The Council, Rotary’s “parliament,” meets every three years to deliberate and act upon all proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by clubs, district conferences, the General Council and Conference of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, and the RI Board. The Council itself also makes proposals.  

The COL meet in Chicago over the past week and considered over 200 proposals. One of those that passed was to add a fifth Avenue of Service: New Generations.

After adopting an amendment to change the name from Youth Service, as originally proposed, to New Generations, the Council narrowly supported the addition to article 5 of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. The 263-250 vote was received by surprised gasps and applause after a short debate.

New Generations joins Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the foundation of club activity. Before starting a project, Rotarians are asked to think broadly about how their club and its members could contribute within each avenue.

“It’s a significant change – a historic day in Rotary,” said Council Chair Mark Daniel Maloney. “Rotarians have always strongly supported youth activities even though they were never part of the four Avenues of Service. I think this strengthens our commitment.”

The Avenue of New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

Representative Ronald P. Sekkel, of District 5170 (California, USA), proposed the enactment by saying that New Generations is the future of Rotary.