Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. The clubs are usually community-based or university-based and are sponsored by a local Rotary club making them true "partners in service" and key members of the Rotary family.
Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending primarily on the interest of the club members. However, within the Rotaract program, all clubs undertake three types of activities in varying degrees: professional development, leadership development and service projects. Together these three areas ensure a balanced club program and provide important experience and opportunities for the personal development of each Rotaractor.
A Rotaract club's professional development activities should expand the members' understanding of the work environment and business opportunities within their community. These activities should highlight the Rotaractors' role in the community's economic development and illustrate how skills developed through service activities can help in resolving problems in the workplace.
A club's leadership development activities aim not only to make members more effective leaders in their personal lives, but also to teach them how to develop and sustain strong clubs with relevant projects.
A Rotaract club's service projects are designed to improve the quality of life at home and abroad. Theese projects often address today's most critical issues, such as violence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, the environment and illiteracy.
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, practice, and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities
To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve
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