World Rotaract Day is annually observed across the globe on 13 March to recognise and acknowledge the services provided by the Rotaractors, and members of Rotaract clubs across the world.
- The Day also offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the work that Rotaract clubs are doing around the world.
13 March 2024 marks the observance of the 56th anniversary of the formation of the 1st Rotaract Club in North Carolina, United States of America (USA).
World Rotaract Week:
i.World Rotaract Week is annually celebrated around the world by the Rotaractors and Rotarians during the week on which World Rotaract Day is observed (13 March).
- The Week commemorates the founding of the first Rotaract Club in 1968.
ii.World Rotaract Week 2024 is observed from March 11–17, 2024.
- World Rotaract Week 2023 was observed from March 13–19, 2023.
- World Rotaract Week 2025 will be observed from March 10–16, 2026.
World Rotaract Week 2024 will is celebrated with the motto “Celebrating Rotaract.”
What is a Rotaract?
i.Rotaract is a program of Rotary International and it functions internationally through a committee of Rotaractors and Rotarians.
- “Rotaract” is a combination of the words “Rotary” and “action”.
ii.Rotaract is an international organisation of service clubs that engage young adults aged 18 to 30 in community service, professional development, and friendship
First Rotaract Club:
i.Members of the Rotary Club of Charlotte-North, North Carolina, USA, had worked with local university students and seized the opportunity to sponsor a Rotaract club.
ii.On 13 March 1968, the first Rotaract club was certified by Rotary at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
About Rotary Club:
i.On 23 February 1905, Paul Percy Harris a Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago, which later became Rotary International (RI), a humanitarian organisation.
ii.Rotary is made up of 3 parts: Rotary Clubs, Rotary International, and the Rotary Foundation.
iii.“Service Above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best” are the official mottoes of Rotary.
iv.Rotary’s 2023-24 Presidential theme is, “Create Hope in the World.”
- R. Gordon R. McInally is the President of RI.
