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Rotaract is an international organization of service
clubs for men and women aged 18-30 that fosters leadership
and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical
standards in business and promotes international
understanding and peace.
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.
Today, there are some 165,000 members in more than 7,000
Rotaract Clubs in 151 countries. 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 two days-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.
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