History
The idea for Rotaract grew out of Interact (Rotary’s program for younger students, founded in 1962).
Rotary members wanted a similar path for college students and young adults past Interact’s age limit.
Rotary International approved Rotaract in January 1968.
The first Rotaract club was certified on 13 March 1968 at the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Charlotte-North, North Carolina, USA.
New clubs quickly spread across the United States, Mexico, Italy, and India; within about a year there were
more than 200 clubs in over 25 countries and areas.
The name Rotaract blends “Rotary” and “action.”
An unofficial motto many clubs use is Fellowship Through Service.
At the 2019 Council on Legislation, Rotary amended its constitution to recognize
Rotaract as a membership type in Rotary International.
Today, Rotaract clubs bring together young professionals and students committed to
service and leadership at home and abroad. Every Rotaract club is sponsored by a Rotary club—ours by
Rotary Club of Kano.
1968: Expanding our reach with Rotaract
(Rotary International).
Purpose & goals
Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18 and older to
exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills,
and have fun through service.
Around the world, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action where they live.
Members decide how to organize and run their clubs, manage funds, and plan service projects.
Sponsor Rotary clubs offer guidance and support and serve as partners in service—not bosses of day-to-day club life.
That balance keeps Rotaract rooted in Rotary’s spirit while giving young leaders room to grow.
Rotaract clubs
(Rotary International).
