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ROTARACTHANDBOOK

Preface

Rotaract has evolved quickly in its short but dynamic history. In the early 1960s,Rotary clubs around the world began to sponsor university youth groups as CommunityService projects. The 1967-68 Rotary International (RI) President, Luther Hodges, and theRI Board of Directors considered this club activity to have international relevance, andRotaract was approved in 1968 as an official program for Rotary clubs. The first clubchartered was the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. on13 March 1968.

Several decades later, the Rotaract program has grown into a strong international networkof clubs in over 170 countries and geographical areas, with more than 145,000 members inover 6,400 clubs — clubs organized for young men and women (ages 18 to 30) to serve thephysical and social needs of their communities, widen their friendships and professionalcontacts, and increase their understanding of the world.

Rotarians, Rotaractors and young adults who are considering becoming Rotaractors canall use and benefit from the information found in the pages of this book.

The purpose of this handbook is:● To inform Rotarians on how to organize a Rotaract club.● To give Rotarians and Rotaractors information on the administration of a Rotaract club.● To explain how Rotaract fits into the Rotary structure.● To show how Rotaract operates at the district level.● To provide an overview of Rotaract activities.● To provide information about Rotary International resources available to both

Rotarians and Rotaractors.

Table of ContentsPreface

1 Introduction to Rotaract 1Rotaract: A Key Member of the Rotary Family

Activities Undertaken by Rotaract Clubs

Why Organize a Rotaract Club?

2 Organizing a Rotaract Club 3Getting Started

Identifying the Membership Base for a Rotaract Club

Informational Meeting

Organizational Meetings

Chartering the Rotaract Club

3 Club Administration and Program 7Structure

Roles and Responsibilities of Club Officers

Rotaract Club Committees

Meeting Programs

4 The District Structure and Beyond 11Roles of the District Governor, District Chairpersonand District Rotaract Representative

Rotaract District Committee

District Meetings

Multidistrict Activities, Meetings and Organizations

Regional and International Meetings

5 Rotaract and Rotary International 17Program Policies

Program Administration

Services

Special Events

6 Resources 21Resources of Rotary International

Resources of The Rotary Foundation

Other Resources

7 Rotaract in Action 27

8 Administrative Forms andConstitutional Documents 31

Rotaract Handbook 1

1

Introductionto Rotaract

Rotaract clubs are part of a global effortto bring peace and international under-standing to the world. This effort starts atthe community level but knows no limits inits outreach. Rotaractors have access to themany resources of Rotary International andThe Rotary Foundation. Rotary Interna-tional provides the administrative supportthat helps Rotaract clubs thrive.

Rotaract: A Key Memberof the Rotary FamilyRotary International is a worldwide serviceorganization for leading business andprofessional men and women with 29,000Rotary clubs and over 1.2 million members.Each Rotaract club is sponsored by a localRotary club. This sponsorship is a result ofRotary’s concern that young people, or“New Generations,” should take an activeinterest in community life and have theopportunity for professional development.Rotaract provides a vehicle through whichNew Generations can find that involvement.

Organizing a Rotaract club is one of themost rewarding activities a Rotary club canundertake in its community. The Rotaractprogram gives Rotarians the opportunity tomentor dynamic young men and womeninterested in providing service to their owncommunities and the global community.Rotarians also serve as resources forRotaractors who are in the process ofbecoming professionals and communityleaders. In turn, a Rotaract club can bringnew energy to a Rotary club, inspire freshideas for service, increase support to

projects, and help develop future Rotaryclub members.

Rotaract clubs are self-governed and largelyself-financed at the local level. Working incooperation with their sponsoring Rotaryclubs as partners-in-service, Rotaractors arean important part of Rotary’s extendedfamily.

The Standard Rotaract Club Constitutiondefines the role of the Rotary club sponsorin Articles III, V and XIII.

Activities Undertakenby Rotaract ClubsYou might ask, “What exactly does aRotaract club do?” Rotaract clubs organizea variety of projects and activities, dependingprimarily on the interests of the clubmembers. There are, however, three typesof activities within the Rotaract programthat all clubs undertake in varying degrees:professional development, leadershipdevelopment, and service projects. Together,these three areas ensure a balanced clubprogram and provide important experienceand opportunities for the personal develop-ment of each Rotaractor.

Professional Development

A club’s professional development activitiesshould expand the members’ understandingof the work environment and businessopportunities within their community.These activities should highlight theRotaractor’s role in the community’seconomic development and illustrate how

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skills developed through service activitiescan help in resolving problems in the work-place. Each Rotaract club should provideprofessional development opportunities toits members through activities such as:● special professional and vocational

forums● business technology updates● management and marketing seminars● conferences on business and

professional ethics● presentations on finance and credit

options for business start-up

Sponsoring Rotarians can enhance theprofessional development of Rotaractors byproviding practical advice on entering thebusiness world and overcoming business,vocational, and professional challenges.Making the club’s professional developmentprojects joint Rotaract-Rotary projects canalso help Rotaractors get better acquaintedwith sponsoring Rotarians.

Leadership Development

A club’s leadership development activitiesnot only aim to make members moreeffective leaders in their personal lives,but also teach them how to develop andsustain strong clubs with relevant projects.Important topics to address in training clubleaders include:● improving public speaking skills● techniques for marketing the Rotaract

program to potential members● building consensus among members● delegating project responsibilities and

ensuring the necessary follow-up● identifying channels for project publicity

and promotion● finding financial resources for

strengthening club development● assessing project success

Service Projects

Above all other principles, “ServiceAbove Self” is the credo that guides Rotary.A Rotaract club’s service projects aredesigned to improve the quality of life athome and abroad. These projects oftenaddress today’s most critical issues, such asviolence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, theenvironment and illiteracy. Each Rotaractclub is required to complete at least twomajor service projects annually, one toserve the community and the other topromote international understanding.Each should involve all or most of themembers of the club.

Article VII of the Standard Rotaract ClubConstitution outlines Rotaract club activityand project guidelines.

Why Organizea Rotaract Club?Today’s young people will becometomorrow’s parents, professionals, businessleaders and community leaders. With thehelp of programs like Rotaract, they cangain the tools and skills necessary todevelop into responsible, productivemembers of society. Now is the time forRotary clubs to focus on the future bychallenging the New Generations to testtheir talents, develop new skills, andconfront issues they will face in theirlifetime. The Rotaract program can instillin its members life skills that can be sharedwith others for generations to come.

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2

Organizinga RotaractClub

university administration, explaining thepurpose and goals of both Rotary andRotaract. It is important to stress that it isRotary’s intention to comply with schoolregulations regarding student organizations.

If it is determined by university adminis-trators and the Rotaract club organizersthat a university-based club would bemutually beneficial, then the Rotaract cluborganizers should find a member of thefaculty to serve as an advisor to the club.The faculty advisor must be willing towork closely with the students in a non-classroom setting and should be generallywell-liked by students. The faculty advisorshould also work with an advisor from thesponsoring Rotary club and the Rotaractclub organizers to develop a recruitmentstrategy to attract members to the new club.

Although community-based clubs offergreater flexibility and autonomy thanuniversity-based clubs, both approaches toRotaract club organization have provensuccessful in various parts of the world.

At this point, the organizers need to reviewthe Rotaract Club Organization List and theRotaract Membership Application which canbe found in the “Administrative Forms andConstitutional Documents” section of thishandbook.

The sections below include detailed strategiesfor recruiting potential Rotaract clubmembers and the steps that must be takenby them to become officially recognized byRI. Rotarians would be wise to work withcurrent or past Rotaractors during this

Rotary clubs should fully understand theRotaract program before starting a newRotaract club. This handbook is just one ofmany resources available to learn aboutRotaract. Potential Rotaract club sponsorsshould talk with other Rotarians andRotaractors who are already involved inRotaract to get a firsthand impression ofthe program. Rotaract, like Rotary, isdiverse, and each club takes on its ownunique qualities, depending on where inthe world it is established.

Getting StartedOnce you have a feel for the program andthe types of young people who would beattracted to a Rotaract club, you are readyto plan your strategy for starting a newclub. There are two types of Rotaract clubsto consider: community-based clubs anduniversity-based clubs. In community-based clubs, all members of the communityages 18-30 are potential candidates formembership. Organizing a community-based Rotaract club is challenging andtakes perseverance. A Rotarian from thesponsoring Rotary club should be ap-pointed to serve as the primary advisor forthe newly forming Rotaract club once theorganizers have decided that a community-based club is what they prefer.

University-based clubs also consist ofmembers from ages 18-30, but they must beenrolled in university courses (Rotaractclubs established at colleges would beconsidered university-based). Those whowish to organize a university-basedRotaract club should work closely with the

4 Rotaract Handbook

imagination to develop as wide a member-ship pool as possible.

Refer to Article IV of the Standard RotaractClub Constitution for more details regardingmembership qualifications for Rotaract.

Informational MeetingOnce you have identified the membershipbase, your Rotary club is ready to convenean informational meeting for them. Theinformational meeting helps Rotaract cluborganizers learn about the interests ofprospective members and gives organizersa chance to explain how a Rotaract club canhelp develop these interests. Here are someideas for an informal meeting that you maywish to consider:● Invite a Rotarian from the sponsoring

Rotary club to provide welcomingremarks and a brief explanation ofRotary.

● Invite a Rotaractor (District RotaractRepresentative or Rotaract club officer)to explain Rotaract’s purpose, goals, andactivities, as well as member attendanceand participation requirements.

● Ask those interested in becomingmembers to fill out the “RotaractMembership Application” form(page 49).

Organizational MeetingsOnce prospective Rotaractors have demon-strated interest, you can begin workingwith them to organize and plan activities.To maintain a high level of enthusiasm inyour core membership pool, you may wantto space organizational meetings no morethan two weeks apart. Be sure to keep arecord of the names, addresses, telephonenumbers and e-mail addresses of those whoattend so that you can continue to invitethem to future meetings. Always encouragethem to invite their friends as well toexpand your charter membership base.

There are no requirements for the numberof meetings to be held prior to a Rotaractclub’s official certification. Each club’sdevelopment is unique. However, thefollowing are areas that you will need toaddress during the organizational phase:

time, as they can provide valuable insightinto the process.

Established Rotaract clubs may want tostart new Rotaract clubs as part of anextension program. Rotaractors shouldcontact their sponsoring club or identify adifferent Rotary club sponsor and alsofollow the steps described in this chapter.

Joint Sponsorship ofa Rotaract ClubA Rotaract club can be organized and spon-sored jointly by more than one Rotary clubunder the following conditions:● the District Governor gives his or her

approval in writing● the circumstances must be such that the

organization of separate Rotaract clubs,each sponsored by a single Rotary club,would create an artificial division of what isessentially a single body of young adultswithin the community or university

● a joint Rotaract committee is created withrepresentation from each of the sponsoringRotary clubs

● each member of the Rotaract club agrees toadhere to the provisions of the constitutionand bylaws of the club

Identifying the MembershipBase for a Rotaract ClubWhen you have determined the type ofRotaract club to start, it’s time to developa recruitment strategy. To identify eligibleyoung professionals, you may wish to startwith the sons, daughters and other familymembers of Rotarians in the area. Rotariansmay have young employees or interns thatmay benefit from joining a Rotaract club.

Also keep in mind that Youth Exchangestudents, Interact alumni, returned Ambas-sadorial Scholars, Group Study Exchangealumni and RYLA participants may beexcellent Rotaract candidates. Finally,community centers, churches, health clubs,universities and continuing educationprograms are just a few community sourcesfor potential club members. Use your

Rotaract Handbook 5

● Identify potential club leaders and holdelections for president, vice-president,secretary, treasurer, and members of theboard of directors. Provide them withthe “Roles and Responsibilities of ClubOfficers” found in Chapter 3.

● Discuss and establish annual club dues.These generally range from US$5 toUS$100, depending on the activitiesplanned by the club.

● Determine meeting place and time.Clubs are required to meet at least twicea month.

Chartering theRotaract ClubWhen a prospective Rotaract club hasachieved a strong base of members, itshould be ready to proceed with applyingfor official RI certification. It is recom-mended that there be a minimum of 15charter members. In accordance with theRotaract Statement of Policy, the prospectiveclub should first adopt the Standard RotaractClub Constitution and all its amendments.It should also adopt by-laws consistentwith the Standard Rotaract Club Constitutionand policy established by Rotary Interna-tional. These by-laws are subject to theapproval of the sponsoring Rotary club.

The Rotaract Club Organization List shouldthen be filled out listing all charter memberswho have committed to attending a mini-mum of 60 percent of the club’s service andsocial activities. The Organization List mustthen be signed by the sponsoring Rotaryclub president and the District Governorand sent with US$50 to RI World Head-quarters or the RI Service Center servingthe area for club certification. In some cases,payment may be made in local currencyvia an RI fiscal agent. Please consult theRI Official Directory for a list of authorizedfiscal agents.

Upon certification of the Rotaract club,the sponsoring Rotary club will receive ahandsome certificate that can be presentedto the newly-formed Rotaract club. Follow-up materials are also sent, including theWorldwide Rotaract Directory and informationabout RI resources available to assist withclub service projects.

Inaugural Ceremony

The inaugural ceremony marks the officialcertification of the Rotaract club by RotaryInternational, which is an exciting momentin the Rotaract club’s organization. The“Rotaract Certification of Organization” issent to the president of the sponsoring Rotaryclub approximately four weeks after the RISecretariat receives the Organization List.

The Rotary club sponsor(s) may wish toplan and host the inaugural ceremonywelcoming new Rotaractors as partners inRotary service. Each ceremony is uniqueand has no set format. You might wish toinvite district leaders such as the DistrictGovernor, District Rotaract Chairpersonand District Rotaract Representative to thiscelebration to help establish the presence ofthe new Rotaract club in the district.

Installation Ceremony

Another special moment for your newRotaract club will be the installation of clubofficers. An officer installation can be aceremonious occasion or a gala at which thenew club officers are officially recognizedas the club’s leadership for the year. Aninstallation ceremony is then held annuallyto thank the past officers for their year ofdedicated work and greet new officers forthe year to come.

The incoming president and officers of thesponsoring Rotary club should be invitedto this event so they can get acquaintedwith the new Rotaract club officers. Thiscan increase communication betweenRotaract and Rotary clubs and strengthenjoint projects and activities.

