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The Rotaract clubs are of two types :

i). Community based in which any youth who is eligible can become member.

ii). Institutional based in which members of that particular institute can become members.

WHY START A ROTARACT CLUB?

The purpose of a Rotaract club is to provide young men and women (age 18 to 30) with an opportunity 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.

ROTARACT CLUB GOALS

* Develop professional and leadership skills.

* Emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual.

* Recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities and vocational

responsibilities.

* Develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems, and opportunities in the

community and worldwide.

* Provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote

international understanding and goodwill toward all people.

BRIEF HISTORY OF ROTARACT

When in May 1967 the Rotary International Board adopted a plan by which a Rotary club could organize and sponsor for young adults between the age 18 to 28 years (Now it is 18 to 30 years) on voluntary basic, youth unrest, campus war, student indiscipline etc. was in the air.

The first Rotaract: Rotaract club of North Charlotte North Caroline was formed on 13th March, 1968. Rtr. William Baumagarden was the first Rotaract President. The first club in India was Rotaract CLub of Secunderabad formed on 2nd April 1968. The 1st Indian Rotaract was Rtr. Vasant Roy.

ROTARACT CLUB ACTIVITIES

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

Rotaract builds leaders and leaders build strong clubs with effective programs. Towards this end Rotaract clubs organize communication and public speaking seminars; talks on effective club administration; training programs for club officers; workshops that explore ways to organize and promote club projects; informative meetings about Rotary programs and activities.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Rotary clubs carry out at least one community service project each year in an effort to improve the lives of the people around them. The possibilities for worth while projects are endless. To name just a few: Rotaractors volunteer as tutors in literacy programs; offer job training to the unemployed; assist at orphanages and day care centers; arrange outings and other activities for senior citizens. organize community clean ups; develop recreation areas and other wise work to improve the environments.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Early career decisions are critical ones. Rotaract clubs helps their members make the most informed choices through marketing and management seminars; and career planning programs; and business technology updates. Business and professional support from successful Rotarians help make these programs especially valuable.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Because Rotaractors want to team more bout other cultures and do their part to promote world peace and understanding, they undertake at least one International Service project each year.
Such activities take many forms. Rotaractors raise money for International disaster relief programs; make exchange visits with rotaractors in other countries and host similar visit from other Rotaract clubs and volunteer their professional skills in international development and assistance projects.

SOCIAL ACTIVIES

Rotaractors work hard, but they believe in having a good time. They hold barbecues, car campaign trips, inter club visits, dances, cultural festivals, special lectures, sporting events and more. Sometime these activities are designed to raise money for a club service project. Whatever they do Rotaractors know how to have fun, make friends and make the world a little better in the process.

ROTARY DISTIRCT STRUCTURE

The Rotary district structure was developed to improve inter-club communication, officer training, and Rotary extension. Rotary district are headed by district governors, who are R.I. volunteers elected by the Rotary clubs in the district administrator. The governor learns how to organize Rotary club in new areas, develop a strong communication network between clubs in the district, train new club officers, and plan district-level projects.
The district governor is also concerned with the organization and development of Rotaract and appoints a district Rotaract chairman and district Rotaract committee to address this issue. This committee works to organize new Rotaract clubs in the district, increase communication among rotaract clubs, and plan district-wide training for Rotaract club officers.

THE DISTICT ROTARACT CHAIMAN

The district Rotaract chairman assists the district governor in publicizing the Rotaract program, promoting the organization of new Rotaract club, and administering the Rotaract program within the district. The chairman also provides the leadership necessary for the members are appointed by and with the authority of the district governor. The committee in no way exercises authority over or diminishes the autonomy of the individual Rotary and Rotaract club. The district Rotatact chairman can increase effectiveness in Rotaract program development through an activity Rotaract publicity and promotion campaign. The chairman should also be an accessible rotaract resource person for both Rotary and Rotaract clubs.

