History

Rotaract was founded with the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, Carolina being the first club to be chartered on March 13, 1968.

However, as early as 1935, Paul Harris encountered a youth organization based on Rotary principles in Australia. In the 1950’s many youth clubs were sponsored by Rotary clubs under various names. These included the “Paul Harris Circles” in Europe and the “Rotors” clubs created in some American Universities.

In 1965, these organizations experienced significant growth – in part due to the Interact program created by Rotary International in 1962. Many Interactors, having reached the age limit of that program, were starting new types of clubs called “Senior Interact”.

The new program’s name, Rotaract, was created by Rotary International as a combination of the words “Rotary” and “Action”. The aim of the program was stated to be “to develop leadership and responsible citizenship through service to the community.” Following the founding of the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, many existing Rotary based youth clubs changed their names to become an official Rotaract club. In the 1990’s, Rotaractors combined their organizations on an international level with the creation of Multi-District Organizations in Europe, Australia and South America. There are over 184,000 Rotaractors in more than 8,000 clubs in about 163 countries and geographical areas. Internationally, Rotaract is strong in Asia, Africa and South America as well as Europe, where Rotary membership may be exclusive or expensive.

• 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 server

• To recognize the dignity and value of all 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 toward all people.

Fellowship Through Service

The “Fellowship Through Service” phrase is the official motto of Rotaract representing the spirit, and enthusiasm of individuals who are bonded through Rotaract experience.

Rotaract believes in “Fellowship Through Service” and is committed to making a difference at the local grassroots level with members addressing their communities’ needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

Service Above Self

The “Service Above Self” phrase is of tremendous importance. It is the official motto of the Rotary Clubs of the world. The “Service Above Self” motto is an expression of Rotary/Rotaract dedication to serve the community, and is the thread that runs throughout the Rotary world and unites like-mind people in thought and action, no matter in what part of the world they live.

Guiding Principles

The principles of Rotaract are based on the fundamental Rotary ideal of Service Above Self. This calls on Rotaractors and Rotarians to put service to their communities above all else. This is further supported by the ideal of Fellowship through Service, which focuses on the building of bonds of friendship among the Rotaract membership while working together in partnership to serve their community. These principles are embodied within the Rotary Four-Way Test, a challenge for Rotaractors and Rotarians to live by in their personal and professional lives.

These principles have been developed over the years to provide a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

Objective of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

2. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

3. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Do you want to be part of a global community of young adults taking action for positive change? Are you looking for the chance to share your ideas and look at the world’s challenges in a new way? Join a Rotaract club and find all this and more, including:

• Hands-on service projects

• Fun networking and social activities

• Professional development opportunities

• An international network of young leaders

Please browse the list of Rotaract clubs in District 7020 or contact a local Rotary club to find out if there’s a Rotaract club in your area. Reach out to the Rotaract club nearest you to find out about its next meeting, service project, or social event. If you’re interested in learning more about Rotaract, watch “What is Rotaract” to see how Rotaract clubs worldwide are using their energy, experience, and education to address issues that are important to them.