I would to first like to thank the Rotary Edmonton West Club of for inviting me to speak to them about my experience at the World Leadership Forum, the Int. Rotary Conferences and the next steps in forging closer ties with the MacEwan Rotaract Club.

The World Leadership Forum was a great opportunity to meet leaders from different backgrounds and sectors who carried different styles of leadership. The blend of ideas and methodologies to create diversified approaches to leadership was the clear focus of the forum. However, when it came time to networking and speaking on aspects of youth leadership, it was obvious that no one had the time of day. Although smaller than the age gap between of Rotarians and Rotaractors, myself and most attendees found it difficult to engage in any conversation. In addition, when it came to the platform on youth leadership, 85% of the crowd cleared the room, while the grandmother spoke of her granddaughter’s leadership skills and accomplishments. It seemed as if the adults did not have time to spare and why not have the granddaughter speak? It was as if the scope of what is “leadership” ended with them.

In great contrast, my two experiences at the Rotary International Conventions in Atlanta and Toronto had youth leaders speaking on their own success to Rotarians along with strong interactions between Rotarians and Rotarators. This is not to say that there doesn’t exist a divide between Rotarators and Rotarians. It means that as an organization have decided that youth leadership and inclusion is a mandate that we are actively pursuing. That being said, I would to thank the Rotary Edmonton West Club for the role you have played in developing the MacEwan Rotaract Club over the last four years. Although, many Rotarators would expect and insist that this be the standard for all Rotary clubs, many Rotaract Clubs do not have the same or even a portion of what you offer us. I cannot thank you enough. That being said, there is still much to be done to integrate our clubs and members. Although still young, the MacEwan Rotaract Club is ready to play a more crucial role in your club. We would like to be partners rather than participants. We are ready to be involved in the planning and execution phases of your projects rather than simply participate in your events. This effort will provide all of us with the opportunity improve the function, diversity and inclusion of both our clubs. As together we are stronger.