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3

ClubAdministrationand Program

to develop a working relationship. Theboard and the incoming president shouldreview new club activities and discusssuccessful past activities. The president’sability to work effectively with the Rotaractboard of directors ultimately measures howwell he or she leads the entire club.

Much like the board of directors for abusiness, the Rotaract board of directorsensures that the club will not undertakeactivities that will risk its financial solvency.It ensures that administrative responsibility,member recruitment and fundraising arebalanced with program activities to keepthe club active and strong.

Roles and Responsibilitiesof Club Officers

The Office of President

As the club leader, the president helpsmembers to develop as leaders and worksto ensure that the club’s professional andleadership development activities andcommunity and international serviceprojects are successfully promoted andcompleted. The president identifies mem-ber skills and interests and puts them towork in club projects.

The president is responsible for maintainingclub operations, delegating responsibilities,and establishing meeting schedules. Thepresident should develop a plan for theyear as early as possible. The “Summary ofRotaract Plans and Objectives” on page 45provides guidelines for developing theyear’s plan. The president presides over all

With your new Rotaract club chartered, theorganizers take on the role of advisors asthe club develops its governing structureand program. In order to maintain a viableand healthy Rotaract club, the developmentof strong leadership and a committed,interested membership is vital.

StructureUnder the leadership of the Rotaract clubpresident, the members of a Rotaract clubplan professional development activities,leadership training, community andinternational service projects, fundraisers,and social events. It is the role of the club’sboard of directors to review and approvethese plans.

A Rotaract club’s board of directorsconsists of the following elected officers:president, immediate past president,vice-president, secretary, treasurer, threedirectors, and additional officers deemednecessary by the president and the club.The board is the governing body for theclub and meets at least once a month. Clubmembers in good standing may attendboard meetings as observers.

As a procedural matter, most of the clubbusiness should be transacted during boardmeetings rather than club meetings. Theboard must report to the membership on allactions taken and policies approved duringits meetings. Every board report should bediscussed by the membership at the earliestopportunity.

The incoming president should meet withthe board of directors prior to taking office

8 Rotaract Handbook

meetings of the club and its board ofdirectors; following parliamentary proce-dure may help to keep discussion relevant.

The president should also maintain regularcommunication with the sponsoring Rotaryclub (through joint activities and meetings),the District Rotaract Representative (throughclub participation in district activities andmeetings) and Rotary International (throughparticipation in the Rotaract Pre-ConventionMeeting and annual reporting). To helpfacilitate communication, a bulletin ornewsletter featuring the outstandingRotaract club projects or activities shouldbe distributed to the Rotary club sponsor(s),the District Rotaract Representative, andRotary International. With board approval,the president appoints all standing andspecial committees and follows up oncommittee progress with the help of thevice-president.

The Office of Vice-President

The club vice-president, a key Rotaractofficer, can serve more effectively byunderstanding the year’s goals, projectsand activities, and being well-versed incommunity and Rotary resources. To thatend, it is important that the club presidentand vice-president work together as a team.This can be particularly helpful for clubs thatelect to have the incoming president serveas vice-president prior to taking office.

The vice-president presides at all meetingswhen the president is absent. The vice-president also serves on the board ofdirectors and as an ex-officio member of allcommittees. Additionally, the vice-presidentacts as the “officer-at-large,” responsible forall assignments that are designated by thepresident.

A well-organized and responsible vice-president is often the key to a successfulRotaract year. The vice-president canreduce the administrative load, allowingthe president time to develop new andexciting club projects and activities.

The Office of Secretary

The Rotaract club secretary has manyresponsibilities that require a person whois detail-oriented and organized. Often,Rotaract clubs will appoint a secondsecretary to be trained and to provideassistance. Because the secretary promotesthe club through correspondence to theRotary club sponsor(s), outside agencies,prospective members, Rotary International,and other Rotaract clubs, this individualmust have good communication skills.

The secretary handles the club’s communi-cation with the public, maintains all clubrecords, and takes the minutes for all boardand club meetings. Once members reachthe age limit of 30, the secretary sends the“Notice of Rotaract Alumnus (PotentialRotarian)” form (page 50) to the secretaryof the sponsoring Rotary club.

The Office of Treasurer

As the collector and disburser of clubfunds, the treasurer is responsible for theclub’s solvency and financial stability. Thetreasurer chairs the finance committee,works with the board of directors todevelop the budget, collects dues and allfunds raised by the club and pays all clubbills and reimbursements for club expenses.The treasurer reports the club’s financialstatus at each meeting and has the booksaudited at the end of the fiscal year. Inpreparing for this assignment, the treasurershould meet with the previous treasurerand consult the sponsoring Rotary clubtreasurer and a certified accountant.

Recording and managing the club funds isan important responsibility that requirescontinual review. Often, Rotaract clubs willappoint a second treasurer to train andassist. This guarantees continuity andensures a trained substitute treasurer.

All incoming Rotaract club officers shouldbe provided with Rotaract club officerleadership training at the district level,which includes a one- to two-day leader-ship training seminar conducted by theRotaract district committee in coordinationwith the RI district.

Rotaract Handbook 9

Articles V, VI, VIII and IX of the StandardRotaract Club Constitution provide a moredetailed overview of the Rotaract clubstructure.

Rotaract Club CommitteesClub committees are vital in effectivelycarrying out the activities of the Rotaractclub. The club president appoints fivestanding committees, with the approval ofthe board of directors, as prescribed by theStandard Rotaract Club Constitution. Theseinclude the Club Service, CommunityService, International Service, ProfessionalDevelopment and Finance Committees.Additional special committees may beappointed as needed.

Committees should meet at least once amonth to discuss plans and activities forreport to the president. All committeeactivities and expenses are subject to boardapproval.

Club Service Committee: This committeeplans strategies for membership develop-ment and retention, takes meeting minutes,writes and distributes the club bulletinand plans fellowship activities for themembership.

Community Service Committee: Thiscommittee reviews suggestions and developsplans for the club’s annual communityservice project(s) and takes a leadershiprole organizing and facilitating the project(s).

International Service Committee: Thiscommittee reviews suggestions and developsplans for the club’s annual internationalservice project(s) and takes a leadershiprole in organizing and facilitating theproject(s). In addition, this committeedevelops other activities that promoteinternational understanding among clubmembers and in the community.

Professional Development Committee:This committee reviews suggestions anddevelops plans to provide opportunities forprofessional development for the club’smembership and takes a leadership role infacilitating programs and projects related tothis area.

Finance Committee: This committee isresponsible for any district and club duescollection as well as planning for clubfundraising to support club administrationand service activities. The treasurer acts asthe committee chairperson.

Meeting ProgramsPrograms may draw on experts from thecommunity or university, outstandingbusiness leaders or international guests,or feature field trips to historical sites,businesses, and factories. Some meetingsmay be designated for updates on Rotaryprograms or Rotaract club projects. To keepmeetings interesting and lively, you maywant to make the program varied in format(e.g., speakers, panel discussions, debates,videos, slides, entertainment, and trips).

Although the president should review allprogram content, he or she will probablywant to appoint a meeting chairperson toorganize the year’s programs or ask differentmembers to organize one meeting programeach year. If numerous Rotaractors areinvolved in planning meeting programsduring the year, you will likely producefresh and original programs. Remember,the sponsoring Rotary club can be anexcellent source for interesting programs.

10 Rotaract Handbook

Spread the WordRotaract clubs may wish to produce a bulletin or newsletter to inform club membersof upcoming activities or share reports about past events. This type of informationshould also be shared with the sponsoring Rotary club(s) and key communitymembers who support Rotaract. Clubs should also provide a copy to the DistrictGovernor, District Rotaract Representative and Rotary International to keep themupdated on club activities.

Projects are more likely to receive support if the public knows of the Rotary move-ment and its achievements. By sharing your club’s accomplishments, you contributeto an accurate, positive image of Rotary in your community. Of equal importance iscreating awareness of your Rotaract club in the community as a means of attractingpotential new members.

Public relations should be directed to several audiences including local governmentofficials, the business community and other civic leaders and organizations, andpeople directly affected by Rotaract service projects.

Public relations campaigns don’t happen by chance; they require time, effort andplanning. Effective Public Relations: A Guide for Rotary Clubs (257-EN) is an excellentresource for Rotaractors to use in a variety of situations, whether you are writing apress release in order to recruit new members or seeking community support for aservice project.

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* A Rotaractor must complete one year as Rotaract club president or as a member of the Rotaract DistrictCommittee before serving as District Rotaract Representative.

4

The DistrictStructureand Beyond

clubs in the district, increase communicationamong Rotaract clubs, and plan district-wide training for Rotaract club officers.

The District Rotaract Chairperson

The District Rotaract Chairperson is aRotarian appointed by the District Governorwho assists him or her in publicizing theRotaract program, promoting the organiza-tion of new Rotaract clubs, and administeringthe Rotaract program within the district.The chairperson also provides the leader-ship necessary for the members of theDistrict Rotaract Committee to carry outthese objectives.

The District Rotaract Chairperson candevelop the Rotaract program through anactive Rotaract publicity and promotioncampaign. The chairperson should also bea knowledgeable, accessible Rotaractresource person for both Rotary andRotaract clubs and should take the lead inproviding training for the District RotaractRepresentative.

The District RotaractRepresentative

The District Rotaract Representative is aRotaractor elected by the Rotaract clubs inthe district by secret ballot.* In districtswhere there is only one Rotaract club, the

Rotaract activities at the district level provideopportunities for joint projects betweenRotaract clubs, training of new club officers,sharing ideas for strengthening club service,and promoting Rotaract extension to newareas. Rotaractors involved in these activitiesinevitably get to know Rotaract better. ForRotary districts with only one Rotaract club,Rotaract district activities focus on devel-oping a mechanism for Rotaract clubextension to new communities in thedistrict. The more you promote Rotaractin neighboring communities, the moreRotaract grows in your own community.

Roles of the DistrictGovernor, DistrictChairperson and DistrictRotaract Representative

The District Governor

Each of the more than 500 Rotary districtsworldwide is led by a District Governor, anelected Rotarian who serves as an officer ofRI and represents the RI Board of Directorsin the field. The District Governor isconcerned with the organization anddevelopment of Rotaract clubs and ap-points a District Rotaract Chairperson andthe District Rotaract Committee (comprisedof Rotarians) to address this issue. Thiscommittee works to organize new Rotaract


District Rotaract Representative is the mostrecent, available past Rotaract club president,or current president if the club is recentlyorganized.

The District Rotaract Representative servesas a liaison between the Rotaract clubs andthe District Rotaract Committee (comprisedof Rotarians) and Rotary International. Inorder to effectively carry out this function,the District Rotaract Representative mustdevelop a strong communication networkamong clubs. This same network can be usedto relay information both from the districtand from RI, including such things asRotaract program and promotional materials;training materials for new club officers;information on special events like WorldRotaract Week (the week of 13 March); andcopies of monthly issues of THE ROTARIANmagazine, the Rotary World newspaper,and Rotaract News. Conversely, the DistrictRotaract Representative should provide thedistrict and RI World Headquarters withreports of exceptional club projects forinternational promotion. Rotaract clubs canhelp the District Rotaract Representativestrengthen the district communicationnetwork by providing regular updates onnew club officers and address changes.

The District Rotaract Representative alsoappoints the Rotaract district committee(comprised of Rotaractors).

Rotaract District CommitteeThe District Rotaract Representative mayalso appoint a Rotaract district committeecomprised of at least five Rotaract membersfrom various clubs in the district. Thenumber of members appointed to thiscommittee varies according to the size ofthe district and the District RotaractRepresentative’s plans for the year. TheRotaract district committee plans district-wide projects and activities, recommendsclub service ideas to strengthen clubs, andworks with the Rotarians on the DistrictRotaract Committee to organize new clubsand district training sessions for Rotaractclub officers.

District MeetingsTwo important district-wide Rotaractmeetings are held each year: the RotaractDistrict Assembly and the Rotaract DistrictConference.

Rotaract District Assembly

The purpose of the Rotaract DistrictAssembly is to provide training to theincoming Rotaract club officers. TheRotaract District Assembly can be held anytime after club open elections are held.Normally, this is done before the Rotaryyear in which the officers serve their term.The meeting is planned and implementedby the District Rotaract Representative andDistrict Rotaract Chairman, and theirrespective committees.

Participants at the Rotaract District Assemblyinclude incoming Rotaract club officers,directors and committee chairmen; currentand incoming District Rotaract Representa-tives; the District Governor; DistrictRotaract Committee (consisting ofRotarians); Rotaract district committee(consisting of Rotaractors); Rotary clubRotaract committee chairperson andmembers; and Rotaract club advisors.

The conference should feature a mix ofgeneral sessions and small group discussionsdesigned to provide training to Rotaractclub officers and committee chairpersonsand to develop rapport between the Rotaractclub leadership and the sponsoring Rotaryclub and district leadership. Individualsessions should be planned to discuss theroles of the various club officers. Generalsessions might address Rotaract activitiesat the district level as well as provide anopportunity for sharing ideas on serviceactivities and membership developmentand retention. The program should bedeveloped jointly by the District RotaractRepresentative and the District RotaractChairman and be approved by the DistrictGovernor.


General sessions should be led by theDistrict Rotaract Representative, withassistance from the District RotaractCommittee Chairperson. Group sessionsshould be led by Rotaractors, with Rotariansassigned to each group as resource specialiststo supply any necessary information andguidance. This provides an excellentopportunity for Rotaractors to developtheir leadership skills.

The Rotarians and Rotaractors on theDistrict Rotaract Committee and Rotaractdistrict committee, respectively, shouldwork together to plan all aspects of themeeting. In addition to conducting themeeting, the District Rotaract Representativeshould recommend Rotaractors to serve asdiscussion group leaders and also helppromote attendance at the meeting.

The expenses for all incoming Rotaract clubofficers, directors and committee chair-persons are to be paid by the sponsoringRotary clubs, or where circumstancesdictate, by a mutually agreed-upon financialarrangement involving the sponsoringRotary clubs, Rotary district and theRotaract participants. The District Governorshould approve the final financial proposalfor the Rotaract District Assembly.

