Rotaract

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs can be either community- or university-based, and are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. In addition to undertaking projects to assist their local communities and to advance international understanding, Rotaractors, as club members are commonly called, also engage in activities related to professional development and leadership training.

The first Rotaract club was chartered on 13 March, 1968, in North Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. Today there are nearly 6,554 Rotaract clubs in 146 countries with an estimated 150,000 members. Each year, Rotaractors from around the globe have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas during a forum scheduled immediately prior to the annual Rotary Convention.


Introduction to Rotaract
Rotaract clubs are part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world. This effort starts at the community level but knows no limits in its outreach. Rotaractors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Rotary International provides the administrative support that helps Rotaract clubs thrive.

Activities Undertaken by Rotaract Clubs
You might ask, "What exactly does a Rotaract club do?" Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending primarily on the interests of the club members. There are, however three types of activities within the Rotaract program that all clubs undertake 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.

Service Projects

Above all other principles, "Service Above Self" is the credo that guides Rotary. A Rotaract club's service projects are designed to improve the quality of life at home and abroad. These projects often address today's most critical issues, such as violence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, the environment and literacy. Each Rotaract club is required to complete at least two major service projects annually, one to serve the community and the other to promote international understanding. Each should involve all or most members of the club.

Lourdes College SLAC/Rotaract (Student Leader Advisory Council - Affiliated With Rotaract)
The Lourdes College Student Leader Advisory Council (SLAC), which is affiliated with Rotaract, is established to serve as a formal mechanism for a "student voice" on campus with respect to ideas, issues, and concerns regarding campus policies, programs, and activities. The organization serves the purpose that a more traditional student government would serve on campus. SLAC/Rotaract not only addresses policy issues, but also sponsors, funds, and coordinates programs that impact the entire student body. In addition, SLAC/Rotaract fosters communication, support, and sharing of encouragement and ideas among the representatives of formally recognized campus student organizations. Finally, SLAC/Rotaract promotes professional and leadership development among its members for personal career enhancement. SLAC's affiliation with Rotaract, which is the collegiate branch of Rotary International, indicates that it is officially associated with Rotary International and enjoys all the benefits and services provided.

Membership of SLAC/Rotaract is comprised of at least one representative from each student organization on campus. In addition, there is representation by "Members-At-Large," those students who are interested in being involved in SLAC/Rotaract, but are not members of an established campus organization. Members-At-Large self-nominate or volunteer to participate in SLAC. Essentially, all Lourdes College students are members of SLAC/Rotaract as they are represented by students from their organization or by Members-At-Large.

Lourdes College SLAC/Rotaract Activities:

• UNIENDO Americas Conference
• Wheelchair and Medical Supply donations to M.E.S.A
• Clothing Drive for Tegucigalpa Rotaract Club
• Sock Drive
• Mitten Drive

For more information, contact your local Rotary or Rotaract Club or RI Community Programs staff.