Rotary Youth Protection
Rotary is committed to fostering environments that are safe and positive for young people and free from discrimination and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
more information for Rotarians
Statement of Conduct for Working With Youth
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotary members, their partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people with whom they come into contact and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Rotary takes all youth protection concerns seriously.
Learn more about our reporting policies or make a report.
Rotary’s approach to preventing abuse
The safety and well-being of young people and youth program participants are Rotary’s highest priority. Our comprehensive approach to youth protection includes:
- No tolerance for abuse or harassment of young people
- Policies that prevent misconduct and outline how to respond to grooming behaviors and abuse that involve youth and other program participants
- Mandatory youth protection training for governors-elect
- A dedicated and trained staff that uses a trauma-informed approach when receiving and responding to reports of sexual abuse or harassment
A certification process that requires Rotary districts involved in Rotary Youth Exchange to have:
- Student, family, and volunteer training in abuse prevention
- Volunteer screening that includes an application, criminal background check, and reference checks
- A process for reporting allegations of abuse and harassment to Rotary and local law enforcement
- District-specific youth protection policies
- On-site evaluations (audits) that are conducted by Rotary staff members
Youth protection resources for members
Rotary provides comprehensive resources for clubs and districts that participate in youth programs so they can confidently implement our youth protection policies and act to prevent abuse and harassment:
Rotary Youth Protection Guide
Volunteer and Rotarian Training and Background check information
Electronic and Online Safety Considerations
Developing a Crisis Management Plan
Rotary Code of Policies, section 2.120.