Rotaract District Conference

A Rotaract District Conference givesRotaractors throughout the district a chanceto congregate and celebrate the year’ssuccesses. The conference also provides animportant forum for exchanging informationand ideas, evaluating completed projectsand planning new ones, and strengtheningthe spirit of teamwork and friendship.

Every Rotaractor in the district should beinvited to the district conference, as well asRotarians on the District Rotaract Committee,Rotaract club advisors and the DistrictGovernor. The Rotaract District Conferencecan be held at the end of May or in Juneand should be held at a central location thatoffers easy and economical access forRotaractors throughout the district. Keep inmind that it shouldn’t conflict with theRotaract Pre-Convention Meeting.

All aspects of the meeting should beplanned by the Rotaractors and Rotarianson the district committees. The current andincoming District Rotaract Representativesshould have primary responsibility forcoordinating the meeting.

The cost of the conference can be coveredin various ways. Often, however, generalRotaract club and district funds are used tocover meeting expenses, and Rotaractorspay a registration fee that includes meals,entertainment and accommodations if themeeting runs longer than one day.

There are no set guidelines for programcontent, but it should be informative andenjoyable. Based on the interests of thedistrict’s Rotaractors, the current andincoming District Rotaract Representatives,in consultation with the Rotaract districtcommittee, should plan a program thatmotivates the participants and promotesthe formation of district-wide friendships.

The plenary sessions might feature speakersfrom regional government agencies,businesses, or community organizationswhose knowledge and insights would beinformative and inspirational for Rotaractors.If the conference focuses on a specific themethat the District Rotaract Representativehas developed over the year (e.g., drugabuse prevention or literacy promotion),choose speakers who specialize in relatedfields. The plenary sessions also providean opportunity to spotlight the talents ofRotaractors who are musicians, dancers,or artists and to recognize individualRotaractors or clubs that have providedoutstanding service to their communityduring the year. This is also a good time toelect the District Rotaract Representative forthe following year, thus allowing a full yearfor preparation and training for the office.

Discussion group sessions can follow anynumber of formats, including: serviceproject workshops featuring panels ofspecialists; idea exchange assemblies; orgroup discussions on specific districtconcerns, with group recommendationsreported on at an open forum during thegeneral session.


Generally, a Rotaract club is asked to hostthe meeting, which involves obtaining themeeting place and organizing conferencelogistics.

Contact your District Rotaract Representativefor the dates of these two meetings. For thosedistricts with only one or two Rotaract clubs,these meetings are especially importantand should not be disregarded. However, ifresources are limited, it may prove moreproductive to coordinate the RotaractDistrict Assembly and/or Conference withthe Rotary District Assembly or Conference.This gives Rotaractors direct contact withRotarians in the district and a better under-standing of Rotary and increases Rotaractvisibility among Rotarians.

Multidistrict Activities,Meetings and OrganizationsMultidistrict activities are Rotaract-sponsored service projects (other thanmeetings) involving clubs in two or moredistricts. For example, in Japan, Rotaractorsorganize a multidistrict service project tocelebrate their “National Rotaract Day,”generating publicity about Rotaract thatattracts new members.

To organize a multidistrict project, a Rotaractdistrict must provide RI World Headquarterswith documentation demonstrating theapproval of the District Rotaract Represen-tatives and District Governors from theparticipating districts, as well as supportfrom at least two-thirds of the Rotaract clubsin each district. Once approved by theGeneral Secretary, the project must be directlysupervised by the District Rotaract Repre-sentatives, who should make it clear to theclubs that participation is voluntary and costsare to be covered by minimal contributionsrather than a mandatory per capita fee.

All groups undertaking multidistrict projectsshould submit annual financial and descrip-tive progress reports on their projects —along with photographs — to RI WorldHeadquarters. These reports are used tofeature successful multidistrict Rotaractactivities in the Rotary World newspaper,THE ROTARIAN magazine, Rotaract Newsand other RI publications.

Multidistrict meetings are conferences,seminars or meetings which involve Rotaractclubs from several districts coming togetherto discuss issues of importance beyond thedistrict level. All such meetings require thatthe host District Rotaract Representativeprovide to the District Governors concerneda copy of the meeting proposal whichdescribes the date, location, facilities,participants, program, budget and proofof adequate liability insurance. The hostgovernor must also approve any multi-district meetings. The District RotaractRepresentative should inform theRI director(s) from the zone(s) and theRI General Secretary of the event.

Additionally, multidistrict meetings at theworldwide level require the approval of theRI director(s) from the zone and the approvalof the RI Board. Proposals for such meetings,including all of the information noted above,should be submitted by the host DistrictRotaract Representative to Rotary Inter-national well in advance of the meeting toensure adequate time for RI Boardconsideration.

Multidistrict organizations, frequentlycalled Multidistrict Information Organiza-tions (MDIOs), may be formed for thepurpose of disseminating information andfacilitating communication between Rotaractclubs in the districts concerned. Approvalfor such organizations must be securedfrom the governors of the districts involvedand the RI Board. Rotaract representativesof the districts involved comprise themembership of such organizations. EachDistrict Rotaract Representative may appointa member of his or her district organization,as needed, to carry out the activities of themultidistrict organization. Funds needed toimplement a multidistrict organization’sactivities must be obtained on a voluntarybasis only.

Multidistrict organizations have no decision-making or legislative powers, except fordecisions concerning activities of the organi-zation, for which each member (DistrictRotaract Representative) has one vote.


Regional andInternational Meetings

Rotaract Pre-Convention Meeting

The Rotaract Pre-Convention Meeting,sponsored by Rotary International, bringstogether Rotaractors and Rotarians fromaround the world to share ideas for projectsand fellowship. This meeting, usually heldin June, immediately precedes the RIConvention. It updates participants on newRotaract policies and activities, recognizesoutstanding Rotaract club projects aroundthe world and affords an opportunity forRotaractors to share their ideas with RIofficers and staff. This is a meeting thatevery District Rotaract Representative andclub president should attend.

RI Convention

Rotaractors are invited and encouraged toparticipate in the four-day RI Conventionthat follows the Rotaract Pre-ConventionMeeting. Rotaractors take part in specialforums, workshops, the projects exhibitionand plenary sessions. Participation in theRI Convention gives Rotaractors a broaderunderstanding of Rotary, its internationalityand its service to the world. It can provideRotaractors with a better sense of howRotaract fits into the Rotary family.

INTEROTA

INTEROTA is a worldwide Rotaractmeeting held every three years. It is anopportunity for Rotaractors to sampleanother culture, tour the local sights, andsee what kinds of activities and projectstheir counterparts are developing. PastINTEROTA meeting sites have includedSouth Africa, Turkey and Mexico.

Unlike the Rotaract Pre-ConventionMeeting, INTEROTA is not sponsored byRI. Rather, Rotaractors compete with oneanother to host INTEROTA. At the meeting,delegations from various countries presentconference proposals for the upcomingINTEROTA, and participants then vote to

select the next meeting site. Before a Rotaractclub or district makes a proposal to hostINTEROTA, they need to secure the approvalof their current District Governor and theRI director from their region. Once a site isselected, the hosting Rotaractors are requiredto submit a proposal to the RI Board forapproval, as described in the “Rotaract Multi-district Meetings” section of the RI Manualof Procedure, and to ensure that their DistrictGovernors and RI directors are kept informedof the meeting plans in the years leading upto the event.

While not an official Rotary Internationalmeeting, RI recognizes the value of thisevent and supports INTEROTA throughapproval of its program content and byensuring representation of RI leadershipat this event.


5

Rotaractand RotaryInternational

Program Administration

RI Secretariat and Rotaract

The RI Secretariat is made up of the RI WorldHeadquarters in Evanston, Illinois, U.S.A.and its eight Service Centers in Argentina,Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, thePhilippines, and Switzerland. RI staff arecommitted to providing excellent service inadministering the Rotaract program world-wide. Addresses and phone/fax numbers forRI Secretariat offices can be found on page 57.

Communication

Good communication between RI, Rotaractclubs and sponsoring Rotary clubs is key tothe health and growth of this importantprogram. To facilitate this, program mailingsare sent each year from RI World Head-quarters providing program updates,information on new publications, andannouncements about special activitiessuch as World Rotaract Week and theRotaract Pre-Convention Meeting.Rotaract clubs should make a special effortto keep RI informed of their activities.

RI President’s Theme

Each year the new RI president introducesa special theme that aims to unite the serviceprojects of your Rotaract club and sponsoringRotary club with those of Rotaract and

Program PoliciesGuiding policies for the Rotaract programcome from the RI Board (which consists of18 past District Governors from around theworld) and the RI president (who is electedannually by the Rotary clubs). Each year theRI president appoints a Rotaract committeewhose role is to advise the Board on proposedchanges in program policy. Rotaractors andRotarians wishing to propose changes tothe Rotaract program should work througheither this committee or the Board memberfrom their region to bring their suggestionsto the attention of the Board.

Changes to the Rotaract program that wouldaffect the constitution and by-laws ofRotary International or the RI-prescribedconstitution and by-laws of Rotary clubsmust be considered and acted upon by theCouncil on Legislation. The Council onLegislation is the legislative body of RI.The Rotaract program does not have aseparate legislative body for consideringconstitutional amendments. If a Rotaractclub supports such a change, considerationof the proposal should be pursued throughthe sponsoring Rotary club. A sponsoringRotary club is not obliged to submit such aproposal on behalf of the Rotaract club tothe Council on Legislation.


Rotary clubs around the world. Throughthis theme, the president invites Rotaractclubs to take part in a global effort to improveworld understanding and peace.

RI Rotaract Committee

Each year the RI president appoints aninternational committee to serve in anadvisory capacity to the Board regardingthe Rotaract program. It has becomecustomary for the committee to includeboth Rotarians and Rotaractors from aroundthe world. Rotaractors and Rotarians whowish to make proposals to the Boardregarding the Rotaract program shouldwork through the RI Rotaract Committee.Rotaractors interested in serving on thiscommittee should have a Rotarian write tothe RI president-elect recommending himor her as a worthy candidate for consider-ation. All committee appointments are madeat the discretion of the president-elect.

Rotaract Club Certification,Registration and Termination

The RI Secretariat acts as a central adminis-trator for Rotaract clubs. Each new Rotaractclub is required to submit a “Rotaract ClubOrganization List” to the office of the RIService Center serving its area and a cluborganization fee equivalent to US$50. Thisinformation becomes part of a computerizedlist of officially organized Rotaract clubsmaintained at RI World Headquarters,making it possible to promote internationaland regional communication amongRotaract clubs.

Each year, a Rotaract club is required toprovide updated address information toRI World Headquarters to ensure therecords are accurate.

RI will terminate Rotaract clubs* if mail isreturned to the Secretariat and RI staff areunable to reach the club president throughthe District Rotaract Representative, theDistrict Rotaract Chairman, the sponsoringRotary club secretary, or the District Gover-nor. These individuals will have 90 days to

provide updated contact information to RI,after which time the Rotaract club will beterminated. This policy makes it essentialfor Rotaract clubs to submit the names andaddresses of their club presidents or contactpersons each year, so that not only can thecorrect club information appear in theWorldwide Rotaract Directory, but also so thatactive Rotaract clubs are not terminated. Inaddition, if at any time during the Rotaryyear a Rotaract club president or contactperson’s address changes, he or she mustnotify Rotary International so that mail sentfrom the Secretariat is not returned asundeliverable.

If a Rotaract club wishes to be reinstatedafter having been terminated by RotaryInternational, they may do so at any timeprovided they have the support of theirsponsoring Rotary club. If the Rotaract clubwishes to be reinstated within one year oftheir official termination by RI, then theRotaract club is not required to pay the US$50certification fee. If, however, a Rotaract clubhas been officially terminated for a periodof more than one year, it must pay the US$50certification fee in order to be officiallyreinstated with Rotary International.

Services

Worldwide Rotaract Directory

Each year, the Official Directory section ofthe Secretariat mails to all Rotaract clubs a“Rotaract Data Form” to verify each club’scontact information and activity. Returningthe form prior to 1 April guarantees thatyour club will be included in the WorldwideRotaract Directory. These reports should besent to:

Official DirectoryRotary InternationalOne Rotary Center1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201, USAFax: 847-328-8554

By submitting the Rotaract Annual Reportform, clubs can indicate their interest inparticipating in international Home Hostingand Partner Club projects.

* For a complete listing of other reasons for which a Rotaract club may be terminated, please see Article III,Section 5 of the Standard Rotaract Club Constitution and Section 19 of the Rotaract Statement of Policy.


THE ROTARIAN, Rotary World andRotaract News

The RI Secretariat also develops promotionalpieces to help the Rotaract program. Fore-most among RI publications are THEROTARIAN, Rotary World and Rotaract News.THE ROTARIAN, published monthly, is theofficial magazine of RI and an internationalmagazine for business and professionalpeople. Rotary World is a newspaperpublished five times a year that includesreports on innovative club and districtprojects in communities around the world.Rotaract News is the biannual newsletterpublished exclusively for the Rotaractaudience. To enhance these publications,Rotaract clubs are asked each year to submitto RI photographs and “Project ReportForms” (see pages 53-54) detailing theircommunity and international serviceprojects. Your club’s communication withthe RI Secretariat is essential in promotingthe worldwide success of Rotaract.

Every registered Rotaract club should receivea copy of Rotary World and Rotaract News.If your club does not receive a copy it maynot be correctly registered, and you shouldcontact RI World Headquarters immediately.

Special Events

World Rotaract Week

During the week in which 13 March falls,Rotaract clubs and their sponsors join in aworldwide celebration of World RotaractWeek. This celebration coincides with thedate that the first Rotaract club was officiallycertified by Rotary International. In cele-bration of this week, Rotaract clubs areinvited to join with their Rotary clubsponsors to carry out partner activities.


6

Resources

One of the primary goals of Rotaract clubsis to provide service both locally andinternationally. Rotary International andThe Rotary Foundation have a variety ofprograms, activities and emphases to supportthe efforts of both Rotary and Rotaract clubsin developing their service projects. Thefollowing section details Rotary Interna-tional and Rotary Foundation programs,activities and emphases and explains howyour Rotaract club can obtain additionalinformation. Publications listed as resourcesbelow can be ordered from the latest RI Catalog(019-EN), or by completing the “PublicationOrder Form” found on page 35 and sendingit to the Service Center for your area.In addition, RI’s Web site (www.rotary.org)has a wealth of information.

