BY JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – District Governor Elect (DGE) Gilda “Gigi” Go has recently appointed Rotarian Attorney Katrina Mordeno as chairperson of the Youth Service Protection of District 3870.
As such, Lawyer Mordeno is expected to deliver worthwhile activities protecting the youth. She is also expected to lead young Rotaracts in its various activities for the Rotary Year 2023-2024.
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of our ability, we as Rotary members, our partners, and other volunteers are committed to safeguard the children and young people with whom we come into contact and we commit to protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
“To ensure that Rotary’s commitment to fostering environments that are safe and positive for young people and free from discrimination and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, I have appointed RTN. KATRINA MORDENO as the YOUTH SERVICE PROTECTION OFFICER of District 3870. She will also serve simultaneously as the DISTRICT LEGAL CONSULTANT,” the DGE said.
RTN KATRINA MORDENO is a lawyer by profession and is currently the President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Misamis Oriental Chapter. She belongs to the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro.
“Thank you very much, Atty. Kat, for accepting the appointment! Truly appreciate your willingness to be part of the District Leadership Team,” DGE Go added.
Youth Protection Policy
Rotary International is committed to protecting the youth involved in its various programs, projects, and activities. The organization has implemented a comprehensive Youth Protection Policy that outlines guidelines and procedures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of young people participating in Rotary-sponsored events.
The Rotary Youth Protection Policy applies to all Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, volunteers, and other individuals who work with youth in Rotary programs. The policy covers a wide range of topics, including screening and background checks for volunteers, training on recognizing and preventing child abuse, and reporting procedures for suspected abuse.
One of the key components of the Rotary Youth Protection Policy is the requirement for all volunteers who work with youth to undergo a thorough background check. This includes a criminal background check, reference checks, and verification of any professional licenses or certifications that the volunteer may hold. This process helps to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are working with youth in Rotary programs.
In addition to the background checks, Rotary also requires all volunteers to complete training on recognizing and preventing child abuse. This training provides volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and report suspected abuse, as well as strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for youth.
Rotary also has strict policies in place for reporting suspected abuse. Volunteers who suspect that a young person is being abused or neglected are required to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities, as well as to Rotary officials. This reporting process helps to ensure that any incidents of abuse are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
Overall, Rotary’s Youth Protection Policy is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people involved in Rotary programs. By requiring background checks, providing training on recognizing and preventing abuse, and establishing clear reporting procedures, Rotary is able to protect the young people it serves and maintain the integrity of its programs. ###
District Governor Elect Gilda “Gigi” Go, Rotary District 3870.
