jim Leahy, DGN Don Harris, DGE Andres Goyanes
Rotary District 6990 (FL)
In addition to outreach to local high schools and Interact Clubs, the District 6990 YPA Committee worked to spread the opportunity for young people to build peace with local and regional organizations such as Dream in Green, and the Cleo Institute.
Special thanks to DG Joe Schumacker and YPA Committee Chair Patricia Woodson.
Rotary District 7030 (Caribbean)
With over 70 Interact Clubs, District 7030 leveraged their incredible network to enroll over 800 Interactors in YPA this year! Rotarians from across the District provided guidance and mentorship and assisted Activators, creating a true ecosystem of support for these young peacebuilders.
Special thanks to District Peace Chair Debbie Roopchand and Interact Chair Soraya Warner-Gustave who led the effort.
Rotary District 7360 (WV, MD, PA)
District Governor Dana Orsini brought an unparalleled level of energy and creativity to D7360’s involvement with YPA. In addition to promoting the opportunity to schools and Interact Clubs in the District, Dana and his team supported the inclusion of one high school from neighboring District 7305 and engaged OB Montessori, a high school network in the Philippines in YPA.
Special thanks to DG Dana Orsini and District YPA Chair Jack Richford.
Rotary District 7545 (WV)
Spanning almost the entirety of the state of West Virginia, D7545 DG Sean Sawyer sought collaboration from Rotarians across his District. The team held special educational sessions about YPA with Rotary Club Presidents and Interact Advisors throughout 2021.
Special thanks to PDG Sean Sawyer, DG David Cooper, DGE Dan McCarthy, and Interact Chair Sam McDaniel.
Rotary District 7570 (VA, TN)
Leveraging an impressive youth services network, District 7570 engaged Area Governors, area youth services chairs, and Club Presidents to recruit Interact Clubs to participate in YPA 2021-22. Over 20 signed up!
Special thanks to Bret Hrbek and Marc Hudson, YPA Chairs for the District.
Rotary District 7600 (VA)
DGN Rudy Garcia and District YPA Chair Catherine Garcia have long been champions for youth initiatives in Rotary D7600. Under their leadership, over 1,000 students enrolled in My Peacebuilder Foundations in 2021-22. The peace project team from Fork Union Military Academy was featured at the year-end YOUnited Celebration and during the 2022 Rotary International Convention.
Rotary District 7620 (MD, DC)
Rotary District 7620 shows the power of Rotary Club collaboration. Almost 20 Rotary Clubs in the District contributed funds and provided support for teachers and students to participate in YPA 2021-22.
Special thanks to PDG Ken Solow, District YPA Chair.
Rotary District 7680 (NC)
In 2014, Rotary District 7680 was the first to sponsor a group of NewGen Peacebuilders. Their support of youth peacebuilding has continued for 9 years, including sponsorship of 16 North Carolina schools’ participation in YPA 2021-22.
Special thanks to PDG Tom Smith and PDG Luther Moore.
Rotary District 6860 (AL)
As a collaborating sponsor, Rotary District 6860 has exciting plans for YPA! An initial pilot took place in 2021-22, and laid the foundation for a District-wide effort. Young people involved in YPA in 2022-23 will play a pivotal role at a youth peace conference, organized in conjunction with a 2023 International Peace Conference to be held in Birmingham, AL in May 2023.
Special thanks to Rotarians Will Ratliff, Jim Shepherd, and April Mason.
Rotary District 6670 (OH)
Rotary Clubs can sponsor peace projects
The launch of YPA depended on visionary District Governor leadership backed by District funds and District Rotary Foundation funds for a continuous, year-long program. Today, YPA is supported by an
innovative online peace education platform with two interactive programs. The “Leading Peace
Project Teams” live, virtual training experience is available to Interact and other clubs through
sponsorship of $500 per youth-led project. A related “My Peacebuilder Foundations” online
certification accompanied by a teacher toolkit is distributed to schools at no cost.