Resources of RotaryInternationalThe RI Programs Department acts as aclearinghouse for information on club anddistrict service activities worldwide.Through its program publications andProjects Database, programs staff can helpRotaractors develop effective service projectsby sharing the experience and knowledgeof others from around the world.

The Projects Database contains severalhundred project models and ideas alongwith project contact information andresource organizations, providing conciseinformation on Community, Vocational andInternational Service projects. Rotariansand Rotaractors are encouraged to submittheir projects for possible inclusion so that

others might benefit from their experience.To obtain information from the ProjectsDatabase, contact the Programs Departmentat RI World Headquarters, specifying whattypes of project examples you are interestedin receiving.

AIDS

The RI Board encourages Rotary clubs towork with governmental health agenciesand non-governmental organizations toincrease awareness among their membershipand the broader community about AIDSeducation and prevention. Rotary clubshave been asked by the Board to useUnited Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS) materials in expanding collabor-ative activities with Rotaractors andInteractors. Rotaractors can be key leadersin enhancing AIDS awareness among theirpeers, working within cultural and communitysensitivities.

For more information, consult the RI pub-lication, Rotary Responds to AIDS (604-EN).

Children at Risk

Recognizing that children are an especiallyvulnerable population and need specialcare and protection, RI’s Children at Riskemphasis encourages clubs to undertakeprojects to alleviate the hardships sufferedby children living in exceptionally difficultconditions in order to enable them to growinto adulthood in an environment of peace,dignity, tolerance, freedom and equality.This emphasis is an extension of RI’s


endorsement and support of the rights ofall children to food, shelter, health care,education and freedom from abuse andviolence, regardless of race, creed ornationality. Service projects encompassedby the Children at Risk emphasis focus onhunger, literacy and primary education,health care and immunization, safe com-munities and schools, drug and alcohol abuseprevention, alleviating homelessness andpromoting stable and nurturing homes.

Concern for the Aging

As people’s life expectancy expands, concernfor the aging is a growing need in manycommunities. This Community Serviceactivity is designed to encourage Rotaryand Rotaract clubs to undertake projects thatrespond to the social, physical, vocational,and educational needs of senior citizens.Concern for the aging projects incorporatesenior citizens into community activitiesand help break down generational barriers.

For more information, consult the RI publi-cation Learning from Experience (621-EN).

Drug and Alcohol AbusePrevention

Through its emphasis on drug and alcoholabuse prevention, RI is drawing attention to aproblem of global proportions. Rotary andRotaract clubs are encouraged to undertakeservice projects that help reduce substanceabuse in the community, particularly througheducational programs on the dangers ofdrug and alcohol abuse. Given the impor-tance of addressing this problem as early aspossible, Rotaractors are in an ideal positionboth to influence younger children andtheir peers with respect to this issue.

For more information, consult the RI publi-cation, Combating Substance Abuse (627-EN).

Interact

Interact is an international organization ofservice and social clubs for young peopleages 14-18 that fosters leadership andresponsible citizenship and promotes inter-national understanding and peace. EachInteract club is sponsored by a local Rotaryclub — which acts as an advisor — butclubs are self-governing and self-supporting.

Each year, Interact clubs complete a com-munity service project and a project thatfurthers international understanding andgoodwill. Interact is also a social organiza-tion. Interactors develop a worldwidenetwork of friends through exchanges withlocal clubs and those from different countries.Interactors within a community serve asexcellent future prospects for the localRotaract club.

For more information, consult the InteractHandbook (654-EN) or your District InteractChairperson.

Hunger Alleviation

Poverty is on the rise and one of its chiefeffects is hunger. RI encourages Rotary andRotaract clubs to undertake projects toalleviate starvation; to substantially reducemalnutrition and mortality among children;to tangibly reduce chronic hunger; and toeliminate major diseases resulting frominadequate nutrition.

Consult Combating Hunger and PovertyThrough Rotary (307-EN) for furtherinformation.

Literacy and Numeracy Promotion

RI’s Literacy and Numeracy programaddresses the critical need of increasingpeople’s functional literacy levels and basicmath skills. Rotary and Rotaract clubs areasked to examine community literacy andnumeracy needs and develop appropriateprojects such as adult literacy classes, orreading programs for children.

For more information, consult the RI publi-cation, Rotary Promotes Literacy (601-EN).

Preserve Planet Earth Program

The Preserve Planet Earth program seeks toaddress rising concerns over the state of theenvironment. Rotaract and Rotary clubs canhelp to increase ecological and environmentalawareness in their homes, communities, andthroughout the world. Whenever possible,clubs should try to incorporate environ-mental protection components into allongoing community and internationalservice projects.

For further information, consult thePreserve Planet Earth Handbook (378-EN).


Rotary Community Corps(RCC) Program

The Rotary Community Corps programencourages Rotary and Rotaract clubs toidentify service-minded non-Rotarians withleadership potential who require organiza-tional and technical assistance to carry outlocal community development projects.Through Rotary club sponsorship, RCCsare organized and receive Rotary, Rotaract,or Interact assistance to advance theirprojects. The purpose of the RCC programis to promote grass-roots, self-help projects;develop local leadership abilities; maximizelocal resources; and use appropriate cost-efficient technology.

For more information, consult the RotaryCommunity Corps Handbook (770-EN).

Rotary Volunteers Program

The Rotary Volunteers program linksRotarians and spouses, Rotaractors, RotaryFoundation scholars, and non-Rotarianswith exciting volunteer opportunities incommunity and international serviceprojects. The Rotary Volunteers programis designed to create greater awarenessamong Rotarians/Rotaractors of volunteeropportunities within their own and othercommunities, provide expertise or skills notavailable within the community to serviceprojects, and increase and facilitate partici-pation in all types of volunteer activities.

Rotaractors interested in volunteering theirexpertise to a service project should beginby seeking out community and districtopportunities. Those Rotaractors unableto identify such opportunities and willingto volunteer outside the district, shouldcontact the district Vocational Service chair-person and complete the RI registrationform for Rotary volunteer opportunities.Volunteers are expected to independentlyfollow up on possible Rotary or non-Rotaryprojects which could use their volunteerexpertise.

For more information, consult the RotaryVolunteers Handbook (263-EN).

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards(RYLA)

Organized at the Rotary club, district ormultidistrict level, RYLA seminars focus ontopics of interest to students and youngprofessionals. Participants exchange ideas,explore career paths, learn more aboutRotary, gain insights for organizing youthand community service projects, anddiscuss approaches for resolving family,social, and professional problems.

The connection between Rotaract and RYLAworks on many levels. In some cases,Rotaractors are selected by their Rotaryclubs to participate in RYLA seminars.Rotaract clubs may work with a Rotary clubor district RYLA committee to organize theseminar. RYLA seminars also provideRotaract clubs with a pool of excellentcandidates for Rotaract membership.

Those Rotaractors interested in learningmore about RYLA activities should contacttheir sponsoring Rotary club or DistrictGovernor or consult the RI publication,Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Guidelines(694-EN).

Urban Peace andConflict Resolution

Rotarians’ efforts in the arenas of urbanpeace and conflict resolution focus on areasof concern to all communities, includingcommunity terrorism, gun violence,domestic/family violence, ethnic andreligious intolerance, deteriorating innercities, lack of recreational facilities, alterna-tive dispute resolution, homelessness andunemployment. Rotarians and Rotaractorsare encouraged to demonstrate theircommitment to urban peace throughprojects and activities in these areas.

For more information, consult BuildingPeace in the Community (377-EN).


World Community Service(WCS) Program

The purpose of the World CommunityService program is to encourage internationalcooperation; carry out projects to improveliving standards and satisfy basic needs;and increase international understandingand goodwill through professional, technical,and material assistance. A World CommunityService project is one in which two clubsfrom different countries join forces to addressa community need by providing interna-tional funding, volunteer assistance, ormaterial support. The World CommunityService Projects Exchange (754-EN) listsprojects needing international Rotary andRotaract club partners. Rotaract clubs mayalso list projects that need support in theWCS Projects Exchange with the endorsementof the sponsoring Rotary club. The WCSProjects Exchange can also be found onRI’s Web site.

Another WCS resource is the Donations-in-kind Information Network (DIN), adatabase listing goods and services donatedby Rotarians and Rotaractors for use inWCS projects.

For more information and registrationforms for this program, consult the WorldCommunity Service Handbook: A Guide toAction (742-EN).

Youth Exchange

The Youth Exchange program sends studentsof secondary school age to engage in studyor travel abroad for up to one academic yearin order to advance international under-standing and goodwill. Youth Exchangestudents, typically between the ages of 15and 19, live with host families and experi-ence first-hand life, culture and educationin another country. Sponsored by sendingand receiving Rotary clubs or districts, theexchangees are selected according toguidelines and procedures suggested bythe RI Board. Returned Youth Exchangestudents are a great source of potentialRotaract members.

For more information, consult the YouthExchange Handbook (746-EN) or your districtYouth Exchange chairperson.

Resources ofThe Rotary FoundationThrough its humanitarian, educational andcultural exchange programs, The RotaryFoundation provides financial assistanceto international Rotary/Rotaract serviceprojects that aim to increase world under-standing and peace. The guidelines used injudging applications for financial assistancerequire that projects involve two or morecountries and subscribe to establishedcriteria set by The Rotary FoundationTrustees. In addition, funding is availablefor international scholarships.

Discovery Grants

Discovery Grants subsidize the advanceplanning activities of Rotary clubs anddistricts designing significant internationalservice projects by contributing to the travel,food and ancillary expenses of individualsselected by the sponsor club or district totravel from one country to another tofurther such planning. Discovery Grants ofup to US$3,000 permit teams of Rotariansor teams of experts led by at least oneRotarian to travel to another country foran unrestricted length of time.

For more information, consult the bookletHumanitarian Grants Programs (130-EN).

Grants for Rotary Volunteers

The Grants for Rotary Volunteers programallocates stipends to cover travel and perdiem expenses for Rotarians, RotaryFoundation alumni, and Rotaractors whoserve as international service volunteers fora minimum of four weeks in a Rotary ornon-Rotary international service project. Tobe eligible for funding, prospective volun-teers must first be registered with the RIRotary Volunteers program.



Group Study Exchange (GSE)

Awards are given to Rotary districts to sendteams of four business or professional peopleto visit another country for four to six weeksto study its business institutions, observeprofessions as practiced in the host country,and experience a different way of life. TheRotary Foundation provides funding forround-trip transportation. Host Rotarianspay expenses directly associated with thevisiting team’s study tour. (Children andgrandchildren of Rotarians are not eligiblefor Group Study Exchange awards.)

For more information, consult the GroupStudy Exchange brochure (160-EN).

Health, Hunger and Humanity(3-H) Grants

A 3-H Grant provides funding for large-scale (US$100,000 to US$500,000) one- tofive-year international humanitarian serviceprojects that are designed to improve health,alleviate hunger, enhance human and socialdevelopment, and advance internationalunderstanding, goodwill and peace. Theproject must involve Rotary clubs from twoor more countries. Rotaractors can participatein 3-H projects, but informally.


Helping Grants for InternationalHumanitarian Projects

Helping Grants are designed to providesupport for humanitarian service projectsin areas of the world where there is no localRotary club or where a local club cannotsignificantly contribute to a project. Thesegrants provide up to US$15,000, matchingone dollar for every two contributed by asponsoring club or district. Although projectsmay be funded and monitored by Rotaractors,the Rotaractors’ sponsoring Rotary clubsmust approve and sign Helping Grantapplications.


Matching Grants for InternationalHumanitarian Projects

A Matching Grant offers matched financialassistance up to US$50,000 for the purposeof advancing an international Rotary serviceproject. These grants match internationalRotary/Rotaract club contributions orproject funds raised jointly between theproject’s sponsor club and an internationalRotary or Rotaract club partner. Althoughprojects may be funded and monitored byRotaractors, the Rotaractors’ sponsoringRotary clubs must approve and signMatching Grant applications.


Rotary FoundationAmbassadorial Scholarships

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar-ships fund study in another country, duringwhich time scholars serve as goodwillambassadors and are available to speakabout their homeland. Upon return, scholarsgive talks on their international experienceswith an aim to increase world understand-ing. Scholarships are available for one, twoor three academic years. In addition, thereare cultural ambassadorial scholarships forintensive language training and culturalstudy in another country for either threeor six months. (Children and grandchildrenof Rotarians are not eligible for thesescholarships.)

To learn more about availability, eligibilityand deadlines, consult the Rotary FoundationAmbassadorial Scholarships leaflet (132-EN).

Other ResourcesOther sources of information include thefollowing Internet sites.

www.rotaract.org — This site, called theGlobal Rotaract Information Center, is anextensive source of information relating tothe Rotaract program. It includes detailsabout Rotaract clubs and districts world-wide, hot topic chat rooms, free e-mail andevents listings. This site also contains aPress Room that lists current Rotaractevents and announcements, an on-lineRotaract Handbook, and information onRotary-Rotaract partnerships.

www.rotaract.de/service/ — This site, main-tained by two German Rotaractors, containsa searchable database of Rotary, Rotaractand Interact projects. All types of projectdescriptions are readily accessible fordownloading, and there is an area whereindividual clubs can enter informationabout their own service activities.

www.icufr.org — The International Com-puter Users Fellowship of Rotarians, orICUFR, is an official Fellowship forRotarians who use computer-based tech-nology in their everyday lives. This sitecontains several links to Rotary club anddistrict Web sites around the world, as wellas the Rotarians On-line Conference Center,or ROCC. The ROCC includes chat roomson a variety of Rotary-related subjects aswell as message posting forums for topicsthat range from developments in Webtechnology to jokes and anecdotes.

http://roti.ultra.net.au/index.html —Rotarians on the Internet, or ROTI, isanother Fellowship for those interested incombining their affiliation with Rotary andtheir passion for the Internet. The Rotarianswho maintain this site are dedicated tokeeping track of all Rotary clubs that havea presence on the Internet. Contained inthis site are links to Rotary clubs anddistricts worldwide, 24-hour chat rooms,on-line Rotary manuals, and many otherfeatures.



