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.

ROTARY'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
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.
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.
OUR HISTORY
2000
First conference for those in RYE (US/Canada)
2000-2002
District of the Year Award
YEOtalk Initiated
2002-2003
Gift Exchange Initiated
Increased RYE attendance @ Conferences
2003-2005
Development of YEO Resources Online Tools
First Night Questions in Multi Languages
2005-2007
Applications updated into fillable PDF with EEMA
Multi-lingual Brochures
2007-2009
Exec, Conference, By-Laws, Insurance, Committees Formed
Mexico Joins - NAYEN & Committee Structure created
Renamed - North American Youth Exchange Network - NAYEN
2009-2011
Move from RI Zones to regions based on MultiDistricts/Districts
2011-2013
Online Training & Conference Guidelines Developed
RI Formalizes representation via RI RYE staff, RI RYE Committee, EEMA & ABIJ
2013-2015
Strategic Plan & NAYEN Specific Goals
Mission Statement, 5 Strategic Priorities, 10 Goals
2015-2017
Bylaws Revision, Formal Financial Policy, Funding Model
Development of online training modules
Directors assigned to committees to develop leadership
2017-2019
Created and improved processes (Long-term application & Uniform Exchange agreement)
NAYEN DEI committee
Marketing Initiative with Recruiting website
ROTEX North America
2020-2022
COVID - Survival - Holding Pattern
