Rotaract (short for "Rotary in Action") is a service club sponsored by Rotary International for young men and women aged 18 to 30. These clubs are either community-based or university-based, and each is sponsored by a local Rotary club. This sponsorship makes Rotaract clubs true "partners in service" and key members of the Rotary family. The first-ever Rotaract club, the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte in North Carolina, was founded on March 13, 1968.

Since its inception, Rotaract has evolved into one of Rotary's most significant and rapidly growing service programs, with over 9,723 clubs in approximately 170 countries and geographical areas, and a membership exceeding 207,690 individuals.

Rotaract clubs are part of a global initiative to promote peace and international understanding, starting at the community level and extending worldwide. Members benefit from the resources of Rotary International (RI) and The Rotary Foundation, which provide the administrative support that helps Rotaract clubs thrive. The goals of Rotaract include:

• Developing professional and leadership skills.

• Promoting respect for the rights of others, recognizing the worth of every individual.

• Recognizing the dignity and value of all occupations as opportunities to serve.

• Practicing and promoting ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities.

• Understanding the needs, problems, and opportunities in the community and globally.

• Providing opportunities for service that foster international understanding and goodwill.

Rotaract clubs engage in a wide range of activities, from service projects to professional development, leadership development, and fellowships. The specific activities vary by club, tailored to the interests and needs of their members.

Service Projects

Guided by Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," Rotaract clubs are deeply involved in both local and international service. Clubs are required to complete at least two major service projects annually:

• Local Service Projects: Examples include adopting schools, park clean-ups, and community outreach.

• International Service Projects: Initiatives may focus on water purification, AIDS prevention, combating hunger, and addressing illiteracy.

Professional Development

Rotaract clubs also emphasize professional development, helping members navigate the work environment and explore business opportunities within their communities. Clubs offer activities such as:

• Professional and vocational forums

• Business technology updates

• Management and marketing seminars

• Conferences on business ethics

• Presentations on business finance options

In addition, Rotaract members benefit from networking opportunities with Rotarians, gaining valuable insights and mentorship.

Leadership Development

Leadership development is central to Rotaract's mission. Clubs offer training to help members become effective leaders in both their personal and professional lives. Key leadership development activities include:

• Improving public speaking skills

• Marketing the Rotaract program to potential members

• Building consensus and delegating responsibilities

• Promoting club projects and securing resources

• Evaluating project success

Fellowships

Rotaract clubs also focus on fellowship activities, which are essential for building camaraderie among members. These social activities vary by club but may include:

• Group meals at restaurants

• Visits to theme parks

• Board game nights

• Sports events (playing or watching)

• Participation in special community events

Rotaract is organized into districts worldwide, mirroring Rotary's district structure. At the district level, a District Rotaract Representative (DRR) leads and represents all clubs in their district to Rotary International.

Each Rotaract club has its own internal structure, typically including positions such as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, with additional roles defined in the club's by-laws.

RAC is an abbreviation for Rotaract Club.