Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth programme in 1968 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It has now grown into a major organization of over 10,904 clubs spread around the world and over 203,000 members in 189 countries.
It is a service, leadership, professional and community service organisation for young men and women aged 18 and over.
Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.
“Rotaract” stands for “Rotary in Action”, although the name originally comes from a combination of “Rotary” and “Interact” (International + Action), the high school level programmr created by Rotary International in 1962.
Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings in person or virtually, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs.
Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops.
The avenues of service include Club Service, Community Service, International Service and Professional Development.
Rotaract clubs undertake various projects for the overall development of their members.
In 2019, Rotaract went from being a programme of Rotary International to being a membership type of Rotary International, elevating its status to resemble that of Rotary clubs.
As of July 1st, 2020, Rotaract clubs can exist on their own, or may be sponsored by Rotary and/or Rotaract clubs. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.
Aminul Islam is Rotaract’s District representative, heading up Rotaract clubs in Oxford, Maidenhead, Ascot, Thatcham and also at both Brunel and Reading universities.