This summer's middle school and high school conferences are scheduled for Sunday, July 27 to Wednesday, July 30, 2008 @ LaRoche College.

The Rotary-Gateway Teen Leadership Institute (RGTLI) is an annual Leadership, Prevention, and Service program for teens sponsored by Rotary District #7300 and Gateway Rehabilitation Center. RGTLI is a Program Member of the National Association of Teen Institutes and is based on the Teen Institutes model framework. RGTLI promotes development of individual leadership styles and teen abstinence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. We believe "Peer Prevention Works" and therefore train teens to educate and support each other.

GOALS OF THE RGTLI

To develop teen leadership skills and personal potential

To train teens to implement effective service/ prevention projects

To educate teens and adults about alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and healthy lifestyles

To train adults to guide and support teen prevention endeavors

To train teens and adults to effectively advocate for prevention

HOW DOES RGTLI WORK?

RGTLI is an annual, overnight training program. The agenda offers participants interactive courses, confidence building exercises, workshops, and games that focus on the goals of RGTLI. Social and recreational activities are an integral part of the RGTLI experience.

All RGTLI participants attend daily motivational presentations and take part in small, staff facilitated "Family Groups". "Family groups" provide members opportunities to share ideas, discuss presentations and process their individual experiences.

Teen participants attend Leadership Seminars to develop skills necessary to effectively develop and implement prevention projects in their schools and communities. Participants will develop a written prevention plan, which they can implement in their schools and communities. Participants have many opportunities to expand their positive peer networks and have a great time!

WHO ATTENDS ROTARY-GATEWAY TEEN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE?

To qualify for acceptance to the RGTLI, a teen applicant must:
     - be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade to attend the Senior High session; or be entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade
       to attend the Junior/ Middle School session.
     - have demonstrated leadership abilities or potential.
     - be committed to an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-free lifestyle.
     - be able to attend the entire RGTLI session (overnight for 4 days).
     - be committed to implementing prevention projects in his/her school or community during the school year.

When the number of qualified applicants exceeds 100 participants for each session, the RGTLI Planning Committee attempts to:
     - achieve a balance between males and females.
     - secure representation from all participating Rotary Clubs and geographic areas (rural/urban/suburban).
     - assure racial and cultural representation reflecting Pennsylvania's diversity.

WHO ARE THE STAFF?

RGTLI is administrated and coordinated by professionals carefully selected from alcohol and drug agencies, school systems, or other community organizations. Additionally, adults from the community volunteer and former participants return as youth staff volunteers.

The RGTLI program and staff are coordinated, supervised, and trained and by:

Paul Granger, RGTLI Director, Outreach Specialist, Gateway Rehabilitation Center
Karen Vadino, MSW, OCPC, LPCC
Cathy Loomis, CCDC-III E, LPC, OCPS II, Lake Area Recovery Center

HOW DO I APPLY?

You must be nominated by a School representative, Youth Advisor/ Mentor, or Rotary Club member.
2008 Nomination Form

Any questions regarding this summer's RGTLI sessions can be directed to:
Paul Granger
1.800.472.1177 ext. 1257
paul.granger@gatewayrehab.org