ROTARACT:  CONNECTING & NETWORKING THROUGH SERVICE!

                            

HUZAIFA SADIQ, 2024-2025 Rotary District 5890 District Rotaract COMMITTEE Chair

Rotaract is a Rotary Membership option for young professionals and university age leaders.
Video:  "Rotaract:  Join The Movement! 
Video:  Why did these young global leaders join Rotaract!
Video:  Connecting with Younger Professionals - Your Path In Rotary!
1.  ROTARACT:  CONNECTING & NETWORKING THROUGH SERVICE!

Join the global movement of young adult leaders who are developing innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges

 
 
What is Rotaract? 
Rotaract is one of Rotary's membership types for university students and young professionals young ages 18 and up who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges while developing leadership skills and making friends from around the world. Rotaract clubs are members of Rotary International.

Rotaract clubs decide how to organize and run their own clubs, manage their funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects that are important to their communities. Clubs that sponsor Rotaract clubs offer guidance and support, and work as partners in service.
 
Rotaractors worldwide were asked to select three words that best describe Rotaract. Here's their top answers: Humanity.  Community.  Leadership.  Compassion.  Community Development.  Friendship.  Service.  Fun.

Through Rotaract clubs, you can develop leadership and professional skills, exchange ideas with community leaders, and have fun through service.

  • What Are The Goals of Rotaract?

    Rotaract has the following goals:

    ·       To develop professional and leadership skills, plus networking

    ·       To provide opportunities for personal and group activities
    ·       Serve the community and promote international understanding and goodwill toward all
            people

    ·       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

  • How does it work?  Rotaract activities take place at the club level, and members select which projects they want to do. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings either weekly or every two weeks, which feature speakers, fun, special outings, social activities, mentorship, discussions or visits to other clubs. Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops.
2.  VISIT OUR "FOR CLUB PRESIDENTS" WEBPAGE FOR EVENTS, RESOURCES, LINKS AND MORE!
Our "For Club Presidents" webpage was created as a resource for Rotaract & Rotary club presidents, officers, etc. The webpage is where District Governor Nancy Anderson and her District 5890 leadership team will showcase upcoming events, announcements, links, and materials that they feel are important to share with you and your club.
 
Look in the Navigation Menu for the "For Club Presidents" tab or click here. 
It's open for any member to use, but the priority is sharing information with Rotaract and Rotary club presidents.
 
3.  YOUR "MY ROTARY" ACCOUNT ON ROTARY.ORG
Some of the links below may require you to login to your My Rotary account at Rotary.org.
 
Click Here for How-To Instructions for creating a My Rotary Account
4.  ROTARY LEARNING CENTER ONLINE COURSES 
Rotary's Learning Center is your one-stop-shop for learning to make the most out of your membership.  
Courses are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.
 
Click Here to open the PDF List of Rotary Learning Center Courses - Search the list for "Rotaract" 
(You will be prompted to login to your My Rotary Account.

Welcome to Rotary Voices, the official blog of Rotary International. If you are a member, someone we partner with, or participant in one of our programs, we invite you to share your stories of how you are people of action, creating lasting change in the world, in local communities, and in ourselves.

Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.

These stories show how we are taking action to do good in the world, building connections in our communities, and creating great experiences in our clubs.

Click Here to search Rotary Voices articles.
Click to read:  "How Rotaract Transformed Me"
Click to read:  "My Journey in Rotaract"
Click to read: "Beyond Networking: 7 tips for building meaningful connection in Rotaract"
6.  ROTARACT STANDARD CONSTITUTION AND RECOMMENDED BYLAWS
All Rotaract clubs automatically adopt the () (), and changes can be made only by the RI Board. supplement the Standard Rotaract Club Constitution and set common club practices. Clubs are welcome to adapt the Recommended Rotaract Club Bylaws, provided the changes do not conflict with RI's constitutional documents, the Standard Rotaract Club Constitution, and the Rotary Code of Policies.
Rotaract Standard Constitution (Can Only Be Edited by Rotary Int'l Board of Directors, not the Rotaract club)
Rotaract Recommended ByLaws (Rotaract Club Can Edit These ByLaws)
7. ROTARACTORS!  YOU CAN NOW ACCESS ROTARY CLUB CENTRAL FOR GOAL PLANNING & TRACKING
Rotaractors now have access to Rotary Club Central — Rotary’s free and easy-to-use goal planning and tracking platform. Club leaders can use the tool to add and track goals, while club members can track their club’s progress. Rotaract clubs can also earn this year’s Rotaract Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation*) by entering their goals directly into Rotary Club Central.

It’s not too late to start planning your club’s future. Determine what your club wants to achieve and then go to Rotary Club Central (rcc.rotary.org) to set annual goals that can help your club reach its vision.

*Immediate past officers: still have the details from your paper form? You can also log in, switch back to 2023-24 and enter your goals and achievements to help add to your club's historical data!
 
Note: You will need a "My Rotary" Account on Rotary.org to access Rotary Club Central. Click here for how-to instructions to create your account.
Click to Visit Rotary Club Central
8.  ROTARACT CLUB "EXCELLENCE AWARD" FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

This is the most prestigious award that an Interact club can receive! 

