What is Rotaract?

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Through the Rotaract program, young adults not only augment their knowledge and skills, but they also address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local grassroots level and all Rotaract clubs have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 7,500 Rotaract clubs in some 155 countries, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.


Rotaract, Rotary International's service club program for young adults ages 18-30, was officially inaugurated during January 1968 under RI President Luther Hodges. On 13 March 1968, the Rotaract Club of the University of North Carolina, sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, was the first Rotaract club to receive its official charter.

In 1927, Round Table clubs were founded in Great Britain and Ireland. Membership in Round Table clubs was open to young men ages 18 to 40, and by 1935, there more than 90 Round Table clubs existed. In November 1930, the first Apex club was formed in Geelong, Australia. Apex clubs grew rapidly.These clubs were sponsored by Rotary clubs, and were open to professionals and students between the ages of 18 and 35.


The decision to adopt the Rotaract program came at a time when student protests worldwide were of growing concern to Rotarians. The Rotaract program was adopted not only as means of keeping former Interactors within the Rotary family, but as a means of channeling the energies of young adults into positive activities that could benefit their communities. A special committee was convened to design the new service club program for young adults during 1966.


After polling students at the University of Houston, Texas, USA, the committee decided that "Rotaract" would be the best name for the program - a combination of the words "Rotary" and "action." Today, Rotaract continues to experience phenomenal growth. There are currently more than 7,500 Rotaract clubs in more than 155 countries, with an estimated membership of more than 173,000 Rotaractors. As the program continues to grow, Rotaractors repeatedly show that they are prepared for "Fellowship Through Service."