Rotaract

Infobox Non-profit
Non-profit_name = Rotaract
Non-profit_
founded_date = 1968
origins = The Rotary International Family
area_served = World Wide
focus =
num_members = 173, 000
Non-profit_slogan = Fellowship Through Service
Non-profit_elaboration = Rotary in Action
homepage = [http://www.rotaract.org Official Rotaract site]

Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth programme in 1968 and has now grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organisation of over 7,000 clubs spread around the world and 170,000 + members. [ [http://www.rotaract.org/ Official Rotaract Website ] , Accessed May 06, 2008] . ] It is a professional 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. [ [http://www.uowrotaract.org/about.html Rotaract Club of UOW - About Rotaract] , Accessed May 06, 2008] . ]

"Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action", [ [http://www.rotaract9470.org/southperth/about/history/index.php Rotaract Club of South Perth ] , Accessed May 06, 2008] . ] although the name originally comes from a combination of "Interact" (International + Action), the high school level programme created by Rotary International in 1962. [ [http://rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/654en.pdf] . ]

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. [ [http://www.sydneycityrotaract.org/about.htm Sydney City Rotaract Club ] , Accessed May 06, 2008] . ]

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. [ [http://www.rotarnet.com.au/users/R/darwin/Index1024.htm Darwin Rotaract Club ] , Accessed May 06, 2008] . ]

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. [ [http://www.rotarnet.com.au/users/R/R9750DIS/PDF/Draft%20Training%20Manual.pdf Rotaract District 9750] , Training Manual for Rotaract Clubs of District 9750, Accessed May 06, 2008] . ]

Programs

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." [Staff, "Have fun and give something back", Parkes (Australia) Champion-Post, 6 February 2008, found at [http://parkes.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/have-fun-and-give-something-back/1176438.html Parkes Champion-Post article] . Accessed February 26, 2008] .]

Many of these programs are fundraisers held jointly with Rotary International for other charities, including in Ventura County, California for a YMCA and Boys' and Girls' club. [Staff, "Rotary Club will hold Mexican dinner", Ventura County Star, February 18, 2008, found at [http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/feb/18/rotary-club-will-hold-mexican-dinner/ Ventura County Star article of Feb. 18, 2008] ; David M. Smith, "Camarillo Rotary Club to host "Viva La Comida" event", February 15, 2008, found at [http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/feb/15/camarillo-rotary-club-to-host-quotviva-la-event/ Ventura County Star article of Feb. 15, 2008. Both accessed February 26, 2008] .]

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, [Claudia Calleja, "Youngsters embark on a launch pad for life", The Malta Times, 27th January 2008, fiund at [http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080127/local/youngsters-embark-on-a-launch-pad-for-life Times of Malta article on "Launchpad"] . Accessed February 26, 2008.] Habitat for Humanity in California, [Shannon Urtowski, "A professor to 'count' on", The Graphic, (Pepperdine University college newspaper), February 26, 2008 found at [http://graphic.pepperdine.edu/news/2008/2008-1-31-professor.htm Pepperdine Graphic article] . Accessed February 26, 2008.] reaching out to help poor young children for "Children's Empowerment Week" in Birmingham, Alabama, [Lisa Osborne, "Young professionals spend week reaching out to kids: Lessons focus on unity, opportunity", The Birmingham News, September 16, 2007, found at [http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1189931602140670.xml&coll=2 Birmingham News article] ; Broadcast Television story, "FOX6 at your school", 18 Sep. 2007, found at [http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=4392686&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.8.1 Fox Broadcast] . Both accessed February 26, 2008.] and America's Second Harvest in Kansas, ["Community Service Group For Young Adults in Tri-Cities Looking For New Members", February 13, 2008, found at [http://www.kndo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7863879&nav=menu484_2_9 KNDO news story] . Accessed February 26, 2008.] 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. [Genevieve Marshall, "Lions Club adding Lehigh Valley youth to its pride: Chapters of the volunteer organization starting up at colleges, universities," The Morning Call (Lehigh Valley, PA), January 28, 2008, found at [http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5lions.6226566jan28,0,609324.story Morning Call article about the Lions Club] . Accessed February 26, 2008.]

ee also

* Rotary International
* Rotary Interact
* iRotaract.com [http://www.rotaract3280.org Official web site of the rotaract district 3280, Bangladesh ]

[http://rotaractsyrou2.blogspot.com Official blog of RAC Hermoupolis, 2470 District R.I.] [http://www.irotaract.com An Exclusive Social Network for all the Rotaractors Worldwide: A Project By Rotaract Club of Navi Mumbai Hillside RID 3140.]

References

[http://www.irotaract.com]