ROTARACT DISTRICT STRUCTURE

The Rotary district structure was developed to improve inter-club communication, officer training, and Rotary extension. Rotary district are headed by district governors, who are R.I. volunteers elected by the Rotary clubs in the district administrator. The governor learns how to organize Rotary club in new areas, develop a strong communication network between clubs in the district, train new club officers, and plan district-level projects.
The district governor is also concerned with the organization and development of Rotaract clubs and appoints a district Rotaract chairman and district Rotaract committee to address this issue. This committee works to organize new Rotaract clubs in the district, increase communication among rotaract clubs, and plan district-wide training for Rotaract club officers.

THE DISTRICT ROTARACT CHAIRMAN

The district Rotaract chairman assists the district governor in publicizing the Rotaract program, promoting the organization of new Rotaract clubs, and administering the Rotaract program within the district. The chairman also provides the leadership necessary for the members are appointed by and with authority of the district governor. The committee in no way exercises authority over or diminishes the autonomy of the individual Rotary and Rotaract clubs. The district Rotaract chairman an increase effectiveness in Rotaract program development through an activity Rotaract publicity and promotion campaign. The chairman should also be an accessible rotaract resource person for both Rotary and Rotaract clubs.

ROTARACT DISTRICT STRUCTURE

Rotaract clubs in a Rotary district are headed by the district Rotaract representative (DRR), who is a Rotaractor elected by the Rotaract clubs in the district. The DRR appoints a committee of Rotaractors to plan district-wide projects and activities, recommend club service ideas to strengthen clubs, and work with the Rotary District Rotaract committee to organize new clubs and district training sessions for Rotaract club officers.
The Rotaract clubs elect the DRR in a democratic manner by secret ballot at the Rotaract conference or by mail mallet. In districts where there is only one Rotaract club, the district Rotaract representative is the most recent, available past must have completed one year as Rotaract club president or as a member on the district Rotaract committee before seving as DRR. Every district with a Rotaract club must have district Rotaract representative (DRR) in order to be represented at the international level.

THE DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE

District Rotaract Representative has been chosen by the clubs of district. The district Rotaract representative serves as liaison between the Rotaract clubs and the district Rotaract committee in an effort to regionalize Rotaract in the district, he is sacrificing much. He receives no remuneration. His, is a year of “Service above self”.
He has been specially trained for his year of service. His contacts with you and your club officers and members will be in a spirit of friendship and mutual helpfulness. Consider him as your counselor and guide. You will gain much from his leadership.
And remember, the more of your experiences you share with him, the more knowledge he will have to share with others.

ROTARACT DISTRICT MEETING

Two important district-wide Rotaract meeting are held each year; the Rotaract District Assembly and the Rotaract District Conference. Incoming club officers must attend the Rotaract District Assembly sessions prior to taking office. All Rotaractors should be encouraged to attend the Rotaract District Conference to celebrate the year’s successes and renew friendships. For those districts with only one or two Rotaract clubs, these meetings are especially important and should not be disregarded. However, if resources are limited, it may prove more productive to coordinate the Rotaract District Assembly and/or Conference with the Rotary District Conference and Assembly. This gives Rotaractor direct contact with Rotarians in the district and a better understanding of Rotary and also increase Rotaract visibility among Rotarians.

ROTARACT BOARD OF DIRETORS

The Rotaract board of directors consists of the club officers; president, immediate past president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, three directors, and additional officers deemed necessary by the president and the club. The governing body for the club, the board met at least once a month. Club members in good standing may attend board meetings as observers.
As a procedural matter most of the club business should be transacted in board meetings rather then during club meetings. The board must report to the membership on all actions taken and policies approved during its meetings. Every board report should be discussed by the membership at earliest opportunity.

The incoming president should meet with the board or directors prior to taking office to develop a working relationship. The board and the incoming president should review new club activities and discuss successful past activities. The president’s ability to work effectively with the Rotaract board of directors ultimately measures how well he or she leads the entire club.

