Youth Protection
Every Rotary activity involving young people must be safe, respectful, and accountable. These are the standards every volunteer follows, and the forms clubs use to put them into practice.
Forms & Templates
Written permission from a parent or guardian before any photo, audio, or video of a minor is published. Parents fill it in online, sign on screen, and download a PDF, or clubs can print blank copies for paper collection.
For Club Presidents reporting a youth protection incident or allegation to the District Governor. Fill it in privately and download a confidential PDF, or print the blank template.
Reporting Mechanism
If an incident or allegation occurs during a RYLA event or any D3860 Rotary event with young people, the leader concerned (first point of contact) must follow these steps.
- Step 1Incident Identified or Suspected
Secure The Minor - Step 2Call Local Authorities / PNP / LSWDO
- Step 3Notify Club President within 1 Hour
- Step 4Club President immediately reports to Assistant Governor (AG) within 24 HoursUse the incident reporting template
- Step 5Assistant Governor escalates directly to District Youth Protection Officer (DYPO) and District Governor (DG) within 48 hours
- Step 6DG / DYPO formally submits an official incident report to the Youth Protection Team at the Rotary International Headquarters within 72 hours
CRITICAL NOTICE: Do not conduct any internal investigations. Preserve the facts and report immediately.
Standards of Conduct
Every volunteer working with youth in Rotary District 3860 is expected to follow these standards.
1.Two-Deep Leadership Rule
At least two screened adults must be present during all youth activities. One-on-one contact is prohibited unless in open, viewable areas.
2.Digital Safety
Online interactions must occur only in official groups. Private messaging between an adult and a youth is prohibited.
3.Safe Spaces
Volunteers must refrain from making sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, or transphobic remarks. Any form of gender-based harassment in public, workplace, or online spaces is strictly prohibited.
4.Prohibition of Abuse and Exploitation
Volunteers must not engage in any form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, exploitation, or cruelty toward youth. All interactions must prioritize the dignity, safety, and well-being of youth participants.
5.Ban on Online Sexual Exploitation
Volunteers are prohibited from producing, distributing, possessing, or streaming materials depicting child sexual abuse or exploitation. Online interactions must remain transparent, monitored, and strictly professional.
6.Anti-Voyeurism Standards
Unauthorized recording, copying, or distribution of photos or videos of private acts involving youth is strictly prohibited. Consent and privacy must be respected at all times.
7.Appropriate Physical Contact
Physical contact between adults and youth must be limited to what is appropriate, non-exploitative, and culturally respectful (e.g., handshakes, high-fives). Any form of intimate or suggestive contact is prohibited.
8.Alcohol, Drugs, and Inappropriate Environments
Youth activities must be conducted in safe, healthy environments. Volunteers must not provide or expose youth to alcohol, drugs, or sexually explicit materials.
9.Confidentiality and Respect for Privacy
Volunteers must protect the privacy of youth participants. Sharing of personal information is prohibited. Photos or videos of youth participants may only be taken and published with the prior consent of the youth and/or their parents or legal guardians. Unauthorized recording, use, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
10.Power Dynamics and Boundaries
Volunteers must avoid exploiting positions of authority. Romantic or sexual relationships between volunteers and youth participants are strictly prohibited.