What is Rotaract and what is its purpose?
Rotaract clubs are the youth branch of Rotary International (RI) housed under the New Generations avenue of service. The members of Rotaract clubs are men and women typically between the ages of 18 and 30, from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. Currently our district has four community based Rotaract clubs (Cloverdale, Fraser Valley, Langley, and Tri-Cities). Community based clubs are clubs that are based in the community while university or college based clubs hold meetings on their respective campuses.
Rotaract has the following goals:
- 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 toward all people
These goals are accomplished through local and international service projects by individual Rotaract groups, in conjunction with other Rotaractors in the same district, with clubs in the same geographic area or country, or internationally. By using the extensive Rotaract and Rotary networks, including the Rotary Foundation, the scope of project success really has no limit!
Rotaractors take part in vocational activities through a number of different methods which may include but are not limited to: joining a mentoring program with Rotarians in the district, establishing a peer mentoring outreach program, or mentoring Interact club members at a local high school or community based Interact club.
As in an educational or professional career, fellowship and networking events are not only fun to attend but provide valuable contacts and relationships for maintaining successful projects as well as a vibrant club life. Periodically clubs will host fellowship events or will join with the district to hold a mass outing for Rotaractors to get together and share ideas, or simply let loose!