Much like the Board of directors for a business, the Rotaract board of directors ensures that the club will not undertake activities that will risk its financial solvency. The board makes sure that one part of the club’s program does not detract from administrative responsibilities, members recruitment, or fundraising. In short, the board keeps activities balanced, so that the club can continue forward.

OFFICE OF PRESIDENT

As the club leader, the president must provide leadership development opportunities for the members and monitor the successful promotion and completion of the club’s community and international service projects. The president identifies member skills and interests and puts them to work in club projects. The president serves both the club and its members. Rotaract is a people-to people organization in club development as well as project development.

The president is responsible for maintaining club operation delegating responsibilities, and meeting schedules. The president must be organized, which means that a complete plan for the year should be developed as soon as possible.

The president should also maintain regular communication with the sponsoring Rotary Club (through joint activities and meetings) the district Rotaract representative (Through club participation in district activities and meetings) and Rotary international (Through participation in Rotaract pre-convention meeting and annual reporting). A bulletin or newsletter of club activities featuring the most outstanding project or activity should be distributed to the club’s sponsor(s). The district Rotaract representative, the Rotary International. Rotaract clubs that fail to main communication with their sponsor(s), the DRR, and R.I. are often declared inactive, and terminated from district and international records.

By submitting this information, your club continues to be a part of the international network of Rotaract club registered with Rotary International.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRESIDENT

* Preside at all meetings of the club and its board of directors.
* Orchestrate club plans and objectives for the year.
* Appoint al standing and special committee with board approval.
* Follow up on committee progress with the help of the vice-president.
* Maintain committee progress with the district Rotaract representative and Rotary International.
* Ensure annual payment equivalent tot US$20 for R.I. Rotaract dues is received by DRR prior to 30th September.
* Ensure Distt. dues @ Rs. 25 per member is paid to DRR before 30th Sepetember.
* Coordinate promotion of Rotaract projects and activities for local publicity by distributing press release.
*Promote international project promotion through the Rotaract News and THE ROTARACT magazine by submitting annual project reports and photographs to R.I. World Headquarters.
* Submit by 1st April name, address, telephone, and FAX numbers of Rotaractors who plan to attend the annual Rotaract pew-convention meeting to R.I WORLD Headquarters.
* Develop a club bulletin for circulation throughout the club and community.
* Organize professional development activities.
THE GENERAL MEETING

MEETING PREPARATION

A good club meeting encourages members to dedicate time and energy to club projects and activities. Meeting that are long, poorly organized, boring, or releases inconveniently scheduled will alienate members and reduce participation in all other club activities.

The president should carefully organize meetings with a concise written agenda that includes those items to be discussed and the time frame allotted. Matters that require lengthy discussion should be reviewed by the board of directors and be presented with their recommendations. Reports should be informative, brief, and to the point. The president call on committee chairmen and members to present reports.

The president must keep the meetings moving, following Robert’s Rules of Order or parliamentary procedure may help to keep discussion relevant.

THINGS TO CHECK

1. Everything ready : program, entertainment, meal and physical arrangements. If necessary, discuss with your board the advisability of changing meeting places if it becomes obvious that the meeting place is no longer adequate.
2. “Reserve” program at hand in case it is needed at the last minute.
3. Arrangements made to welcome all visitors on arrival.

Some of these details are directly in charge of the sergeant-at-arm, the club secretary, or others. All are important to the success of the meeting.

BALANCE AND TIMING

Balance in programming has two phases in a Rotaract club : balance in year-round program content and balance within each meeting program. “Balanced programs at weekly meetings” means that

Rotary International communicates with the Rotaract clubs worldwide four times a year through three issues of the Rotaract News and the annual convention mailing. This mailings include the “Rotaract Annual Report” form and statistics, new R.I. program materials, updated Rotaract materials and information regarding the annual Rotaract pre-convention meeting.

