2025 marks the official 50th anniversary of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. In that time, roughly 7,500 students per year have experienced new cultures, developed lasting friendships, and become global citizens. But it can’t work without your engagement. It takes 25,000 volunteers in total each year to facilitate this program.

There are many opportunities for volunteers to serve. You can be a host family, counselor, language tutor, or help to facilitate the program. If you’re a past volunteer to support Rotary Youth Exchange in your club or district, you’ve likely seen the tremendous effort it takes to facilitate the program. Providing a valuable, positive experience for students hosted abroad by Rotary members and nonmembers requires substantial time and effort from both the students and the volunteers.

An average of 4,755 clubs in certified districts participate each year. District leaders play important roles in facilitating and navigating complex administrative and safety procedures. With nearly 4,500 Rotarian host families offer their time, effort, and home to Rotary Youth Exchange students each year, there’s plenty of room for more. Is your club and district publicizing this service opportunity and recruiting new participants?