HOULTON, Maine — Ruba Haddad and Dana Delano, members of the Rotary Club of Houlton, have been named to lead two programs for Rotary International District 7790, which includes Maine and the Providence of Quebec, Canada.
Haddad will co-chair the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program for the second year in a row. RYLA is a leadership development program that helps young people build the skills they need for professional and personal success. Haddad believes in empowering the young generation with skills they can use professionally and personally. RYLA in District 7790 is a three-day program that takes place in September in Caratunk at Adventure Bound. It focuses on three key topics: leadership theories and finding your leadership style, communication skills, including public speaking, and collaboration and team building. This year’s event will include approximately 25 participants from Maine and Quebec, two of which are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houlton.
Delano will chair the Rotary Youth Exchange program for District 7790. He has been involved in the Youth Exchange Program since it began in the Houlton Club in 2003. He took over as chair of the program in 2008 and has worked with over 40 students coordinating and enjoying short-term exchanges in over 15 different countries. This is a short-term summer exchange, matching a local student with a student from a country of their choosing. They live with the host family and experience their culture, language, and food then reciprocate in their home and community. The total exchange lasts six to eight weeks.
Delano was the short-term exchange chair with District 7810 for five years, which included northern Maine and New Brunswick. Rotary International recently realigned districts and northern Maine became part of a well-established District 7790, which boosts an active Youth Exchange Program.
“I am happy to take on this role with our new district and provide life-changing opportunities to our youth across the State of Maine” states Delano. “It has been a true passion of mine as I have seen firsthand the positive impact the exchanges make on not only the individual students, but their friends and families as well. Not to mention the lifelong friendships that are established around the world.”
The Rotary Club of Houlton was established in 1920. Its members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Rotary International brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels. Houlton Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at 116 Main Street in Houlton.