Those clubs that receive the Rotaract News have correct club information registered at the Secretariat and reconsidered active clubs. If your club is not receiving the newsletter, contact the R.I. Worlds Headquarters immediately with the current club address. Your club will witness, and participate in, a variety of programs which have strong Rotaract relationships. A regular club meeting consists of four distinct periods in which balance and timing play an important part. Preparing a time schedule for each meeting will be helpful in making it a success.

The following schedule may be adapted to suit your situation:

THE FIRST PERIOD

1. Assemble at tables at appointed time. (Members of many clubs eagerly look forward to be fellowing before the meeting opens. The sound of the gong two minutes before the meetings allows members to assemble).

2. National Anthem.

3. Inn vocation.

4. Member seated.

THE SECOND PERIOD – “THE PRESIDENT’S TIME”

1. Introduction of visiting Rotaract and guests, and your brief welcome.

2. Congratulations to members on birthdays, anniversaries, honors. Expression of sympathy or concern.

3. Minutes of confirmation and acknowledgement of mail.

4. Necessary business or other announcements as brief as possible. (Most business can and should be handled at board meetings, club assemblies, or committee meetings. It is important, however, that all members be kept informed).

5. Five minutes of some form of Rotaract information should be included at every meeting.

To make effective use of the club meeting, be punctual. Make and hold to a schedule, and maintain order. You will want to give your best thought to this important second period, which requires careful advance planning and undivided attention. The skilful use of this period will help maintain attendance and club morale.

THE THIRD PERIOD – THE PROGRAM

Allow full time to participant(s)

1. Introduction :

Brevity is a prime requisite of a good introduction. If you have a speaker, discuss the introduction with him so as to provide him with a strong “springboard”.

a) Give a short sketch of the speaker’s experience pertinent to the subject he will discuss.

b) Establish the speaker’s authority but don’t indulge in over-praise. It will make the mediocre one look worse.

c) Give the speaker’s name the title of his talk.

2. Program (20 to 30 minutes)

3. Expression of thanks to participants(s)

4. Adjournment.

THE FOURTH PERIOD - MEAL AND FELLOWSHIP

The meal should be neither hurried nor delayed. No business should interfere. Use the gong sparingly, as this interferes with fellowship, particularly with visitors.

ROTARACT CLUB BULLETIN

Every Rotaract club president should plan to produce a bulletin or newsletter to inform club sponsors, the community potential project funders, and prospective members about the club’s projects and activities. The bulletin can also provide information on the club to district and international contacts.

The bulletin can be a simple one page flyer, published once a year. For greater impact, features a few outstanding project or activities with a picture rather than written lists of every activity the club has done every club bulletin or newsletter should include the district number, name of the Rotaract club, name of the Rotary club sponsor, Rotaract club address, and meeting time and place.

Topics for the Rotaract club newsletter are endless, making it possible to keep the content varied.

If your club produces several newsletters throughout the year, name one member to serve as editor for all issues and appoint a task force of writers who will each be responsible for one issue. This approach keeps ideas fresh, while the editor provides the necessary continuity in style.

The Rotaract club bulletin or newsletter is designed to promote the club to non-Rotaract audience. The president may choose to also produce an information sheet, which updates club members on new R.I. programs, Rotary Foundation grants, Rotaract program, current district Rotaract activities, and district funding for Rotaract projects.

IDEAS FOR CLUB BULLETINS

· a successful service project that focuses on how the community worked with the Rotaract club;
· an interview with a renowned person who spoke at a club program;
· the president’s report on an international or district Rotaract Conference;
· a feature story on a Rotaractor’s experience serving as a volunteer in another country;
· a report covering a business technology and management seminar organized by the Rotaract club; and
· an interview with a Rotaractor who has recently returned from a Rotaract Exchange Team visit to another country.

MATERIALS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE R.I. SECRTARIAT

· annual R.I. Rotaract dues equivalent to US$20 via district Rotaract representative.
· the “Rotaract Annual Report” listing the current club address and the name of the incoming Rotaract club president.
News and THE ROTARIAN magazine; and
· addresses of Rotaractors interested in participating in the international Rotaract. Top