7

Rotaractin Action

● The Rotaract Club of Kampala, Uganda,used its “Bandwe Community HealthProject” to improve the social welfare andquality of life of the Bandwe communityby providing both basic and general healthcare services to local people. The areahas a population of approximately 30,000but does not have a health center to meetresidents’ health needs. Through theBandwe project, the club offers serviceswhich include disease immunization(including polio), dental services, andprimary health care talks on familyplanning, hygiene, nutrition and dentalcare, to name a few. In its early days theclub project did not have a permanentstructure, and immunizations were carriedout under a tree and in a school classroom.Thanks to the monetary and moralsupport of the District Governor and aRotarian from the Rotary club of Mengo,the Rotaractors’ Rotary sponsor, a perma-nent health care facility has been erected.

● Thalassaemia is an inherited blooddisorder that keeps the afflicted personfrom producing blood of his/her own,making regular transfusions necessary.The disease, for which there is currentlyno cure, is most common among smallchildren and is growing at alarmingrates. The treatment for this disease isnot only agonizing, but very expensive.

There is no limit to the creativity and enthusiasmemployed by Rotaract clubs in carrying out bothlocal and international projects. Below is asampling of noteworthy Rotaract projectsworldwide that provides clubs with ideas forinitiating their own service projects.● In response to devastation caused by

flooding in North Gujarat State in India,the Rotaract Club of Visnagar undertookthe “Epidemic Preventive Efforts (DisasterRelief Operation)” project to help shoulderthe responsibility of epidemic prevention.In the wake of the floods, many residentswere killed, thousands were left home-less, drinking water was contaminated,cattle died, and homes and roads weredamaged or destroyed. Working with apreventative health clinic run by theirRotary club sponsor, they helped curbthe spread of diseases, including malariaand cholera. In addition to the healthinitiatives, a disease awareness campaignwas undertaken, chlorine tablets weredistributed to every residence in Visnagarcity, and dead animal carcasses wereburned. Many Rotarians, Rotaractors,Interactors and those involved with InnerWheel and Rotary Community Corpsfrom neighboring clubs pitched in andworked together with various governmentagencies and non-governmental organi-zations to make this project a success.


The Rotaract Club of East Calcutta,India, began addressing the issue in 1991through a blood donation camp, whichthen grew into a district-wide projectwhich included awareness programsand projects with local clubs and schoolsin the community. The success of theirproject has inspired other Rotaract clubsfrom India, Israel, Turkey and Englandto see how they can work together tohelp fight the spread of this disease.

● The Rotaract Club of Curitiba CidadeSorriso, Brazil, is consistent in itsongoing service to the local community.Their “Brazilian Citizenship Project” isone of many of their successful jointRotary-Rotaract projects that providesneedy community residents withinformation, instruction and supportto solve problems in the areas of health,education, law, recreation and culture,and ecology. Club members organize two-day seminars with lecturers from manygovernment, non-government, publicand private agencies. The specialistsprovide community members withpractical advice and information onhealth, environmental, and local neigh-borhood issues.

● The Rotaract Club of Novi Ligure, Italy,sensitive to the social and economicalproblems of their community, decided topromote entrepreneurship, with the goalof motivating an entrepreneurial spiritamong local youth and making the publicaware of the importance of a thrivingbusiness community in their region. Incooperation with their city council, alocal savings bank and the sponsoringRotary club of Novi Ligure, a series offive lectures relating to business, finance,communication and technology waspresented to the public over a period offour months. In addition to the lecture,a 40-hour series of free training courseswas provided to young professionalsand potential entrepreneurs, starting inOctober and ending in December. Theseformative seminars were designed toteach the participants about the specific‘ins and outs’ of small- and medium-sizebusinesses competing in today’s globaleconomy, as well as the practical stepsneeded to get started.

• The Twin Cities Rotaract Club ofMinneapolis-St. Paul, USA, purchased atwo-seat recumbent-style bicycle anddonated it to a school serving physicallyand mentally disabled students. Thiscommunity service project providespresent and future students of HighviewMiddle School with the opportunity toenjoy the simple pleasure of a bicycleride. They are also in partnership withthe Rotaract Club of Minsk, Belarus, tocollect clothing, school supplies andother packaged goods to send to aspecialized orphan house in Rudensk,Belarus. The local club in Belarus arrangesthe delivery of the clothing and suppliesonce the packages arrive in Rudensk.The efforts of these Rotaract clubs resultedin a great deal of media exposure innewspaper articles and local televisioncoverage, which has led to an increasedawareness of Rotaract in their localcommunities.

• “Project Golden Child,” an ambitiousfour-day camp dedicated to improvingthe lives of children living with cancer,was undertaken by the Rotaract clubs ofDistrict 3300, Malaysia. Rotaractors andRotarians from all over Malaysia andSingapore, as well as other outsideorganizations who donated their time,money and expertise, helped to make thedream of Project Golden Child a reality.A committed group of Rotaractorsundertook innovative fundraising projectsto raise awareness of the challengesfaced by these children and also took onthe role of “big brother/big sister” bygetting to know these children and theirfamilies on a personal level. The projectwas publicized in the media, and aninformational souvenir booklet wasproduced, highlighting the extensiveactivities that took place. Besides engagingthese children in life-affirming andesteem-building activities, Project GoldenChild also provided a respite for parentsand families of these children. TheRotaractors who participated in theproject stated that in the four days theylearned the spirit of teamwork, gainedthe strength to overcome their fears anddeepened their desire and ability toshare love.


• The Rotaract Clubs of Moscow, Russia,and Adalar (Istanbul), Turkey, co-sponsored two classical concerts tobenefit needy children. The concertsfeatured an internationally recognizedRussian chamber ensemble. The RussianRotaractors handled the logistical andtravel arrangements for the trio’s visit toTurkey, while the Turkish Rotaractorsarranged for the concert hall, publicizedthe concert and sold tickets, and providedhost family accommodations for thevisiting musicians. The two Rotaractclubs split the proceeds, with each clubusing its share to support a children’sorganization. In Moscow, a children’sclinic for nervous disorders was thebeneficiary, while the Turkish Rotaractorsdonated their portion of the profits to alocal orphanage.


8

Administrative Forms andConstitutional DocumentsThis section contains all the necessary forms, pertinent documents and relevant lists needed for Rotaractclub operation. Pages in this section may be removed for photocopying. Photocopies may serve asoriginals. Below is a list of the materials you will find in this section with their page numbers.

List of MaterialsLicensed Suppliers for Rotaract Emblem Merchandise 32

Specification for Rotaract Emblem 33

Rotaract Resource List 34

RI Publication Order Form 35

Standard Rotaract Club Constitution 37

Rotaract Statement of Policy 41

Summary of Rotaract Plans and Objectives 45

Rotaract Club Organization List 47

Rotaract Membership Application 49

Notice of Rotaract Alumnus (Potential Rotarian) 50

Rotaract Member Guide 51

Rotaract Annual Project Reports 53

Rotary International Calendar 55

Service Centers and Regional Offices of the RI Secretariat 57


Licensed Suppliers for Rotaract EmblemMerchandisePlease help protect the Rotaract emblem from illegal use. Should you choose to purchase merchandisebearing the Rotaract emblem, please confirm that the individual or firm from whom you’ve purchased aproduct is licensed by Rotary International.

Below is a list of firms licensed by Rotary International to produce the Rotaract emblem on merchandisefor sale. If you discover an individual or firm selling emblem merchandise not listed below, pleasecontact the Service Center for your area or the Licensing Section at RI World Headquarters in Evanston.

Please note that the information listed below was accurate at the time of printing but may not be currentat the time you refer to it. For the most up-to-date list of licensees, consult the Official Directory.

ARGENTINAGhirimoldi Y Lerose, S.C.P.A.,Uruguay 247-49, 1015 Buenos AiresC.F. Tel: 54-1-372-8060

AUSTRALIAJohn Giles Pty. Ltd., 2 Green St.,Revesby, N.S.W. 2015. Tel: 61-2-699-1455; Fax: 61-2-699-9903

Patrick Australia Pty. Ltd., 84-88Leveson Street, North Melbourne,Vic. 3051. Tel: 61-3-329-9200; Fax: 61-3-326-5010

R.D.U. Pty. Ltd., P.O. Box 604,Parramatta, N.S.W. 2150. Tel: 61-2-633-4888; Fax: 61-2-891-5984;E-mail: [email protected];Internet: www.rotarnet.com.au

CANADARussell-Hampton Canada Ltd.,384 Westney Rd. S.; P.O. Box 426,Ajax, Ont. L1S 3C5. Tel: 905-427-2379; Fax: 905-427-9102

ENGLANDA.W. Matthews, 54, High Street,Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1BA. Tel: 44-1634-853020; Fax: 44-1634-576330

Toye, Kenning & Spencer Limited,Regalia House, Newtown Road,Bedworth, Warwickshire, CV128QR. Tel: 44-121-236-3615; Fax: 44-121-236-7217

FRANCEToye Kenning & Spencer Ltd.,(Agent — SECAL, Ltd.) Passage LeDauphin, 34200 Sete. Tel: 33 67 46 1543; Fax: 33 67 74 63 74

GERMANYM.A. Wilm, Ballindamm 26, D-20095 Hamburg. Tel: 49-46-5145454;Fax: 49-40-331357

HONG KONGHarilela’s, 29-43 Ashley Rd.,Kowloon Centre, 2/Fl., TST; P.O.Box 98508, Kowloon. Tel: 852-3-692114; Fax: 852-3-7214266

INDIABetter Services, 22 Meghna, 64 S.V.Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai400054. Tel: 91-22-545152; Fax: 91-22-6498201

Gupta’s Arts & Crafts, 11-6-31Station Rd., Anakapalle 531001.Tel: 91-8924-2336; Fax: 91-8924-2222

JAPANG. Ikoma, Ltd., 2-12, 2-chome,Hiranomachi, Higashiku, Osaka,Osaka. Tel: 81-6-231-0751; Fax: 81-6-231-0766

Octon Inc., 3-21 Kanda Sakuma-cho,Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101. Tel: 81-3-3866-0481; Fax: 81-3-3861-2090

Seki-Bikodo Co. Ltd., 7-38 Tenneiji-machi, Aizau-Wakamatsu,Fukushima. Tel: 81-242-29-4875;Fax: 81-242-29-6055

Wako Company Ltd., 4-5 Ginza,Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104. Tel: 81-3-3562-2111; Fax: 81-3-3562-0957

NEW ZEALANDRDU Proprietary Limited,Box 128-166, Remuera, Auckland.Tel: 64-09-529-4400, 0800-738-695;Fax: 64-09-529-4500; E-mail:[email protected]; Internet:www.rotarydownunder.co.nz

SWEDENSporrong AB, Box 98, 18211Danderyd. Tel: 46-8-622-6840;Fax: 46-8-622-6672

TAIWANB & E Enterprises CompanyLimited, No. 37 Chuan Chow Street,P.O. Box 72-40, Taipei. Tel: 886-2-305-2861, 886-2-305-2891; Fax: 886-2-301-4288, 886-2-304-7963

U.S.A.All-American Specialty Co., 6019W. Howard St., Niles, Illinois 60714.Tel: 847-588-2580; Fax: 847-588-2146

American Logo Works, 280 Route 9North & Union Hill Road,Morganville, NJ 07751. Tel: 732-536-6561/800-962-7055; Fax: 732-536-6902; E-mail: [email protected]

C.H. Wallbank Co., 1524 VFWPkway., Rte. 1, West Roxbury,Massachusetts 02132. Tel: 617-323-8562; Fax: 617-323-9623

The Gerry White Pin Co., 4024Keats Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34241.Tel: 941-342-6060; Fax: 941-377-5041;E-mail: [email protected]

Russell-Hampton Co. Inc., 15440 W.109th St., Lenexa, Kansas 66219.Tel: 800-841-1777; Fax: 913-599-3353;E-mail: [email protected];Internet: www.ruh.com

Wayside Furniture Shops Inc.,P.O. Box 5280, Milford, Connecti-cut 06460. Tel: 203-878-1781

.


Specification for Rotaract EmblemThe emblem of Rotaract is a round emblem with a capital “R” superimposed over five horizontal andsix vertical curved lines in the center circular space. These elements are designed in accordance with theproportions given in the table below. With the “R” standing vertically, the word “ROTARACT” is centereddirectly above and is contained within the exterior ring. This lettering is raised from depressed space.The outside edge is a perfectly round raised wall to contain all the elements. The proportions for thecorrect design are:

overall diameter 78 unitswidth of exterior (red) ring 12 unitswidth of both (gold) circles 3 unitsdiameter of inner circle 42 unitsheight of R at vertical 31 unitswidth of R at top 23 unitswidth of R at bottom 26 unitswidth of vertical bar on R 5-1/2 unitsheight of letters 8 unitswidth of the letter O 11 units

The Rotaract colors are deep red and gold andshould be worked into the emblem as follows:The depressed space in the exterior ring isdeep red. All raised lettering and detail is gold.


Rotaract Resource ListBelow is a list of Rotary publications and materials that may be helpful in organizing and sponsoring anew Rotaract club in your community. These items may be ordered from the office of the RI Secretariatserving your area. Consult the RI Catalog or your RI Service Center for pricing and lot size.

Rotaract HandbookThis is a newly revised publication thatcontains the basic steps for organizing aRotaract club, including how to start andmanage a Rotaract club; it also providesresource information and examples ofcommunity service projects.Order no. 562-EN.

Rotaract Club Organization ListClub organization list, to be completed bythe new Rotaract club officers, signed bytheir sponsoring Rotary club president andthe District Governor, then submitted to RI.When the completed form is received at RI,the “Rotaract Club Certificate of Organiza-tion” is issued.Order no. 672-EN. Also included in theRotaract Handbook.

Rotaract: Building A Better TomorrowPromotional brochure, informing new andpotential members about club activities andpurpose.Order no. 663-EN.

Standard Rotaract ClubConstitutionOrder no. 661-EN. Also included in theRotaract Handbook.

Rotaract Statement of PolicyOrder no. 660-EN. Also included in theRotaract Handbook.

Rotaract Membership Application FormIncluded in the Rotaract Handbook.

Rotaract Identification CardsWallet-size ID cards for club members.Order no. 665-EN.

Rotaract Member GuideInformative guide for new club members toorient them to the Rotaract structure,policy, and service areas. Included in theRotaract Handbook.