The Club Excellence awards, formerly the Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Working to achieve the Club Excellence goals helps clubs engage their members, increase their impact, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club not only fosters a positive experience for its members, but also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve these goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come.

Use Rotary Club Central to enter your clubs goals for this year's Rotaract Club Excellence Award at www.RCC.Rotary.org.(You will need a "My Rotary" Account on Rotary.org - Click here for instructions.

Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs can earn a Club Excellence Award for achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and your club. Goals include increasing club membership, engaging members in sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, building awareness of Rotary in your community, and having an up-to-date strategic plan.

Rotaract clubs can find their  in Rotary Club Central beginning 1 July 2024. Clubs that set, achieve, and report goal achievement of at least half of the goals by the end of the Rotary year will earn a Club Excellence award.
Only Rotaract clubs that have an active charter with Rotary International are eligible for the citation. To confirm that a club is active, Rotarians can check the Listing of Club-Sponsored Organizations in .
All achievements need to be reported by 30 June 2024.
10.  STRENGTHEN CLUB PROJECTS WITH THESE ROTARY RESOURCES 
Learn how your District 5890 Rotary Resource Leaders/Network, Rotary Action Groups and Rotary Community Corps can help your club projects with access to professional expertise and local resources.

Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water.  Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities.

 
A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarians who share our commitment to changing the world through service projects.  RCC members plan and carry out projects in their communities in collaboration with local Rotary clubs. Sponsored by a Rotary club, an RCC leverages Rotary’s network, brand, and mentorship by partnering with clubs to plan and implement service projects.
 
11.  ROTARACT CLUBS HERE IN DISTRICT 5890 (GREATER HOUSTON METROPOLITAN AREA)

Rotaract Club Officers:  To download your club's official club logo, right-click and select "Save Image As".  Please use on your club Facebook page, website and other club materials.

1.  Rotaract e-Club of Greater Houston Area
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RotaractEClubOfHouston
President:  Verónica Pérez Sánchez
2.  Rotaract Club of Houston Innovation Corridor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rotaractinnovation/
President: Erika Natalie
President: Angela Herrera
4.  Rotaract Club of El Campo Literacy Advocates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RotaractEC/
President: Kim Wilson 

5.  Rotaract Club of University of Houston
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rotaractuh5890/
President: Pedro Hernandez
 

 

6.  Rotaract Club of West Houston/Katy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/West.Houston.Katy.Rotaract/
President: Rex Martinez

7.  Rotaract Club of Seabrook
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seabrook-Rotaract-360509321534886/
President: Grant Wagganer

12.  STARTING A NEW ROTARACT CLUB

Starting new Rotary and Rotaract clubs increases our ability to improve lives in communities around the world. A new club adviser works with district leaders to develop and support the new club during the process. Other clubs and members can help the new club succeed by serving as sponsors or mentors.

Find information about the process in .

Reasons to start a club

Both club members and nonmembers can start clubs. Here are some reasons you might want to.

You're a club member, and:

  • An area in your district doesn't have its own club.
  • Your club can no longer accommodate new members.
  • Some members need an alternate meeting time.
  • Some members prefer to meet online, less frequently, or using a different format ().

You're not a club member, and:

  • Your area doesn't have a club.
  • The club in your area doesn't fit your needs.
  • You want to get involved with your community in a new way.

How to start a club

You'll first need to contact Rotary leaders in the region, starting with the district governor. They'll help with the process and guide you through the requirements. If you don't know who the governor is in your area, email . Before you begin, remember:

  • A new Rotary club must have a minimum of 20 members.
  • A new Rotaract club is recommended to have a minimum of 12 members. A new satellite club must have a minimum of 8 members.
  • If you have a sponsor club, it must have at least 20 members.

Key Resources

Before you start

Rotaract Club Forms

Rotaract Satellite Club Forms

Rotary Satellite Club Forms

Reference Materials

Getting Started

Planning for Success

Tools

Questions? Contact .

Related documents

13.  ROTARY FOUNDATION GRANTS
 
 
The Rotary Foundation offers grants that support a wide variety of projects, scholarships, and training that Rotary members are doing around the world. Explore the grant types and find one that's right for your project.
Learn more about the types of Rotary Foundation Grants - Click here (You will need "My Rotary" Account to access info - click here for how-to instructions)
14.  Rotaract’s Ongoing Evolution, Including The Expansion of Rotary Membership To Include Rotaract Clubs

 

                      
The 2019 Council on Legislation amended the constitutional documents of Rotary International to include Rotaract clubs as a membership type.   The information below helps explain the changes to Rotaract.

What are the changes to Rotaract?

1

Rotaract is now a type of Rotary membership.

2

Rotaract clubs will be allowed to sponsor other Rotaract clubs or establish themselves without a sponsor.

3

Rotaract will be open to all young adults 18 and over. There will no longer be an upper age limit of 30.

The Trustees encourage Rotaract clubs to work with Rotary clubs on global grant projects.

