Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored international service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace.

How does it work? - All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

What are some other opportunities available to Rotaractors?
Rotaractors may also- Assist in organizing Interact clubs or mentor Interactors ; Participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards ; Become Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars or Group Study Exchange team members ; Seek membership in their local Rotary club

Rotaract clubs are usually community-based or university-based and are sponsored by a local Rotary club making them true "partners in service" and key members of the Rotary family.

Through the Rotaract program, young adults not only augment their knowledge and skills, but they also address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international.

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon. Today there are over 7,500 clubs in over 150 countries with an estimated membership of 170,000 young men and women worldwide.

Rotaractors also often spearhead the formation of Interact clubs and participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Rotaractors also can go on to become Ambassadorial Scholars or Group Study Exchange team members.

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. Rotaract Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and action. The first officially chartered Rotaract Club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1968, but clubs of young people associated in service with local Rotary Clubs had existed for several years in India and Europe.

The first Rotaract club was chartered on 13 March, 1968, in North Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. Today there are nearly 6,554 Rotaract clubs in 146 countries with an estimated 150,000 members. Each year, Rotaractors from around the globe have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas during a forum scheduled immediately prior to the annual Rotary Convention. Clubs draw members from the community or are organized as an extracurricular activity for college students.

Rotaract Clubs conduct formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions, and visits to other clubs. Rotaractors utilize weekends for service project work, social events, and professional and leadership development workshops.

Every Rotaract Club is part of a district Rotaract organization, run by elected representatives with support from sponsoring Rotarians. The district organization plans regional conferences, develops regional projects, holds club leadership training programs, and sponsors special events to strengthen the bond among clubs.

Rotaract functions internationally through a committee of Rotaractors and Rotarians. This committee works with Rotary International to plan an annual day-long forum held prior to the Rotary international convention. This event offers Rotaractors from all over the world the chance to meet, discuss issues of mutual interest, and develop friendships based on international goodwill and understanding. Every three years Rotaractors conduct another international meeting called Interota, named from the words international and Rotaract.

The goals of Rotaract:

• To develop professional and leadership skills.
• To emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual.
• To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve.
• To recognize, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide.
• To provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understanding and goodwill to all people.

Rotaract e-Clubs Pilot Project: In February 2006, the Board agreed to extend the pilot project through 2008-09. Using electronic technology as the primary means of communication among members, the pilot project is testing an alternative Rotaract club model.

The e-clubs may help promote membership growth and retention for Rotaract clubs that struggle to hold regular meetings and expand membership. Any Rotaract club, either newly formed or currently active, that wishes to participate in the pilot project may apply. If you would like more information on how to start your own Rotaract e-club, please contact us .

Visit the Web sites for the two Rotaract e-clubs: Nations Working Together and e-Rotaract Club of Rotary District 7490.

Visit Rotaract Int'l Website * Visit our District's Interact Page * Earlyact Page * RYLA Page