Worldwide Rotaract DirectoryDirectory with annual Rotaract statistics,and names and addresses of DistrictRotaract Representatives and Chairpersons,all certified Rotaract clubs around theworld, and regional Rotary magazines.Gratis, annual distribution to all DistrictRotaract Representatives and active Rotaractclubs.


RI Publication Order Form

(Please print clearly.)

Name

Shipping Address City

State/Province Country Postal/Zip Code

Rotaract Club Sponsoring Rotary Club District

Daytime Telephone Number

METHOD OF PAYMENT:Remittance enclosedPlease charge my credit card* (US$20 minimum on all charges)

VISA MasterCard

If paying by credit card, please fill out the following:

Name of cardholder

Signature (as shown on card)

Card Number Expiration date(Month/Year)

Unit Cost (US$)Title Catalog No. Language Quantity or Gratis Total (US$)

Subtotal

Total Due

Prices of RI Catalog itemsinclude the costs of shippingand handling.

To avoid duplicate billing, pleasefax or mail this form, not both.

ReceivedFD 214

Tel. (847) 866-46000800 – 1700 hours, Central Time (U.S.A.),Monday – Friday

Prices are subject to change without notice.*Credit card charges may be made to the World Headquarters only.

Send this form to the RI Service Center serving your club. If sending toWorld Headquarters, please use the following address or fax number:

RI Publications Order Services SectionRotary International930 Pitner Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60202, U.S.A.FAX: 847-866-3276 Do not send this form to the RI Lockbox. 337-EN99-Rotaract—(799)

FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED

Rotaract Handbook 37Rotaract Handbook 37

* On 30 June of the Rotaract year in which the member becomes 30 years old his/her Rotaract membership will end.** As used in this consitution, the term “university” is intended to include all institutions of higher education.

Standard Rotaract Club ConstitutionARTICLE I — Name

The name of this organization shall be the Rotaract Club of

ARTICLE II — Purpose and Goals

The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge andskills 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.

Goals The goals of Rotaract are:

1. To develop professional and leadership skills;

2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual;

3. To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve;

4. To recognize, practice, and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities;

5. To develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community andworldwide;

6. To provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote internationalunderstanding and goodwill toward all people.

ARTICLE III — Sponsorship

1. The sponsor of this Rotaract club is the Rotary Club of which, through a committee of notless than five Rotarians, shall provide guidance and have supportive responsibility for this Rotaract club. Thecontinued well-being of this club shall depend on the continued active personal participation of the sponsor-ing Rotary club.

2. The club shall include on all of its stationary the name of its sponsoring Rotary club.

3. The basis of organization shall be young men and women residing, employed, or studying anywhere in thevicinity of the sponsoring Rotary club. Where a university or other institution of higher education is locatedwithin the vicinity of the sponsoring Rotary club, the student body of each institution may also be a basis oforganization. This club is not a part of, and neither this club nor its members have any rights or privileges withrespect to, the sponsoring Rotary club.

4. This club is a non-political, non-sectarian organization.

5. In the event that the sponsoring Rotary club is terminated, the governor of the Rotary district will seek toinstall another sponsoring Rotary club; if one cannot be found within 120 days, the Rotaract club will beterminated.

ARTICLE IV — Membership

Rotary ClubSponsor

MembershipQualifications

1. The membership of this club shall consist of young men and women of good character and leadership poten-tial between the ages of 18 and 30.* It is recommended, but not mandated, that there be a minimum of 15 char-ter members when chartering a new club.

2. The method of electing members of this club shall be determined by this club in consultation with the sponsor-ing Rotary club. The method of electing new members of university-based** Rotaract clubs shall have theapproval of the appropriate authorities.

3. Each member of this Rotaract club shall attend at least 60% of the club’s regularly scheduled meetings annu-ally, provided that absence from a regularly scheduled meeting of the club may be made up as follows; anymember absent from a regular meeting of this club may make up such absence by attendance at a regular meet-ing of any other Rotaract club or any Rotary club on any day of the two weeks immediately preceding or fol-lowing the day of the absence. In cases where Rotaractors wish to make up at a Rotary club, the Rotaractor mustgain permission from the club before attending its meeting.

4. All Rotary Foundation scholars, who are within the age guidelines adopted by the board for the Rotaract pro-gram, shall be eligible for guest Rotaract club membership during the period of their study in anothercountry.


5. Membership shall automatically terminate (a) upon failure to meet attendance requirements unless excused bythe board of directors of this club for good and sufficient reason or (b) by termination of the club or (c) on 30June of the Rotaract year in which the member becomes 30 years old.

6. Membership may be terminated (a) upon failure to continue to meet the qualifications for membership, or (b)for cause, as determined by this club by vote of not less than 2/3 of all the members in good standing.

ARTICLE V — Meetings

1. The club shall meet not less than twice per month, as provided in the by-laws, at a time and place suited to theconvenience of the members.

2. The board of directors shall meet as provided in the by-laws.

3. Rotary International requires each sponsoring Rotary club to designate one or more members of its club to at-tend the meeting(s) of its Rotaract club(s) at least once a month.

4. Meetings of the club and of the board of directors may be cancelled during holiday or vacation periods at thediscretion of the board of directors, provided that notice is given to the sponsoring Rotary club and the districtRotaract representative.

5. Minutes of the meetings of the club and board of directors shall be provided to the chairman of the sponsorRotary club’s Rotaract committee within two weeks after each meeting is held.

ARTICLE VI — Officers and Directors

BimonthlyMeetings

1. The officers of this club shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and such additional officer(s)as may be provided in the by-laws.

2. The governing body of this club shall be a board of directors composed of the president, immediate past presi-dent, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and additional directors whose number shall be determined by thisclub, all to be elected from among the members in good standing. All decisions, policies, and actions of the boardand of the club shall be subject to the provisions of this constitution and policy established by Rotary Interna-tional and its members.

If university-based, this club shall be subject to the same regulations and policies established by the appropriateauthorities for all student organizations and extracurricular activities of the university.

The board of directors shall have general control over all officers and committees and may, for good cause, de-clare any office vacant. It shall constitute a board of appeals from the rulings of all officers and actions of allcommittees.

3. Elections of officers and directors shall be held annually prior to 1 March by methods compatible with localcustoms and procedures, but in no case shall more than simple majority of the members present and in goodstanding be required for elections. All Rotaract club presidents and district representatives who reach the ageof 30 during the term of office may serve one additional year as immediate past president or immediate pastdistrict representative, to provide continuity in leadership.

The term of office of all officers and directors shall be one year. No provisions shall be made for a term of of-fice shorter than one year except with the written permission of Rotary International.

4. All incoming Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairmen shall be provided with leadership train-ing from the district Rotaract committee* in conjunction with the RI district Rotaract committee.**

ARTICLE VII — Activities and Projects

GoverningBody

1. Within the limits prescribed in Section 1 of Article III, this club shall be responsible for planning, organizing,financing, and conducting its own activities and shall itself supply money, manpower, and creative imagina-tion necessary thereto, except in the case of joint projects or activities undertaken in cooperation with other or-ganizations, such responsibility shall be shared with such other organization(s).

2. This club shall undertake among its activities at least two major service projects annually, one to serve the com-munity and the other to promote international understanding, and each shall involve all or most of the mem-bers of the club.

3. This club shall provide for a professional development program for its members.

4. It is the responsibility of the club to raise the funds necessary to carry out its program. It shall not solicit or ac-cept more than occasional or incidental financial assistance from the sponsoring Rotary club, nor shall it makegeneral solicitation from Rotary clubs other than its sponsoring Rotary club or from other Rotaract clubs; norshall it solicit financial assistance from individuals, businesses, or organizations in the community without giv-ing something of value in return. All funds raised for service projects must be expended for that purpose.

Objective

* District Rotaract committee (composed of Rotaractors) ** RI district Rotaract committee (composed of Rotarians)


ARTICLE VIII — Committees

1. There shall be provided in the by-laws of this club the following standing committees; club service, internationalservice, community service, professional development, finance, and such other standing committees as may bedeemed necessary or convenient for the administration of the club.

2. The president, with the approval of the board, may appoint such special committees as he may deem necessary,citing their duties at the time of appointment. All such special committees shall lapse upon the completion of theirduties, upon discharge by the appointing president, or with the end of his term of office, whichever occurs first.

ARTICLE IX — Fees

5 Committees

Fees

Constitution Every member of the club, by acceptance of membership, thereby accepts the principles of Rotaract as expressed inits purpose and goals and agrees to comply with the constitution and by-laws of this club, and on these conditionsalone is entitled to the privileges of the club. No member shall be absolved from the observance of the constitutionand by-laws on the plea that a copy of them has not been received.

ARTICLE XI — Standard By-Laws

The club shall adopt the “Standard Rotaract Club By-Laws,” together with such amendments as are not inconsis-tent with this constitution and which may be deemed necessary or convenient for the government of the club, pro-vided that such amendments are adopted in accordance with the amendment procedure prescribed in the“Standard Rotaract Club By-Laws.”

ARTICLE XII — Rotaract Emblem

StandardBy-Laws

1. The Rotaract emblem shall be preserved for the exclusive use and benefit of Rotaract club members. Each mem-ber of this club shall be entitled to wear or otherwise display the Rotaract emblem in a dignified and appropri-ate manner during the period of membership. Such entitlement shall be relinquished upon termination ofmembership or termination of this club.

2. When displayed by individual club members, the emblem may be used without further information. When theemblem is used to represent a club, the name of the club should appear with the emblem.

ARTICLE XIII — Duration

RotaractEmblem

Durationof Club

This club shall exist so long as it continues to function in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and policyrelating to Rotaract established by Rotary International, or until it is terminated (a) by this club upon it own deter-mination and action, (b) by the sponsoring Rotary club upon withdrawal of its sponsorship, after consultation withthe district governor and district Rotaract representative, or (c) by Rotary International for failure to function inaccordance with this constitution or for other cause.

Upon termination of this club, all rights and privileges relating to the Rotaract name and emblem shall be relin-quished by the club and by its members individually and collectively.

ARTICLE XIV — Administration

1. Each sponsoring Rotary club upon organization of a new Rotaract club shall be required to pay an RI Rotaractorganization fee equivalent to US$50 with the “Rotaract Club Organization List.”

2. Any fees, dues, or assessments on the membership of the club shall be nominal and shall only be for the pur-pose of meeting the administrative costs of the club. Funds for activities and projects undertaken by the clubshall be raised apart from such fees, dues, or assessments. A thorough audit by a qualified person shall be madeonce each year of all the club’s financial transactions.

ARTICLE X — Acceptance of Constitution and By-Laws

Amendment The constitution may be amended only by the Board of Directors of Rotary International and all amendments to the“Standard Rotaract Club Constitution” adopted by the Board of Directors of Rotary International shall automaticallyamend the Constitution.


STANDARD ROTARACT CLUB BY-LAWSBy-Laws of the Rotaract Club of .

ARTICLE I — Elections

1. Election for the offices of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and directors shall be held annuallyprior to 1 March. A Rotaract club year is the same as a Rotary club year. Those elected shall take office on 1 July.

2. Nominations of officers shall be made in writing. Candidates shall be voted upon at the regular meeting follow-ing the meeting at which nominations are made. Voting shall be by secret ballot. Those candidates receiving amajority of the votes of the members present and in good standing shall be elected.

3. In addition to president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer there shall be elected directors.

ARTICLE II — Duties of Officers

Voting Method

Official Duties 1. President. The president shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the club and the board of directors.He shall, with the approval of the board, appoint all standing and special committees and, in the event of avacancy in the board of directors, shall, with the approval of the board, fill such vacancy by appointment untilthe next regular election of the club. He shall be an ex officio member of all committees. He shall maintain com-munication with the sponsor club and the district Rotaract representative to ensure they are continually in-formed of all actions taken by the club.

2. Vice-President. The vice-president shall succeed to the office of president in the event or removal of the latterfor whatever cause, and, in the absence of the president, shall preside at all meetings of the club and of theboard.

3. Secretary. The secretary shall maintain all club records, He shall keep minutes of all the meetings of the club andboard of directors, and provide copies of such to the chairman of the sponsor Rotary club’s Rotaractcommittee.

4. Treasurer. The treasurer shall have custody of all club funds, maintaining all necessary records and depositingall such funds in a bank approved by the board of directors. He shall report on the club’s financial status at eachmeeting of the club and shall hold all records available for inspection by any club member. All disbursementsshall be by check and with the signature of two authorized officers.

ARTICLE III — Meetings

QuorumRequirement

1. Meetings of the club shall be not less than twice a month, and meetings of the board not less than once a month,at a time and place suited to the convenience of the membership.

2. A majority of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of theclub. Any four members of the board, one of whom must be the president or vice-president, shall constitute aquorum at any meeting of the board.

ARTICLE IV — Fees and Dues

Fees andDues

1. The admission for the new members shall be . Annual dues shall be per member.

2. All fees and dues must be paid before a member will be considered in good standing.

ARTICLE V — Committees

CommitteeDuties

The president, with the approval of the board of directors, shall appoint the following standing committees:

1. Club service. This committee shall be responsible for attendance, membership, programs, fellowship, publicrelations, and such other matters as may be deemed appropriate.

2. International service. This committee shall be charged with primary responsibility for enhancing knowledgeand understanding of worldwide needs, problems, and opportunities and developing activities to give servicefor promoting international understanding and goodwill toward all people.

3. Community service. This committee shall have responsibility for enhancing knowledge and understanding ofcommunity needs, problems and opportunities, and for formulating and developing appropriate activities forserving the community (including the university community).

4. Professional development. This committee shall be responsible for developing a program designed to provideinformation about a wide cross-section of businesses and professions and to stimulate awareness and accep-tance of high ethical standards in business and professional life.

5. Finance. This committee shall devise ways and means of financing any and all club activities requiring funds,in cooperation with the appropriate committee.

The international service and community service committees shall each have the duty of initiating and planningone major activity in its field each year which shall involve all or most of the club membership.

ARTICLE VI — Amendments

Amendments 1. These by-laws may be amended by majority vote of the members in good standing at any regular or specialmeeting of the club at which a quorum is present, provided notice of intention to call such a vote is given at leastfourteen days earlier at a meeting of the club at which a quorum is present, and provided such amendment isapproved by the sponsoring Rotary club.

