Important Info for Volunteers

IMPORTANT - Please Read!

PLEASE REVIEW THIS INFORMATION

IN A NUTSHELL:

  • We need lots of people to help with the 3-day RYLA Conference, held annually on the last weekend in June.
  • You can volunteer for just a few hours, or the whole weekend – it’s up to you!
  • No special skills or abilities are needed.
  • Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
  • REMINDER: Each club that sends RYLA students is expected to send volunteers.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST:

  • ABIDE BY Rotary's Youth Protection Policy.
  • CHECK IN at the RYLA Information Desk immediately upon arrival.
  • FOLLOW the directions of the Session Leader. They are the ultimate authority for your shift.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER

  • Rotarians, Previous RYLANs, Family and Friends of Rotarians or Previous RYLANs
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Volunteers are NOT to bring their children. 
  • A CORI check is required.

WHAT KIND OF HELP IS NEEDED

  • Supporters: Assist the session leader in time keeping, observing student reactions/behavior, constructive feedback at the end of the session, and any other supporting tasks the session leader needs assistance with. Come ~30 minutes early to your session, and we'll give you a quick overview of the session and let you know how you can help.
  • First-Aiders & Counselors: Provide first aid and/or counseling support during the day (for individuals who are healthcare professionals, therapists, guidance counselors, or ministers).
  • Information Desk/Welcomers: Help staff the information desk during the day.
  • Other Helpers: As described on the signup form.

If you enjoy working with youth-minded people and would like to contribute to the RYLA 7910 planning throughout the year, please Contact Us.

VOLUNTEER SHIFTS (Time Slots)

Time slots vary depending on day and activity. Please refer to the signup form for specifics.

NOTE: We encourage volunteers to volunteer for one of these shifts:

  • Morning: approximately 8 a.m. to 12 noon
  • Afternoon: approx. 12 noon to 5 p.m.
  • Evening: approx. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Overnight monitor: approx. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

We believe that you will find the experience to be enjoyable, educational, and gratifying.

ARRIVAL TIME & SCHEDULE NOTE

Since each day's schedule is different, please consult the schedule details for each day and shift that you will be volunteering for.

Please arrive early enough to park, check in, and get to your assignment. We ask that you check in at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your shift. Please remember to allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Volunteer Check-In is inside the venue.

There is free parking available, convenient to the site. Look for RYLA signs.

TRAINING

Volunteers: Please arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to your shift. You will need to be onsite and ready to go 15 minutes before the session starts for on-the-job training.

All Session Leaders must be trained prior to the RYLA Conference.

FOOD & DRINK

Please have a meal before arriving to RYLA. If you volunteer for a multiple concurrent shifts, you may eat in the cafeteria.

Free water and snacks are provided throughout the day. Volunteers may also bring their own snacks, coffee, etc.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS 

Non-Committee adult volunteers who would like to request accommodations, please indicate so on the signup form. We will review your request and examine space availability and costs. If on-campus rooms are unavailable, we may recommend an offsite choice within close proximity.

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

We encourage volunteers to wear RYLA gear, Royal Blue shirt/top, items with the Rotary logo, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes, in that order of preference. It’s a campus environment, so casual attire is fine! Note: Some activities are outside, so you may wish to bring a hat and/or sunscreen.  

MISCELLANEOUS POLICY NOTES

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises.

RYLA, Rotary District 7910 and the RYLA Committee are not liable for stolen or damaged personal property.

QUESTIONS?
Conference Date & Location

June 23-25, 2023

at:
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl St. Fitchburg, MA
Directions

(978) 665-3000
www.fitchburgstate.edu

VOLUNTEERS: Check-in at the Info Desk inside the venue

Youth Protection Policy
Rotary International, Rotary District 7910 and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) youth protection policy apply to all volunteers who participate at RYLA. All volunteers must agree and adhere to this policy while participating in any capacity in support of the conference. When arriving at volunteer check in, all RYLA volunteers will be required to sign a Youth Protection Policy Affidavit. No volunteer will be allowed to participate until proper disclosure of and acknowledgement of said policy is completed.

All volunteers must submit a CORI check.