The Birthplace of Rotaract
What is Rotaract?
Rotaract began as Rotary International youth program in 1968 sponsored by the Charlotte North Rotary Club at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It has grown into a major Rotary-Sponsored organization of over 9,539 clubs in 177 countries with 307,690 members. The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women, between the ages of 18030 years of age, to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service. Although Rotaract Clubs are sponsored by a Rotary Club, they act independently. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings 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. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world. (Wikipedia, November 24, 2016).
The photo above shows inaugural club members, CNR representative Charles Grier, and university officials plant a commemorative tree on the UNC-C campus in 1968. The photo and a detailed article, appeared in The Rotarian in June 1968.
The photos below show Rotaract Clubs today engaged in various service projects.
Here are two YouTube Videos that will give you a "feel" for Rotaract. Click the arrows to view the videos.
Rotaraction. We are Rotaract. 1:29 minutes
The Rotaract Song. 1:29 minutes
In 2015, Charlotte North Rotary Celebrated
the 48th Anniversary of the Founding of Rotaract
with a Party!
50th Anniversary Celebration
On June 1st, 2018, Rotary International held a reception at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Center City Campus to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Rotaract. Below is a photo of CNR member and former UNC-C professor Norm Schul, founding member of the first Rotaract Chapter John Lafferty, and incoming Rotary International President Barry Rassin at the reception. Below that is a photo of a plaque that Norm received on behalf of CNR to recognize the club's role in forming the first Rotaract Chapter.
