What is Rotaract?

Rotaract is an international organisation uniting young adults (18-30 years old) who wish to do something for the others. We try to support those less fortunate and in need, both in our local communities and internationally. We often aim our actions at the children from foster homes or from families stricken by poverty, the elderly, the people in need, as well as animals.

Through such activities the youth is able to develop their skills and tie new bonds – locally and globally – which eventually may turn into life-long friendships.

Rotaract is a partner of Rotary International – a global service organization.

History

Rotaract was found in 1968 as a program of Rotary International, with Rotaract Club of University of North Carolina-Charlotte, USA being the first Rotaract Club ever chartered.

Thanks to socio-economic transition in the ‘90s, we managed to strengthen the Rotaract Clubs in the whole world. In February 1991, the first Eastern European Rotaract Club was formed in Budapest, thanks to the support of the Rotaract members from Austria. We bonded even closer together, when the same Rotaractors helped to charter another Club in Prague, also in 1991.

In 1992, the Rotary International Board of Directors established the World Rotaract Week, taking place every year during the week of 13^th March to commemorate the founding of the first Rotaract Club. During this week, Rotaract members take part in meetings of their sponsoring Rotary Clubs, work together to bring their projects into life, and inform about perks and benefits from participating in the program. They also organize meet-ups between Clubs and promote Rotaract amongst young people.

There are over 7,300 Rotaract Clubs in 160 countries. As of now, Rotaract has almost 170,000 members worldwide.