2. Nothing in these by-laws shall contravene any provision of this club’s constitution.

661-EN—(1000)


* On 30 June of the Rotaract year in which the member becomes 30 years old, his/her Rotaract membership will end.** As used in this statement of policy, the term “university” is intended to include all institutions of higher education.

Rotaract Statement of Policy 1. The Rotaract program was created by and is an activity of Rotary International, who holds authority for the establishment of con-

stitutional provisions, organizational requirements, and standards of procedure, as well as the protection of the Rotaract name andemblem.

2. A Rotaract club is a Rotary club-sponsored organization of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30* whose purposeis to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personaldevelopment, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all peopleworldwide through a framework of friendship and service, and whose goals are:

a) To develop professional and leadership skills;

b) To emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual;

c) To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve;

d) To recognize, practice, and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities;

e) To develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems, and opportunities in the community and worldwide;

f) To provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understandingand goodwill toward all people.

3. Rotaract club programming shall consist of professional development, leadership development, and service program developmentas outlined in the “Standard Rotaract Club Constitution.”

4. A Rotaract club is organized, sponsored, and counseled by a Rotary club or clubs and is established following the endorsementof the district governor upon certification by Rotary International; its existence depends upon the continued sponsorship of itssponsoring Rotary club and continued recognition by Rotary International.

5. It is recommended, but not mandated, that a new Rotaract club have a minimum of 15 charter members.

6. Within the framework established by Rotary International, the sponsoring Rotary club is responsible for organizing the Rotaractclub and providing it with guidance thereafter.

7. Rotary clubs which sponsor Rotaract clubs are encouraged to invite Rotaractors on at least a quarterly basis to their regularlyscheduled meetings, project planning meetings, and special events, and are encouraged to review Rotary club membership po-tential within their Rotaract clubs on a periodic basis.

8. Rotaract clubs are encouraged to invite their sponsoring Rotary club to Rotaract club meetings, project planning meetings, andspecial events on at least a quarterly basis.

9. Rotaract clubs are encouraged to develop lists of their club members who might hold a Rotary classification as well as maintainlists of current and past club members indicating their interest in Rotary service projects, both lists to be shared with their spon-soring Rotary club(s).

10. Where the Rotaract club is university-based, control and counsel by the sponsoring Rotary club shall be exercised in full coopera-tion with the university authorities, with the understanding that such a club is subject to the same regulations and policies estab-lished by the authorities for all student organizations and extracurricular activities of the university.**

11. All Rotaract club activities, projects and programs shall be conducted in harmony with the policies of Rotary International.

12. There shall be a standard Rotaract club constitution prescribed by Rotary International and subject to amendment only by theboard of directors of Rotary International. As a prerequisite of its organization and certification, each Rotaract club shall adopt the“Standard Rotaract Club Constitution” and all amendments.

13. Each Rotaract club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the “Standard Rotaract Club Constitution” and with policy establishedby Rotary International. Such bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the sponsoring Rotary club.

14. A Rotaract club may be organized and sponsored jointly by more than one Rotary club under the following conditions:

a) The district governor must give his approval, stating in writing that, in his considered judgment, the best interests of the dis-trict, the Rotary clubs concerned and the Rotaract program would be served by the proposed joint sponsorship.


b) The circumstances must be such that the organization of separate Rotaract clubs, each sponsored by a single Rotary club, wouldcreate an artificial division of what is essentially a single body of young adults within the community or university.

c) A joint Rotaract committee must be created with effective representation from each of the sponsoring Rotary clubs.

15. Each member of a Rotaract club agrees to accept and to adhere to the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of his or her club.

16. Membership in a Rotaract club shall be evidenced by Rotaract club membership identification cards supplied to Rotaract clubs byRotary International.

17. The Rotaract name and emblem are the property of Rotary International and shall be preserved for the exclusive use of those in-volved in the Rotaract program. When displayed by individual club members, the emblems may be used without further infor-mation. When the emblem is used to represent a club, the name of the club should appear with the emblem. Where a Rotary districtexists, it may use the respective emblem but only in conjunction with reference to the district and its number.

18. A Rotaract club member shall be entitled to use and display the Rotaract name and emblem in an appropriate and dignified man-ner during the period of his or her membership in a Rotaract club. He or she shall relinquish such entitlement upon terminationof his or her membership in his or her Rotaract club or upon the termination of his or her Rotaract club.

19. A Rotaract club may be terminated:

a) By Rotary International, with or without the consent, approval or concurrence of the sponsoring Rotary club, for failure to func-tion in accordance with its constitution, or for other cause.

b) By its sponsoring Rotary club, after consultation with the district governor and the district Rotaract representative, or

c) By the Rotaract club itself upon its own determination.

20. Upon termination of a Rotaract club, all rights and privileges relating to the name and emblem shall be relinquished by the cluband by its members individually and collectively.

21. As a matter of policy, the board does not recognize the right of any individual or organization except RI to circularize Rotaractclubs for any commercial purpose, except in the case of Rotaractors who are responsible for organizing Rotaract club, district andmultidistrict meetings.

22. District governors are requested to appoint district Rotaract committees, composed of Rotarians from various parts of the district,to assist the district governor in publicizing the Rotaract program, promoting the organization of new Rotaract clubs, and admin-istering the program of Rotaract within the district. Where feasible and practicable in the appointment of district Rotaract com-mittees, there should be provision for continuity of membership by appointing one or more members for a second term.

23. Rotaract organization and meetings beyond the club level:

a) A district with two or more Rotaract clubs must elect a district Rotaract representative from among their membership. Themethod of election shall be determined by the Rotaract membership. As a qualification for election to Rotaract representative,a person must have served as a Rotaract club president or as a member of the Rotaract district committee for one year.

b) In a district with one Rotaract club, the district Rotaract representative shall be the most recent, available past Rotaract clubpresident.

c) The district Rotaract representative will be guided and counseled by the Rotary district governor, the Rotary district Rotaractcommittee, or other appropriate Rotary district committee.

d) Each district is encouraged to develop a district Rotaract organization, headed by the district Rotaract representative, to carryout the following responsibilities:

1) Develop and distribute a district Rotaract newsletter;

2) Plan, arrange, and hold a district Rotaract conference;

3) Encourage attendance and participation at the Rotary district conference;

4) Conduct Rotaract promotion and extension activities throughout the district in coordination with the district Rotaractchairperson;

5) Serve as Rotaract information liaison to the RI Secretariat for the district;

6) Plan and implement service activities (if approved by three-fourths of the Rotaract clubs in the district);

7) Provide advice and support to Rotaract clubs in implementing their projects;

8) Work with the district Rotaract chairperson to help coordinate Rotary/Rotaract activities in the district;


9) Coordinate public relations activities for Rotaract at the district level;

10) Work with the district Rotaract chairperson to plan and implement a training session for Rotaract club officers in the district.

e) The purpose of the district-wide meeting of Rotaract clubs is to promote community service projects, increase internationalunderstanding and enhance professional development in a context of friendship and camaraderie.

f) No meeting of members of Rotaract clubs beyond the club level shall have any legislative authority nor shall be so organizedas to give the appearance of having such authority. Nevertheless, such a meeting may include ideas which might be of valueas advisory observations to those involved at the district or other levels of Rotaract administration.

g) At a district Rotaract meeting, a three-fourths majority of the Rotaract clubs in a district may vote to undertake a district ser-vice project and to establish a district Rotaract service fund to raise funds for this project. Contributions to such a fund mustbe voluntary. Such a project and service fund must be approved by the district governor, and specific plans and instructionsfor the administration of the district project and use of the fund must also have the approval of the district governor and three-fourths of the Rotaract clubs in the district. The district governor must appoint a district fund committee to be responsible forcollecting and administering the district fund, such committee to be composed of Rotaractors from the district and at least oneRotarian from the district Rotaract committee. The district service fund must be kept in a bank account which clearly indicatesthat the fund is the property of the district Rotaract organization and not the personal property of any individual Rotaractoror Rotaract club.

h) All district Rotaract activities shall be financed by the Rotaract clubs in the district. No expenses of district Rotaract club meet-ings shall be paid by Rotary International. The cost of such meetings shall be minimal and within the financial means of thoseparticipating.

24. Rotaract activities beyond the district level

a) Rotaract Multidistrict Service Projects. Rotaract-sponsored service projects involving clubs in two or more districts may beimplemented provided that such projects

1) are, in nature and scope, within the capability of the clubs and Rotaractors in the districts to undertake successfully with-out interfering with or detracting from the scope and effectiveness of club activities in furthering the program of Rotaractat the club level;

2) shall not be undertaken initially unless each district Rotaract representative concerned has agreed to such a joint projectand then, only after approval of two-thirds of the clubs in each district;

3) shall be undertaken with the approval of the district governors concerned;

4) shall be under the direct supervision of the district Rotaract representatives concerned; the custody of all funds contrib-uted or collected for such projects shall be the responsibility of the district representatives concerned, through a commit-tee of Rotaractors from within the districts involved, who may be appointed to assist in administering any such projectand related funds;

5) shall be undertaken only after the district Rotaract representatives have jointly secured in advance the authorization of thegeneral secretary, acting on behalf of the board, to undertake the project;

6) shall involve the participation by Rotaract clubs and/or individual Rotaractors on a voluntary basis, clearly presented assuch; the cost of participation by a club or individual Rotaractor, if any, should be kept to a minimum, and not be implic-itly or directly made an obligation in the form of a per capita tax, or assessment or otherwise;

b) Rotaract Multidistrict Information Organizations. Districts may develop a multidistrict organization for the purpose of dis-seminating information and facilitating communication between Rotaract clubs in the districts concerned, provided that

1) there is no objection by the district governors of each of the districts concerned;

2) approval is secured from the RI Board of Directors to develop such an organization;

3) Rotaract representatives of the districts concerned comprise the membership of such organizations. Each district Rotaractrepresentative may appoint a member for his or her district organization, as needed, to carry out the activities of themultidistrict organization;

4) funds needed to implement the organization’s activities (e.g., production and distribution of regional club directories andnewsletters, dissemination of Rotaract program information, general correspondence) shall be obtained on a voluntarybasis only;

5) the organization has no decision making or legislative powers, except for decisions concerning the activities of the orga-nization, for which each member (district Rotaract representative) shall have one vote.

c) Rotaract Multidistrict Meetings

1) Rotaract worldwide meetings shall require the approval of the host district governor(s) and RI director for the region, andshall also require approval of the RI Board of Directors. Proposals for such meetings shall be submitted by the host dis-trict Rotaract representative and the proposal shall describe date, location, facilities, participants, program, budget andinclude proof of adequate liability insurance;


660-EN—(799)

2) Rotaract multidistrict meetings (not at a worldwide level) shall require that the host district Rotaract representative pro-vide a copy of the meeting proposal which describes date, location, facilities, participants, program budget and includesproof of adequate liability insurance to the district governors concerned, and the approval of the host district governor.The district Rotaract representative shall inform the RI director(s) for the region(s) and the general secretary of the event;

3) Rotaract exchange teams are encouraged when undertaken in accordance with the guidelines established by the RI board;

4) as part of the official program of the annual RI convention, a special Rotaract forum two days prior to the commencementof the convention shall be arranged and implemented by RI, to include discussion of issues identified by the RI Rotaractcommittee as important to Rotaractors;

5) the Rotaract pre-convention forum may be used as an opportunity to informally gauge Rotaract opinion on policy or pro-gram matters, with each district represented having one vote. Any recommendations made at the pre-convention meet-ing shall be forwarded to the RI Rotaract committee for its review and consideration.

25. Leadership Training

a) All incoming Rotaract club officers shall be provided with Rotaract club officers leadership training at the district level, suchtraining to include a one- to two-day leadership training seminar conducted by the district Rotaract committee in coordina-tion with the RI district Rotaract committee for all incoming Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairpersons tobe paid for by the sponsoring Rotary clubs, or where circumstances dictate, by a mutually agreed-upon financial arrangementinvolving the sponsoring Rotary clubs, Rotary district, and the Rotaract participants.

b) Rotary districts shall provide leadership training of district Rotaract committees on a multidistrict basis.

26. Financing the cost of the Rotaract program:

a) Individual Rotaractors shall pay annual membership fees to their Rotaract club to cover the cost of club administration;

b) Rotaract clubs shall pay annual fees or dues to their district Rotaract organization to cover the cost of district administration;

c) Sponsoring Rotary clubs shall pay for the attendance of their Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairpersons atdistrict level leadership training meetings (or, when circumstances dictate, these meetings shall be paid for through mutuallyagreed upon financial arrangements involving the sponsoring Rotary clubs, the Rotary district, and the Rotaract participants);

d) Rotary districts shall pay for the attendance of their districts’ Rotaract representatives at multidistrict leadership training meetings;

e) Rotaract program financial policy includes the following:

1) Rotary International shall provide for Rotaract activities at the international convention and shall provide program ma-terials to district Rotaract chairpersons, representatives, and Rotaract clubs.

2) No part of the expenses of meetings of Rotaract clubs or groups of Rotaract clubs shall be paid by Rotary International,with the exception of the annual Rotaract Pre-Convention Meeting.

3) Any dues or assessments on the membership of any Rotaract club should be nominal and should be only for the purposeof covering the cost of administering the club; funds for activities and projects undertaken by Rotaract clubs should beraised by such clubs apart from such dues or assessments.

4) It is the responsibility of the Rotaract club to raise the funds necessary to carry out the program of the club.

5) Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting members or Rotaract clubs to participate in the programs of suchclubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient trip, accident and liability insurance to protect the Rotary club or dis-trict conference against any possible legal or moral obligation and liability.

6) Rotaract clubs should not make general solicitations for financial assistance from Rotary clubs or from other Rotaractclubs.

7) Contributions to fund district Rotaract service projects must be voluntary and cannot be made enforceable upon the indi-vidual Rotaractor or Rotaract club.

27. As a matter of principle, Rotaract clubs are not authorized to assume membership or merge with other organizations regardlessof the purpose of such organizations.


Summary of Rotaract Plans and ObjectivesRotaract Club of District

Sponsoring Rotary club

For use by incoming Rotaract club president. Send copies of completed form to sponsoring Rotary club andDistrict Rotaract Representative.

Major Objectives 1.

2.

3.

