Rotaract clubs are part of a global effort to bring
peace and international understanding to the
world. This effort starts at the community level
but knows no limits in its outreach. Rotaractors
have access to the many resources of Rotary
International (RI) and The Rotary Foundation. Rotary International provides the administrative
support that helps Rotaract clubs thrive. History
Rotaract has evo
lved quickly in its short but
dynamic history. In the early 1960s, Rotary clubs
around the world began to sponsor university
youth groups as community service projects. Hodges, and
the RI Board of Directors considered this club
activity to have international relevance, and
Rotaract was approved in 1968 as an official
program for Rotary clubs. The first club chartered
was the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, North
Carolina, USA, on 13 March 1968. Several decades later, the Rotaract program has
grown into a strong, international network of
7,300 clubs in more than 150 countries and
geographical areas. Rotaract’s 145,000 members
are young men and women (ages 18 to 30) who
serve the needs of their communities, widen their
personal and professional contacts, and increase
their understanding of the world.
