Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 at
Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and has
grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organization of over 9,539 clubs spread
around the world and 219,397 members. It is a service, leadership and community
service organization for young men and women between the ages 18–30. Rotaract
focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities
and workplaces. Clubs around the world also take part in international service
projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to
the world. "Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in
Action", although the name originally comes from a combination of "Rotary" and
"Interact", the high school level program created by Rotary International
in 1962. Most Rotaract activities take place at
the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings, usually every two
weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions
or visits to other clubs. Club members get together on designated days for
service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development
workshops. The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an
opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that
will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and
social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all
people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.
To be eligible for membership, prospective members must be 18–30 years
of age, show that they are committed to Rotaract, and show that they are of good
standing in the community. After being approved by the club, prospective
members are 'inducted' to become members, also known as 'Rotaractors'.
Clubs generally charge a small annual membership fee to cover costs. San Diego
State Rotaract and Rotaract Club Of Heritage Institute Of Technology,
Kolkata and Rotaract Club Chandigarh Himalayan are the only known Rotaract
Clubs to conduct an interview process and the first one only allows in the top
50 leaders on campus who have a passion for "Service Above Self."
Programs Rotaract conducts many programs, which
are activities with a charitable purpose. The dual roles of Rotaract is
for young adults and college and university students to "give something
back." Many of these programs are fundraisers
held jointly with Rotary International for other charities - for example in
Ventura County, California for a YMCA and Boys' and Girls' club.
Around the world, many Rotaract clubs are also involved with providing direct
community service projects, for example, the Launchpad for youth from a group
home in Valletta, Malta, which allows the boys to become independent, Habitat
for Humanity in California, reaching out to help poor young children for
"Children's Empowerment Week" in Birmingham, Alabama, and America's
Second Harvest in Kansas, amongst many other good works.
MDIO Rotaract multidistrict information
organizations function as regional resource centers for Rotaractors. They
comprise Rotaract clubs in two or more districts, within a country or across
several countries. MDIOs are formed to disseminate information and facilitate
communication among Rotaract clubs in the participating districts.Rotaract
MDIOs are excellent vehicles for communicating program updates, local and
international news, and event bulletins, and for uniting Rotaractors from
different clubs and districts within a particular region. MDIOs frequently
offer Rotaractors information in the form of publications, Internet services,
and direct links with RI staff. See the Worldwide Rotaract Directory for
specific names, districts, and contacts. Get in touch with representatives of the
participating districts for more information.
Learning More More information about Rotaract can be
found at both the Rotary International website for Rotaract, as well as at
Rotaractor Wiki, an unofficial wiki project for Rotaractors by Rotaractors.
References