RotaKids are aged 12 and under, they are citizens of today shaping the ​future for themselves and us all.

Each year they commit to the above Pledge: ‘As a RotaKid, I endeavour to be fair ​to all, to serve my community and to show respect for others’.

They believe that achievement, peace, friendship and fun go hand in hand. 

As the youngest members within the Rotary family, initiating and supporting ​RotaKids clubs is rewarding for all concerned. RotaKids groups can serve as a ​gateway for young people into a lifelong engagement with Rotary, offering them ​invaluable opportunities. 

RotaKids fosters a platform for children to learn and develop new skills, broaden ​their knowledge, and boost their self-confidence through working collaboratively ​and having fun.

By pooling their ideas, enthusiasm and determination they devise ways to make ​a positive difference for themselves and others – locally and globally. 

Anthony Chick serves as the District 1190 Youth Lead for Rotary in Cumbria and ​Lancashire where they started RotaKids clubs in 2010/11.

Remarkably the District now boasts 54 groups, primarily situated in schools, with ​some Rotary clubs mentoring multiple groups. These groups typically have 25 to ​30 members. 

The chartering of a new RotaKids club marks a significant occasion, often ​celebrated with involvement from the entire school or community group. 

Supported by Rotarian mentors and the teachers, youth or community leaders ​involved with the RotaKids group, the children run their own meetings, elect ​officers, make decisions and choose their own activities and projects.

They strive towards achieving the RotaKids Citation by undertaking at least three ​of eight activities such as: making a presentation about what they have done and ​how they have made a difference, an activity promoting international ​understanding, and a fundraiser or awareness campaign for polio eradication.

District 1190 are looking forward to their 10th annual RotaKids Conference in June. Each of the 54 groups nominate four representatives, accompanied by an appropriate adult, for this event which features a variety of learning and activity workshops, opportunities for sharing experiences and insights and a plenary session. 

In 2019, the conference welcomed contributions from the River Ribble Trust, Lune Valley Beekeepers, Barton Grange, NW Cancer Research, Sign Language at Morecambe Road School, Milnthorpe First Responders, Blackpool Polio Project, Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Music and Drumming – all of whom gave their time freely.

The plenary session saw a very interesting talk by Lower Furness RotaKids about their Palm Oil studies, and Carnforth Community RotaKids talked about “…a year in the life of…”. The event culminated with the presentation of Citations by District Governor Kath Bromilow.