Rotaract

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rotaract is one of a series of youth programmes created by Rotary International, which focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces by training and community service, locally and worldwide.

Rotaract was founded in 1968 by Rotary International, a worldwide association of service-minded business and professional leaders. Today there are more than 7,500 Rotary-sponsored Rotaract Clubs in some 156 countries around the world, with over 173,000 members. "Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action". And although this action was created in 1968, it had many earlier predecessors such as the "20/30 Clubs" and the "Round Table Clubs".

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.

The goals of Rotaract are:

1. To develop professional and leadership skills;

2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others, and to promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful occupations;

3. To provide opportunities for young people to address the needs and concerns of the community and our world;

4. To provide opportunities for working in cooperation with sponsoring Rotary clubs;

5. To motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary.

Rotaract members are 18-30 years of age and are also known as Rotaractors.