Reading Maiden Erlegh District 1090, Central Southern England

What is Rotaract? Rotaract is an international organization of service clubs for men and women aged between 18 and 30 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace. Rotaract Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and action. The first officially chartered Rotaract Club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1968, but clubs of young people associated in service with local Rotary Clubs had existed for several years in India and Europe. Today, there are some 155,000 members in more than 6,750 Rotaract Clubs in 146 countries. Clubs draw members from the community or are organized as an extracurricular activity for college students. What Does Rotaract Do? Rotaract Clubs conduct formal meetings usually every two weeks which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions, and visits to other clubs. Rotaractors utilize weekends for service project work, social events, and professional and leadership development workshops. In many of the larger districts, joint events are held with other neighbouring clubs most weekends. This can be a theme disco, a quiz night or a dinner dance. Some national Rotaract events are also organised. There are currently about 3,000 Rotaractors in Great Britain and Ireland, giving you the opportunity to meet lots of new people. Rotaractors also make a difference in their local community, including raising funds for charities, and activities such as gardening, marshalling or helping the elderly. Rotaract helps you, helps others, enhances your social circle and is fun! How Is Rotaract Organised? Every Rotaract Club is part of a district Rotaract organization, run by elected representatives with support from sponsoring Rotarians. The district organization plans regional conferences, develops regional projects, holds club leadership training programs, and sponsors special events to strengthen the bond among clubs. Rotaract functions internationally through a committee of Rotaractors and Rotarians. This committee works with Rotary International to plan an annual two days-long forum held prior to the Rotary international convention. This event offers Rotaractors from all over the world the chance to meet, discuss issues of mutual interest, and develop friendships based on international goodwill and understanding. Every three years Rotaractors conduct another international meeting called Interota, named from the words international and Rotaract. The Goals of Rotaract: 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 the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve. To recognize, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities. 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 to all people. How Can I Contact Rotaract? Rotaract is an organisation open to all 18 to 30 year olds, male and female - it has no political or religious affiliations. There are over 200 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, and more than 6,000 in the whole world. Each club organises its own social activities, which could just be a trip down the pub, ten-pin bowling, or maybe a meal, a theatre trip, or even a holiday abroad. There is a Rotaract Club in Reading and many others around the UK which you can see by clicking here to find the closest one to your location.