Rotaract's origins, its evolution and its values
Rotaract is an international organization affiliated with Rotary International, made up of young adults between 18 and 35 years old. It is a service club that promotes friendship, personal and professional development, together with service to the community. The name comes from combining "ROTAry" and "ACTion", underscoring the bond with Rotary.
Rotaract's history begins in the 1960s, when Rotary recognized the importance of involving younger generations to address emerging social challenges. Before Rotaract, other youth initiatives already existed: the "Paul Harris Circles" and Interact clubs.
The first Rotaract club was founded on 13 March 1968 at the University of North Carolina, sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Charlotte.
Rotaract subsequently began spreading around the world, consolidating its own identity and autonomy.
Every Rotaract club is organized, sponsored and assisted by one or more "sponsor" Rotary Clubs, through which young people can be introduced to the Rotaract world and embark on a path of growth.
A milestone in Rotaract's history is the "Elevate Rotaract" programme, which in 2019 led to its official recognition as part of Rotary International.
Rotaract clubs thus became equal in standing to Rotary clubs, and starting 1 July 2022, Rotaract clubs were also recognized as able to act as international sponsors.
Rotaract in Italy
The first Italian Rotaract club was the Rotaract Club of Milan, founded in 1968.
Rotaract in Italy is organized into districts, each coordinated by its own District Representative (R.R.D.), a position elected annually by the members of the clubs belonging to the district.
Italy currently counts 6,500+ Rotaractors belonging to 14 districts (2031, 2032, 2041, 2042, 2050, 2060, 2071, 2072, 2080, 2090, 2101, 2102, 2110, 2120).