| Rotaract | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Self Development Through Fellowship and Service |
| Formation | 1968 |
| Type | Service club |
| Membership |
200,169 (June 30, 2011) |
| Official languages | English, Swedish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Korean, and Japanese |
| Website | www.rotaract.org |
Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth programme in 1968 and has now grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organisation of over 8,700 clubs spread around the world and 200,000 + members.[1][2] It is a service, leadership and community service organisation 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.[3]
"Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action",[4] although the name originally comes from a combination of "Rotary" and "Interact" (International + Action), the high school level programme created by Rotary International in 1962.[5]
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.[6][7]
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.[8]
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.[9]
Rotaract conducts many programs, which are activities with a charitable purpose. The dual roles of Rotaract is for young adults (18 to 30 years of age) and college and university students to "give something back."[10]
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.[11]
Around the world, many Rotaract chapters are also involved with providing direct community service projects, for example, the Launchpad for youth from a group home in Valetta, Malta, which allows the boys to become independent,[12] Habitat for Humanity in California,[13] reaching out to help poor young children for "Children's Empowerment Week" in Birmingham, Alabama,[14] and America's Second Harvest in Kansas,[15] amongst many other good works.
Other service organizations, such as the Lions Club, are also starting to reach out to young adults, in an effort to accomplish their charitable aims. Kiwanis International was the first to encourage young adults to serve the community, doing so with Circle K International, created in 1934.[16]