PORTLAND’s two Rotary clubs are looking for young adults aged 18 to 25 to engage in this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program.

The Rotary clubs of Portland and Portland Bay are keen to support young people on the six-day program that will be held from April 7 to 12 at the residential venue Kangaroobie in Princetown.

There are 50 places in the program and youth directors of the two Portland Rotary clubs, Brian Murphy and Marg Wagner, are keen to hear from interested applicants.

Ms Wagner said the program focuses on a range leadership skills.

“But also on their personal progress, and what they need to work on,” she said.

“It's reflecting on their own capabilities, where they’re at with that, and then building on that through the program.

“They build a network too and connections, which is really important.”

There are 54 clubs across the district looking to send someone to the program, which is a cost of $600.

Rotary can support applicants by providing additional information, potential assistance to cover the program cost or part thereof, or help with transportation to the program site and back.

Young people can express their interest by emailing rotarysecretary.portland@gmail.com, and can expect to receive an application form.

RYLA is a personal development seminar introduced by the Rotarians of district 9780, to provide opportunities for young people to develop their leadership skills.

The aim is to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for young people, encourage leadership of youth by youth, and to publicly recognise young people who are rendering service to their communities.

Over the six days, participants will experience leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, problem solving and conflict management, building self-confidence and self-esteem, global citizenship, community contribution and public speaking.

Application forms must be lodged by Friday March 8.