Plans for Annual Community Service Project — (RI-emphasized Community Service areas: AIDS, Urban Peace,Functional Literacy and Numeracy Promotion, Concern for the Aging, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention,Preserve Planet Earth, PolioPlus vaccinations, Assistance to the Disabled, Children at Risk and Hunger Alleviation).

Purpose Expense

Goals 1.

2.

3.

Sources of Funding

Agencies Assisting inProject Development

Plan of Action 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Plans for Annual International Service Project — (RI program resources and Rotary Foundation grants provideassistance for International Service projects: World Community Service Projects Exchange, Rotary VolunteersInternational Volunteer and Site Lists, Grants for Rotary Volunteers, Matching Grants, and 3-H Grants).

Purpose Expense

Goals 1.

2.

3.

Sources of Funding

Agencies Assisting inProject Development


Plan of Action 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Club Service Plans (list possible activities)

Membership Recruitment (areas to target such as universities, health clubs, churches)

1.

2.

Fundraising (possible corporate sponsors, project ideas)

1.

2.

Club Promotion (available media resources, materials to be developed)

1.

2.

Meeting Programs (possible speakers, field trips)

1.

2.

Professional Development Series (Rotarians to provide talks, agencies to provide semi-nars, and other resources)

1.

2.

Member Leadership Training (training in RI and Rotary Foundation programs, projectdevelopment, club development for officers)

1.

2.

Major Social Activities (RI provides information on international Rotaract meetings)

1.

2.


Rotaract Club Organization List

Rotaract Club of District

Mailing address of Rotaract club

Phone number Fax number

E-mail

Sponsoring Rotary club(s)

This list constitutes official notification to Rotary International of the organization of a Rotaract club.

1. Print or type the name of each charter member, including age, gender, and mailing address;2. Obtain required signatures on the back page;3. Keep a copy for your files, and send the original organization list to your District Governor and a copy to

your District Rotaract Representative.4. Ask the District Governor to sign the form, and send the original to the RI Service Center serving your

area and a copy to your club. The District Governor should also send copies of the signed “Rotaract ClubOrganization List” to the District Rotaract Committee Chairperson and the District Rotaract Representative.

5. Please submit payment for the “RI Rotaract Club Organization Fee” to the RI Service Center or fiscal agentnearest you, in check or money order equivalent to US$50 and payable to “Rotary International”.

Name Age Gender Address

(Pres.)

(V.P.)

(Sec’y.)

(Treas.)

(Dir.)

(Dir.)

The RI Board recommends, but does not mandate, a minimum of 15 charter members.All must be between the ages of 18 and 30.


Name Age Sex Address

What language do you prefer for receiving correspondence?

❑ English ❑ French ❑ Japanese ❑ Korean ❑ Portugese ❑ Spanish

Is “Rotaract Club Organization Fee” for US$50 (or fiscal agent receipt) attached? ❑ Yes ❑ No

The members listed above are all young adults of good character and leadership potential, between the ages of 18and 30, who live, work, or study in the vicinity of the sponsoring Rotary club. This club understands and acceptsthe provisions of the “Standard Rotaract Club Constitution” and the “Rotaract Statement of Policy”.

Signatures:

FOR RI SECRETARIAT USE ONLYService Center

MS 1. Payment for US$ received? ❑ Yes ❑ No2. List complete and correct? ❑ Yes ❑ No3. If not, please return to sender.4. If yes, please send to CP210. Comments:

World Headquarters

FD Receipt for US$ received? ❑ Yes ❑ No Comments: MS List complete and correct? ❑ Yes ❑ No Follow-up sent: MS Certificate mailed: Please send to CP210.CP210 (ID# Sponsor ID# )

President, Rotaract club

President, sponsoring Rotary club

Date of organization of Rotaract club

District Governor

672-EN—(397)


Rotaract Membership Application

Name:Family Name First Middle

Date of birth:

Home Address:

Office Address:

Telephone/Fax Numbers:

E-mail Address:

OccupationalClassification/Area of Study:

Areas of interest: ❑ Community Service❑ International Service❑ Professional Development❑ Youth Service❑ Club Service

1. Will you take part in 60% of the club’s social and service activities? ❑ Yes ❑ No

2. Are you willing to pay member dues? ❑ Yes ❑ No

3. The Rotary Foundation offers opportunities to Rotaractors (who are not children orgrandchildren of Rotarians) for study and travel abroad. Please indicate if you are a childor grandchild of a Rotarian.

❑ Yes, I am. ❑ No, I am not.

I understand and accept the principles of Rotaract as expressed in its purpose and objec-tives, and agree to comply with and be bound by the “Standard Rotaract ClubConstitution”, “Rotaract Statement of Policy”, and by-laws of the club.

Signature:

Date:

Rotaract club secretary should retain this form for club records.


Notice of Rotaract Alumnus (Potential Rotarian)To the Secretary ofthe Rotary Club of:

(club name)

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THE ROTARACT ALUMNUS LISTED BELOW MAY BE ELIGIBLEFOR ROTARY CLUB MEMBERSHIP.

Rotaract Alumnus:(name of individual)

Address:

Is associated with:(firm, company or institution)

Rotaract Membership Data

Admission date:

Past club offices: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Rotaract Club of:

Signature ofRotaract ClubSecretary:

Note: If the above individual’s classification is filled in your club, he or she may be eligible foradditional active membership under Article III, Section 3 of the “By-laws of Rotary International.”However, there is no obligation to your club to consider the above-named person for membership.No acknowledgment of this notification is necessary.


Rotaract Member GuideAs a member of the local Rotaract club, sponsored by the leading professionals and businessmen in yourcommunity, you are also part of an international organization with more than 6,400 clubs around theworld. Rotaract offers exciting ways to learn how to organize community service projects, develop fund-raising skills, learn methods for club promotion, and lead others in developing their ideals and skills.With members in over 170 countries and geographical areas, Rotaract also provides a window to the world.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your membership.

What would you like toaccomplish?● Serve your community● Provide good leadership● Build friendships● Improve public relations● Advance professionally● Become a fund developer● Develop international contacts

How can Rotaract help?● Rotaract Community Service Projects● Rotaract committee work,

Rotaract District Assemblies,Rotary Youth Leadership AwardSeminars

● Rotaract fellowship activities● Rotaract club and project promotion● Rotaract Professional

Development Series● Fundraising for Rotaract Service Projects● Rotaract Exchange Teams● Home Hospitality,

Rotaract Pre-Convention Meeting

What can you do?● Volunteer for the Community

Service Committee● Chair a committee or serve as club

officer● Plan the next social activity

or membership drive● Volunteer to contact media for club and

project promotion● Help match Rotaract interests

with Rotarian expertise

● Organize a club fundraising project● Help set up an exchange team, host

Rotaractors from another country, orparticipate in an international meeting

The Rotaract Handbook is a comprehensiveresource that describes these opportunitiesfor Rotaract clubs and their members. Onceyou are familiar with the Rotaract program,you can begin to chart your course with thehelp of Rotaract club officers and thesponsoring Rotarians.

For copies of the Rotaract Handbook contact:Community Programs Section, RotaryInternational, One Rotary Center, 1560Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 USA,Fax: 847-866-6116

The best way to get started in Rotaract is to:

1. Become active in club meetings andsocial activities;

2. Find out how you can attend a Rotaryclub meeting;

3. Participate in regional Rotaract meetingsand conferences;

4. Volunteer for service projects;

5. Help plan meeting programs;

6. Visit other Rotaract clubs when youtravel;

7. Attend the annual Rotaract Pre-Convention Meeting.

The better you know your fellowRotaractors and Rotarian sponsors, theeasier it will be to get involved in Rotaractactivities. Let your club and district knowthat you want to be active in Rotaract.

Start at the club level by assisting with clubprojects and activities. Think of ideas thatyou are willing to turn into reality. Then


you may be ready to chair a club committee(community service, international service,professional development, club service, orfinance). After showing you can effectivelymanage a committee and inspire successamong committee members, your Rotaractcolleagues may elect you to serve as a clubofficer (secretary, treasurer, vice-president,president, or a member of the board ofdirectors). As a committee chairperson orofficer, you will have an opportunity to attendthe Rotaract District Assembly and learnmore about Rotaract at the district level.

Next, make yourself known at the districtlevel as a Rotaractor who is responsible forwell-organized projects that promote theRotary ideal of Service Above Self. Share yoursuccesses with the District Rotaract Repre-sentative, and the District Governor, and letthem know that they can rely on you tocarry out successful projects and provideclub direction.

Your Rotaract district has the same geo-graphic borders as the Rotary district.It may have only one Rotaract club orperhaps 100. Whatever its size, the districtis the means for spreading Rotaract to newcommunities. The district level is also thespringboard to international Rotaractopportunities. Get to know Rotaractorsfrom the region and other countries. Corre-spond with Rotaractors internationallythrough the Worldwide Rotaract Directory.

Your success in extending Rotaract in thedistrict may lead to your election asDistrict Rotaract Representative, givingyou an opportunity to help others withtheir project organization and leadershiptraining. As District Rotaract Representative,you also are responsible for planning theRotaract District Assembly and RotaractDistrict Conference.

There are also multidistrict Rotaractopportunities — for example, planning aspecial national Rotaract conference ordeveloping a conference proposal for yourdistrict to host the triennial internationalRotaract conference, INTEROTA.Rotaractors with leadership experienceand valuable ideas may be asked to serveas advisors to Rotaract or youth committeesof Rotary International. There are endlessopportunities, all you have to do is getstarted!


Rotaract Annual Project Report

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Rotaract Club: District:

SponsoringRotary Club:

Country:

Project Name:

Date project began: Date project was completed:

Project Location:

Cost of project:

How manyindividualswere benefited?

Describe project detailing Rotaract-Rotary involvement, types of publicity received, funds raised,equipment purchased, program(s) developed specifically for the project, and assistance from outsideorganizations. Please attach a separate sheet of paper if necessary.

If possible, please include at least one photo, showing the project in action, to be considered forpublication in THE ROTARIAN, Rotaract News, and Rotary World. Also include newspaper clippingswhenever possible.

Mail all reports by 1 MAY to:

Community Programs SectionRotary InternationalOne Rotary Center1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201 USA

Or Fax: 847-866-6116


Rotaract Annual Project Report

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Rotaract Club: District:

SponsoringRotary Club:

Country:

Project Name:

Date project began: Date project was completed:

Project Location:

Cost of project:

How manyindividualswere benefited?

Describe project detailing Rotaract-Rotary involvement, types of publicity received, funds raised,equipment purchased, program(s) developed specifically for the project, and assistance from outsideorganizations. Please attach a separate sheet of paper if necessary.

If possible, please include at least one photo, showing the project in action, to be considered forpublication in THE ROTARIAN, Rotaract News and Rotary World. Also include newspaper clippingswhenever possible.

Mail all reports by 1 MAY to:

Community Programs SectionRotary InternationalOne Rotary Center1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201 USA

Or Fax: 847-866-6116


The Rotary International Calendar

JULYLiteracy Month

1 July, Beginning of Rotary year

AUGUSTMembership Extension Month

SEPTEMBERNew Generations Month

15 September, Deadline for submittinginformation and original photos to RIfor issue two of Rotaract News

OCTOBERVocational Service Month

NOVEMBERThe Rotary Foundation Month

DECEMBERNo Designation

JANUARYRotary Awareness Month

FEBRUARYWorld Understanding Month

23 February, Rotary’s Anniversary

MARCH1 March, Submit RI Recognition ofOutstanding Projects form to RI

Week of 13 March,World Rotaract Week

15 March, Deadline for submittinginformation and original photos to RIfor issue one of Rotaract News

APRILMagazine Month

1 April, Submit Rotaract Data formand DRR appointments to RI

15 April, Submit World RotaractWeek Recognition form to RI

MAYNo Designation

JUNERotaract Pre-Convention Meeting

RI Convention

30 June, End of Rotary year

Service Centers and Regional Officesof the RI Secretariat

World Headquarters:Rotary InternationalOne Rotary Center1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, Illinois, 60201 USATel: (847) 866-3000Fax: (847) 328-8554 or (847) 328-8281or (847) 866-6116Web site: www.rotary.org

Brazil Service Center:Rotary InternationalRua Tagipuru 209, 01156-000São Paulo, S.P., BrazilTel: (55-11) 826-2966Fax: (55-11) 3667-6575Web site: www.rotaryint.com.br

Europe/Africa Service Center:Rotary InternationalWitikonerstrasse 15CH-8032 ZurichSwitzerlandTel: (41-1) 387-71-11Fax: (41-1) 422-50-41

Japan Service Center:Rotary Internationalc/o San Catherina Bldg., 36-12 Shinjuku1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, TokyoJapan 160-0022Tel: (81-3) 3355-5391Fax: (81-3) 3226-4606/3355-5429

Korea Service Center:Rotary InternationalRm. 705, Miwon Bldg.43 Yoido-dong, Yongdungpo-guSeoul, Rep. of Korea 150-010Tel: (82-2) 783-3077/3078/3079Fax: (82-2) 783-3079

South Asia Service Center:Rotary InternationalSucheta Bhavan11A Vishnu Digambar Marg.New Delhi, India 110 002Tel: (91-11) 323-9416 to 9420Fax: (91-11) 323-6711/6712

Southeast Asia Service Center:Rotary InternationalPhilcox Bldg., 3rd Floor, 172 Salcedo StreetLegaspi Village, Makati CityPhilippines 1200Tel: (63-2) 810-7165Fax: (63-2) 817-1296E-mail: [email protected]

Southern South America Service Center:Rotary InternationalFlorida 1, Piso 21005 Buenos Aires, C.F., ArgentinaTel: (54-11) 4342-2625/2735Fax: (54-11) 4331-4839E-mail: [email protected]

Southwest Pacific Service Center:Rotary InternationalMcNamara Centre, Level 2, 100 George St.Parramatta, N.S.W., Australia 2150Tel: (61-2) 9635-3537Fax: (61-2) 9689-3169

RI in Great Britain and Ireland:Rotary InternationalKinwarton Road, AlcesterWarwickshire, England B49 6BPTel: (44-1789) 765-411Fax: (44-1789) 765-570E-mail: [email protected]

This information was accurate at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date contact information, consult theRI Official Directory or the Worldwide Rotaract Directory.

562-EN—(599)

Rotary InternationalOne Rotary Center1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201 USA