About Rotaract

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages from 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club making them true "partners in service". 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 understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.
All Rotaract efforts begin at the local grassroots level and all Rotaract clubs have access to the many resources of Rotary International and "The Rotary Foundation". In 1968, Rotaract was approved as an official program for Rotary clubs. The first chartered club was the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, on 13 March 1968. Several decades later, the Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network of 7,300 clubs in more than 163 countries and geographical areas

Organizing a Rotaract club is one of the most rewarding activities a Rotary club can undertake in its community. The Rotaract program gives Rotarians the opportunity to mentor dynamic young women and men interested in providing service to their own communities as well as the global community. In turn, a Rotaract club can bring new energy to a Rotary club, inspire fresh ideas for service, increase support for projects, and help develop future Rotary club members.

Rotaract has the following goals:

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

Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending primarily on the interests of the club members. However, within the Rotaract program, all clubs undertake three types of activities in varying degrees: professional development, leadership development, and service projects. Together, these three areas ensure a balanced club program and provide important experience and opportunities for the personal development of each Rotaractor.