All about Rotaract as it readies to celebrate the impact and achievements of members on March 13

Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 at Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, and has grown into a major organization of 11,172 clubs spread around the world and nearly 170,000 members in 189 countries and geographic areas.

Rotaract is a service, leadership, professional, and community service organization (often miscommunicated as a Social Service Club) for young adults aged 18 and over.

Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.

"Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action", although the name originally comes from a combination of "Rotary" and "Interact" (International + Action), the high school level program created by Rotary International in 1962.

Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings in person or virtually, usually every two weeks, 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.

To be eligible for membership, prospective members must be 18 years of age and over, show that they are committed to Rotaract, and show that they are of good standing in the community. After being approved by the club, prospective members are 'inducted' to become members, also known as 'Rotaractors'.

The avenues of service include Club Service, Community Service, International Service, and Professional Development.

Rotaract Club undertakes various projects for the overall development of its members and the community.

In 2019, Rotaract went from being a program of Rotary International to being a membership type of Rotary International, elevating its status to resemble that of Rotary clubs. As of 1 July 2020, Rotaract clubs can exist on their own or may be sponsored by Rotary and/or Rotaract clubs.

This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary. A Rotaract club may, but is not required to, establish upper age limits, provided that the club obtains the concurrence of its member’s records it in their bylaws.

Every year, the week of 13th March is marked as the week to celebrate the impact and achievements of Rotaract members across the world.

Ghana, whose jurisdiction is District 9104 within Rotary International, is not left out of this celebration. Rotaract members referred to as Rotaractors come together as a District to undertake various events to celebrate this milestone.

The theme for this year’s celebration "Empowered, Engaged, and Evolving: Rotaract in Ghana" is well crafted to celebrate the progress and success of Rotaract in Ghana as it signifies the growth, active involvement, and adaptability of Rotaract within the Ghanaian context over the years.

- "Empowered" suggests that Rotaract members have been equipped with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.

- "Engaged" highlights the active participation of Rotaract members in various projects, initiatives, and community service activities, demonstrating their commitment to service and collaboration.

- "Evolving" reflects the dynamic nature of Rotaract as it continuously adapts to new challenges, embraces innovation, and seeks to improve its effectiveness in addressing the needs of society.

Overall, the theme underscores the transformative journey of Rotaract in Ghana, showcasing how it has empowered its members, engaged with communities, and evolved to meet changing needs and aspirations.

Rotaract indeed trains leaders and develops them professionally. Today, if you are a young professional of 18 years and above, Rotaract is the best service organization for you. Join Rotaract today, and let’s make an impact in our communities and the world.

Send us an email via info@rotaract9104.org and let us make an impact together.


Tree planting exercise by Rotaractors during the International Youth Day celebration


Nationwide Blood Donation by Rotaractors