4

Rotaractors are now eligible to serve on district-level and RI committees.

5

Rotaractors will enjoy greater support, training, and access to tools from Rotary.

6

In 2022, Rotaractors will pay annual per capita dues of either $5 or $8.

Rotary clubs should continue to work with Rotaractors at meetings and events and on service projects.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROTARACT

How were the changes to Rotaract decided on?

For several years, members of the RI Board, The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and Rotary committees, along with Rotarians and Rotaractors around the world, have been discussing how to recognize Rotaract clubs as Rotary clubs’ partners in service. Rotaractors offered their ideas to the Board through RI’s Rotaract Committee, at the annual Rotaract Preconvention, and through online surveys and focus groups. 

Overwhelmingly, Rotaractors said they wanted more flexibility, more products and services, and more recognition from Rotary for the work they’re doing. After the 2019 Council on Legislation voted to recognize Rotaract clubs as a membership type, 2019-20 RI President Mark Daniel Maloney created the Elevate Rotaract Task Force to discuss how to update Rotaract policies and create an inclusive, innovative, and flexible membership experience.

Does this mean Rotaractors automatically become Rotarians?

No. Members of Rotary clubs are Rotarians and members of Rotaract clubs remain Rotaractors. This enactment will not change the separate identity of Rotaractors. 

Do Rotaract clubs have to pay RI membership dues now?

The Board agreed that Rotaract clubs should begin paying per capita dues in 2022 and is looking at ways to offset the cost to members through fundraising and working with sponsor Rotary clubs. The annual cost will be $5 per person for university-based clubs and $8 for community-based clubs.  

Will Rotaractors be able to use Rotary Foundation funds for their projects?

Right now, only Rotary clubs may apply for global and district grants from the Foundation. The Foundation Trustees determine who is eligible to apply for global grants and would review any proposal to allow Rotaract clubs access to Foundation funds. The Trustees encourage Rotaract clubs to work with Rotary clubs on global grant projects. Rotaract clubs can also receive funding from district grants through a Rotary club. As always, Rotaractors can apply for scholarships and Rotary Peace Fellowships through the Foundation.

Why was the upper age limit for Rotaract membership removed?

Rotaract clubs are still intended for younger professionals, but the Elevate Rotaract Task Force and the RI Board decided that it was important to give Rotaractors the flexibility to decide for themselves when they’re ready to leave Rotaract. The majority of Rotaractors surveyed believed that removing the age limit would either improve or not change their club experience and said they would still pursue joining a Rotary club in the future. Rotaract clubs will still be able to set their own age limit.

Will Rotaractors still be encouraged to become Rotarians?

Yes! Rotaractors will be encouraged to join clubs that offer the experience they want at any time. Rotary clubs should continue to work with Rotaractors at meetings and events and on service projects. Since 2016, Rotaractors have been able join a Rotary club while they are still active members of Rotaract clubs; that dual membership option will not change. Rotaractors can also start their own Rotary clubs.

Will Rotaractors be able to serve on or advise the RI Board or Trustees?

The Board and the Trustees value the input of Rotaractors and have recommended that the RI president appoint Rotaractors to committees. They will continue to discuss new ways to involve Rotaractors in the future.

Will Rotaract clubs be counted in Rotary’s overall membership numbers?

No. Rotaract clubs will not be counted in the total number of clubs in a district, and Rotarians and Rotaractors will continue to be counted separately.

Where can I find the revised policies about Rotaract?

Starting 1 July, the Rotary Code of Policies, in chapter II, “Clubs,” will have an updated article 12 titled “Rotaract Clubs.” The policies related to Rotaract that were in chapter V, “Programs,” under article 41.040 will be removed as of 1 July.

More questions? Write to rotaract@rotary.org.

15.  VISIT ROTARY BRAND CENTER FOR ROTARACT CLUB LOGOS & PROMO MATERIALS

Above is a screenshot of the homepage of Rotary Brand Center...and it's a Rotary District 5890 photo!!!
 
  • Visit Rotary Brand Center:  https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us
  • Template to create a Rotaract Club Logo or Rotaract Club "Logo Lockup" (this lockup version can't be used as club logo but rather when your club has a event, fundraiser, or partner/sponsor) - Click here  
  • Learn more about Rotary and Rotaract's Brand - Click here
  • Rotaract Brand Center Videos, Photos, and Downloads:  Click here 
  • Guide:  "Your Logos At A Glance": See below or Click here to download
16.  ROTARACT CLUB SUPPORT & RESOURCES ON ROTARY.ORG

Rotaract Club support & Resources on Rotary.org

 
Some of the links below may require you to login to your My Rotary account at www.Rotary.org: 
How to CREATE a "MY ROTARY" Account

useful links:

Resources & reference

Tools

Links

Rotary international's youth protection Manual 

rOTARACT FACEBOOK, TWITTER & SLIDESHARE

              Facebook - Rotaract District 5890
              Facebook - Rotaract (Worldwide) Page
              Follow Rotaract on X
              Follow Rotaract on Slideshare
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