Rotary's Alphabet Soup of Acronyms RYLA, RLI, CLA, PETS, RLA, GNTS, GETS — Some of our guests and new members are probably mystified by what appears to be a secret Rotary language spoken at our meetings, as we casually take short-cuts in our speech, tossing in convenient acronyms — which we may never take the time to explain. Perhaps it is time to "crack the code" for our newer members. What do all of these Acronyms listed above have in common? They are all Rotary leadership training programs — and Rotary definitely excels in providing personal leadership development opportunities for all of our members, regardless of your age. RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - is a stellar 4-day leadership training camp which, in our Rotary district, happens for Middle School (6th - 8th grade youth) at Camp Wamatochick in June, and for Senior High youth at Camp Pinerock in January. Our Prescott Sunup Rotary Club has traditionally been been heavily invested and involved with both of these camps over the years, and our club member A.J. Sheridan has just this year taken over the reins of the Senior High RYLA (an immense job), as the RYLA Chair. RLI - Rotary Leadership Institute - is a grass-roots, interactive training program for Rotary club members who want to learn more about Rotary, and about the different ways in which other Rotary clubs operate. It consists of three levels of courses. Usually all 3 levels are offered on the same day, 4 times each year, at different locations, which rotate around our district. Our club reimburses the $65 registration fee for each course (which includes lunch and the materials) to our members who participate in this program. The latest series of RLI courses is being offered this Saturday at Mohave Community College. CLA - Club Leadership Academy - is a training program for incoming Rotary club officers and directors. It is usually held in the Spring at some location in the Phoenix metro area. PETS - President-Elect Training Seminar - is a mandatory weekend training program for incoming Rotary Club Presidents. Currently our district is participating in the multi-district Southwest PETS, which will be held Feb. 1-4, 2024, in Los Angeles. RLA - Rotary Leadership Academy - is a "graduate" online program for Rotarians who have already served as Club Presidents, and who are interested in doing "a deeper dive" into Rotary, in preparation for assuming some possible leadership role at the district level. It has consisted of six 1-month courses, usually taught by Past District Governors. GNTS - Governor-Nominee Training Seminar - is a 3-day mandatory training program for those who will be serving as a Rotary District Governor two years from now. GETS - Governor-Elect Training Seminar - is also a 3-day mandatory training program for next year's District Governors. GNTS and GETS sessions are held in conjunction with Rotary Institutes for paired Rotary Zones. Our Zones 26-27 Rotary Institute, serving the 30 BIG WEST Rotary Districts, just concluded in San Diego. The above submission reprinted from the Rotary Club of Prescott-Sunup Newsletter. |