District 5330 Policy
Youth Protection
Keeping every young person in a Rotary District 5330 program safe — in body, mind, and dignity.
A safe environment for every young person
Rotary District 5330 is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for every young person who participates in a Rotary activity. Rotarians, their partners, and other volunteers are expected to safeguard the children and young people they encounter and to protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Rotary International has a zero-tolerance policy against abuse and harassment. Any concern raised about the safety of a youth participant is taken seriously, investigated promptly, and reported to Rotary International and appropriate authorities as required by policy and law.
Programs and activities covered
This policy applies to every District 5330 club or district activity that involves anyone under 18, including but not limited to:
Interact
Club-sponsored service clubs for ages 12–18, on or off campus.
RYLA
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards — multi-day overnight leadership camp.
Youth Exchange
Long- and short-term international student exchanges hosted by D5330 clubs.
PRYDE / Youth Service
District-level youth service projects, scholarships, and recognition programs.
Also covered: club or district youth service projects, the 4-Way Test Speech Contest, Art for Peace, Music Competition, overnight events, youth travel, and any other activity involving minors. The same standards apply to any volunteer, mentor, host family, judge, or chaperone in contact with youth.
How to report a youth protection concern
Do not submit allegations through this website or any public form. Speak or write directly to the people below. Rotary policy requires that allegations of abuse or harassment be reported to Rotary International within 72 hours, and that allegations of abuse be reported immediately to appropriate law enforcement.
Emergency services
If a young person is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local law enforcement first.
Call 911District 5330 YPO
Name: TBA
Email: youthprotection@rotary5330.org
First point of contact for all District 5330 youth protection concerns.
District Governor
Contact: via the District Leadership page.
Notify the DG in parallel with the YPO so the district can coordinate a response.
Youth Exchange Chair
Contact: see the Youth Exchange page.
Required additional escalation for any concern involving an exchange student or host family.
RI Youth Protection
All allegations of abuse or harassment must be reported to Rotary International within 72 hours.
youthprotection@rotary.orgRequired before you work with youth
Every adult who works with young people in a District 5330 program must complete Rotary’s youth protection training, pass background screening, and submit a current Live Scan (fingerprint) clearance. No exceptions.
Extra approvals required
Any club or district activity that takes minors outside the local community or includes overnight stays requires advance approval from the District Governor. Youth travel must have written policies, documented chaperone ratios, an emergency plan, and clear parent/guardian communication.
International youth travel
International trips involving minors must be approved by the District Youth Protection Officer and the District Youth Exchange Chair before any commitments are made. Where no YPO is in place, the approval falls to the District Governor and the Youth Exchange Chair jointly.
Before any overnight or travel activity
- Every adult on the trip has current youth protection training, screening, and Live Scan on file.
- Written parent/guardian release for each minor, including medical and emergency contacts.
- Documented chaperone ratio and a clear communication plan for parents.
- Emergency plan reviewed with all participants and practiced at least once before departure.
- Adequate liability insurance confirmed by the club and reviewed by the district.
Before you plan a youth event
Clubs planning any activity that involves minors should review District 5330 procedures, emergency plans, and insurance coverage before the activity is publicized or registration opens. Rotary’s governor manual recommends that every program have:
- Adequate liability insurance coverage in place — confirmed in writing with your carrier.
- A written emergency plan, practiced at least once before the program begins.
- Safety instruction for every participant at the start of the activity.
- An incident-reporting protocol with clear escalation to the District YPO and DG.
Questions about insurance coverage or risk management? Email the District YPO before you commit to the event.
Quick links by program
Interact
Club program info and contacts.
RYLA
Camp info, dates, applications.
Youth Exchange
Inbound & outbound students, host families.
Youth Service projects
District-wide youth service avenue.
Volunteer screening
Live Scan + RI training (required).
Parent / guardian
Questions, release forms, contacts.
Report a concern
Email the District YPO directly.
RI training
My Rotary Learning Center.
Please do not submit confidential information here
Do not submit private information about minors, medical information, allegations, witness names, photos, or supporting documents through general website forms, comments, or club email lists. Contact the District Youth Protection Officer or District Governor directly. Confidential information shared in public channels cannot be protected and may compromise an investigation.
Questions about Youth Protection in District 5330?
For general questions about training, screening, club compliance, or planning a youth event, reach the District Youth Protection Officer.