Rotaract
About Rotaract International
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.
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.
As one of Rotary’s most significant and fastest-growing service programs, with more than 7,000 clubs in about 163 countries and geographical areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.
History of Rotaract
Rotaract, Rotary International’s service club program for young adults ages 18-30, was officially inaugurated during January 1968 under RI President Luther Hodges. On 13 March 1968, the Rotaract Club of the University of North Carolina, sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, was the first Rotaract club to receive its official charter. Although this club is recognized as the first Rotaract club, Rotarians have been sponsoring similar organizations for young adults since the early 1920s.
Rotary club-sponsored groups continued to spring up simultaneously and independently around the globe. Unisserve clubs in India, Orbis clubs in South America, Rotors clubs in South Africa, Paul Harris Circles in Europe, and Quadrant clubs in the United States are some of the best-known examples. Eventually, these clubs would provide the base for the future growth of Rotaract as the clubs adopted new names under the Rotaract program.
Rotaract at District Level
Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings, usually every one or two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs. Club members get together for service projects, social events or professional / leadership workshops and seminars.
Rotaract clubs associate at the Rotary district level where they are represented by an elected Rotaractor, the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) and his / her committee referred to as the District Council. This association of clubs at the district level provides the opportunity for joint Rotaract club conferences, projects, training and leadership seminars and other cooperative activities. It also strengthens and promotes long-lasting friendships between club members.
Rotaract at International Level
At the international level Rotaractors and Rotarians have the opportunity to attend an annual 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 bonds of international understanding and goodwill. When young people join Rotaract, they join a community which extends across the world, bringing friendship and hope to the lives of people around them.
First Rotaract Club in the World:
Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, RID 7670.
Chartered on: 13th March 1968.
First Rotaract Club in India:
Rotaract Club of Secunderbad,RID 3150.
Chartered on: 2nd April 1968.
First Rotaract Club in Nepal:
Rotaract Club of Birgunj
Chartered on: 13th March 1991
ROTARACT IN RID 3290 and 3292
This District was earlier part of North-East India, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh and Nepal. In 1977-78 the district was numbered as RI District 329. 1983 saw the formation of RI District 328 containing entire Bangladesh. In 1990 our district further broke into RI Districts 329 and 324.
Then the parts of West Bengal (southern part), Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Nepal became RI District 3290. Currently there are 25 clubs in India and 42 clubs in Nepal.
Nepal became separate district 3292 with effective from July 1st 2008.
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
Rotaractors are encouraged to keep their contact information current .
How can I learn more?
For more information about Rotaract in your area, contact your local Rotary club , or e-mail RI staff . Visit the Rotaract Discussion Forum to view or participate in conversations about club projects and activities with Rotaractors from around the world.
- Download the Rotaract Handbook (PDF) and the Rotaract Brochure (PDF).
- Read more about Rotaract events .
- Download e-club information (PDF) and the form for participating in the pilot project (PDF).
- Read about Rotaract twin clubs .
- Read about outstanding Rotaract projects .
