About Us
Welcome to NAYEN (North American Youth Exchange Network), the premier regional association representing 167 districts in Canada, Mexico, and the United States which are involved in Rotary Youth Exchange.
As a leading organization, we provide students with life-changing experiences through cultural immersion programs that foster personal growth, leadership development, and global understanding.
Our network of passionate volunteers and host families ensures that each student is welcomed into a new culture with open arms. We believe that by living and learning together, we can create lasting connections that transcend borders and build bridges between nations.
NAYEN offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and customs while also improving language skills and gaining valuable insights into international affairs. Whether you are interested in studying abroad, hosting an exchange student, or simply supporting our mission, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) is to empower Rotary leaders, volunteers, and host communities with guidance and tools to create transformative exchange experiences that promote cultural understanding, foster global citizenship, and build a more peaceful world.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to provide unwavering support to every Rotary District in North America (Canada, USA and Mexico), empowering them to offer world-class Rotary Youth Exchange programs that promote the ideals of peace and unity.
By unanimous decision of the NAYEN board, we fully support the Rotary International Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement. This commitment reflects our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment within our organization and communities.
ROTARY'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
We believe that exemplifying and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be a part of everything we do at Rotary.
To ensure we live up to that ideal, the Board of Directors and our DEI Advisory Council acted to strengthen the DEI statement originally adopted in 2019:
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.