Rotary Young Totara Awards develop the potential for young people to be leaders of the future.

There are young people who show the potential to be these leaders of the future and they are active in your community now. Clubs are being asked to check within local schools, clubs, scouts, guides, youth groups, life-saving clubs, sports clubs and community organisations to identify a young person who is a great role model for others. There are many young people making a difference through positive contributions within our society. Clubs can acknowledge them with a Young Totara Award.

The Young Totara Award began under Rotarian, Kelvin Shacklock in 1992. In the last 15 years over 100 young people have had their achievements and leadership acknowledged through the award.

What do you need to do? 

Just decide to make an award and send for the information pack. Choose a candidate and then return the completed application form with $60. You will be sent a framed certificate and lapel pin to present to the awardee and a copy of the certificate for the awardee’s cv.

Candidates need to be 21 or under and may not be children of current members of the club making the award. The general objective of the programme is to recognise "Service above Self" in young people.

The award can be presented at a club meeting or a special occasion. The award ceremony can be a useful publicity opportunity for the club and the awardee. Some clubs also present a young totara tree to be planted where the awardee wishes or in some place designated by the club. Often clubs invite a person of some standing in the community to present the award to emphasise the significance of the occasion.

The future of the planet is in the hands of the youth of today. To lead the world of tomorrow we will need young people with leadership skills, strength of character, courage of conviction, care of the community and pursuit of excellence. By recognizing young people with these qualities, Rotarians can promote these ideals and encourage positive role models for the growing generations.

If your club is interested in the Young Totara Award, please contact Theresa Shaughnessy, Linwood Woolston Rotary, 0273478507, warwick.theresa@gmail.com.