Erie Rotary Club’s Commitment to Youth Safety

The Erie Rotary Club is unwavering in its dedication to creating and upholding a safe environment for all youth engaged in our activities and events. We recognize the immense value of fostering a positive, nurturing, and secure atmosphere where young individuals can grow, learn, and thrive.

As part of this commitment, we ensure that all members, partners, and volunteers understand their responsibility to safeguard the well-being of minors and young adults in our programs. Through thorough training, regular background checks, and strict adherence to Rotary International’s Youth Protection policies, we strive to protect against physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

We are dedicated to leading by example, building trusted relationships with youth, and making safety a priority in every Rotary-sponsored program. By doing so, we aim to inspire the confidence of families and the broader community in our commitment to youth protection and well-being.

D5450 Youth Protection Training Request

Steps to Completing a Background Check

  1. Complete the Online Youth Protection Awareness Tutorial/Quiz
  2. Go to www.sterlingvolunteers.com and click on “log in” at the top right
  3. Under Volunteers, click on “Create an Account”
  4. Complete the registration information, accept the terms, and click Submit
  5. Once you are registered, log in and click on “Order Now”
  6. Enter the “Good Deeds” code:  w2rpj30
  7. The background check page will open
  8. PLEASE enter your information carefully, including your middle name
  9. Complete ALL information including payment information and click “Submit”

This document summarizes the Erie Rotary Club’s Youth & At-Risk Protection Policy.

Key Definitions

  • At-Risk Individual: Anyone requiring physical, mental, or developmental support.
  • Frequent and Recurring Contact: Significant, regular contact with Protected Individuals in Rotary-sponsored programs, occurring often and repeatedly, either supervised or unsupervised, in group or one-on-one settings.
  • Infrequent and Occasional Contact: Incidental and irregular contact with Protected Individuals, which doesn’t form a pattern, and may also be supervised or unsupervised, in group or one-on-one settings.
  • Protected Individuals: Individuals under 18 (Minors), those aged 18-21 (Young Adults), and At-Risk Individuals.
  • Volunteers: Adults involved in Rotary programs who interact with Protected Individuals.
  • Youth: Minors under 18 and Young Adults aged 18-21.

Responsibilities of All Rotarians

Rotarians are responsible for ensuring that all Erie Rotary Club programs involving Protected Individuals are conducted in a safe and supportive environment.

Rotary International’s Conduct Statement for Youth Protection (Oct 2019):
Rotary International is committed to providing a safe environment for all youth participants. Rotarians, their partners, and other volunteers should safeguard youth, protecting them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.

Club President Responsibilities

  1. Review the Policy: Familiarize yourself with the Erie Rotary Club’s Youth & At-Risk Protection Policy, guidelines, and the RI Youth Protection Guide to ensure all program implementations comply with these policies.
  2. Training Volunteers: Ensure all volunteers working with Protected Individuals review this summary or the RI Youth Protection Guide before August 31st of each Rotary year.
  3. Compliance Form: Submit the Club Compliance Form to the Erie Rotary Club’s Youth & At-Risk Protection Officers by August 31st.
  4. Background Checks for Frequent Contact Volunteers: Require volunteers with frequent, recurring contact with Protected Individuals to complete a District-approved background check and an online Youth Protection Awareness Tutorial/Quiz before contact.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Infrequent/Occasional Contact with Protected Individuals
Volunteers should review the Youth & At-Risk Protection Policy and the RI Youth Protection Guide (accessible on the District website).

Frequent/Recurring Contact with Protected Individuals

  1. Policy Review: Volunteers should review the Youth & At-Risk Protection Policy and the RI Youth Protection Guide.
  2. Background Check: Complete a District-approved background check.
  3. Tutorial/Quiz: Complete an online Youth Protection Awareness Tutorial/Quiz.

Note: Specific requirements apply to Rotary Youth Exchange and RYLA programs. Please refer to each program for details.

For questions, contact the Erie Rotary Club at eriecorotary@gmail.com.

Youth & At-Risk Protection Policy Summary