After World War II, Rotary Youth Exchange took on a new meaning. In addition to a means of cultural exchange, it became a way to build peace between nations. 

Bill Pritchard, who is now District 6250 Rotary Youth Exchange Chair, shared this and other insights about the program with the Rotary Club at its July 6 meeting, saying today, the program again seems necessary for peace-building.

Bill had just spoken to Waunakee’s incoming student and said the club will be blessed to have her, and the members’ lives will be changed afterwards. 

Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program was unofficially established after 1927, when a French Rotarian was looking to have his daughter travel to another country and to host a young person. 

Other families in Europe in 1928 did just that, and in 1937, the United States became involved. 

Bill is hoping to grow the program, he said. The last outbound Waunakee student went to Brazil for the 1917-18 school year. But many students have what Bill called a “glimmer in their eye,” a desire to travel and gain new experiences. They just need to learn about Rotary Youth Exchange, he said, adding he plans to make the program known to high school foreign language teachers and guidance counselors.

One way to introduce students to the program is through a short-term exchange program, a two-week rather than year-long experience that’s a bit less intimidating.

Bill noted that in the past, the United States was nearly the No. 1 or No. 2 choice among Rotary Exchange students for destinations. 

But now for European students, this country has fallen from No. 1 or No. 2 to No. 30, Bill said, noting that from watching  American news stations, they get the impression that shootings are a daily occurrence in each school. When American students go abroad, they become ambassadors who can change those perceptions. 

Bill challenged each Rotarian to find young people who can be ambassadors for the United States. 

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Other News:

-The Sun Prairie Rotary Club’s Charity Golf Outing is Aug. 3 with proceeds going to Rotary and three other nonprofits. If you’re interested, call Mark Olsen at (608) 358-7929 or email oleolsen0166@yahoo.com. 

-The Waunakee Rotary Club’s senior picnic is at Centennial Park July 12 starting at 11 a.m. Also on July 12, there will be a time for fellowship at 4 p.m. at Castle Creek Conservancy on Division Street to look at one of the bridges. More time for fellowship will follow afterwards at Red and White Wine Bar. 

Guests: Sally Gile, guest of Ken Ballweg; Rick Holsinger and Bill Pritchard, guests of the club; Lynn Nott, guest of Mick Holm. 

Visiting Rotarians: Bill Pritchard and Toni Pabon. 

Birthdays: July 17, Jean Elvekrog.Anniversaries: July 17, Allan and Lynn Dassow; July 17, Roberta Baumann and Tim Brubaker.

Greeters: July 13; Don Tierney and Jon Townley; July 20; Max Ujdak and Sarah Vergeront; July 27, Ryan Walsh and Sean Wayne.