ROTARACT is an international program for young men and women ages 18 to 30 who believe they can make a difference. ROTARACT clubs provide an opportunity for young adults 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 f
riendship and service. ROTARACT was founded in 1968 by ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, a worldwide association of service-minded business and professional leaders. Today there are over 6,000 Rotary-supported ROTARACT clubs with more than 130,000 members in some 120 countries around the world. Clubs are either community-based or university-based. 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 also get together for service projects, social events or professional/leadership development workshops. ROTARACT clubs associate at the ROTARY district level where they are represented by an elected Rotaractor, the District ROTARACT Representative, and his or her committee. This association of clubs at the district level provides the opportunity for joint ROTARACT club conferences, project, training and leadership seminars and other cooperative activities. It also strengthens and promotes long-lasting friendships between club members. 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.
