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The Rotaract Program

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The Rotaract Program

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    1. The Rotaract Program Welcome Introduction(s) Welcome Introduction(s)

    2. The Rotaract Program What is the Rotaract program? How does a Rotary Club benefit from sponsoring a Rotaract Club? What are a Rotary Club's obligations to a Rotaract Club? Tips for successfully building up a Rotaract Club Pitfalls to avoid Rotaractors making a difference The aim of today's presentation is to introduce you all to aspects of the Rotaract program that you may not be aware of or may not have thought about. We will offer some practical advice on how to successfully build up a new or existing Rotaract Club up, as well as tips for making the most of the Rotary / Rotaract relationship with Rotaractors, so that your Rotaract Club will continue to thrive well after its initial charter ceremony. Finally, we will look at some recent, ongoing Rotaract projects that demonstrate that Rotaract is still very relevant and is really making a difference in the world, and to show you just what Rotaractors are truly capable of.The aim of today's presentation is to introduce you all to aspects of the Rotaract program that you may not be aware of or may not have thought about. We will offer some practical advice on how to successfully build up a new or existing Rotaract Club up, as well as tips for making the most of the Rotary / Rotaract relationship with Rotaractors, so that your Rotaract Club will continue to thrive well after its initial charter ceremony. Finally, we will look at some recent, ongoing Rotaract projects that demonstrate that Rotaract is still very relevant and is really making a difference in the world, and to show you just what Rotaractors are truly capable of.

    3. What is Rotaract? The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills 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. Source: Standard Rotaract Club Constitution Article 2 As set out by the RI Board in the Standard Rotaract Club Consitution, the purpose of Rotaract is “to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills 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.” Essentially, Rotaract is a training ground for students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30. Rotaractors learn how to help their local communities, learn how to foster friendships among people of all races, and most of all, learn about themselves, so that they can grow into the ethical leaders of tomorrow. As set out by the RI Board in the Standard Rotaract Club Consitution, the purpose of Rotaract is “to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills 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.” Essentially, Rotaract is a training ground for students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30. Rotaractors learn how to help their local communities, learn how to foster friendships among people of all races, and most of all, learn about themselves, so that they can grow into the ethical leaders of tomorrow.

    4. What is Rotaract? “Rotaract has helped me reach out to other people, which I really dreamed of a lot when I was younger. I have met a lot of people with different languages. I am able to talk with people of a different status in life. I am able to see me – the real me.” Aldrin Buelo Rotaract Club of Parańaque East – Paragon District 3830, The Philippines Here is what some Rotaractors have to say about how the Rotaract program has impacted them.Here is what some Rotaractors have to say about how the Rotaract program has impacted them.

    5. What is Rotaract? “The first time I visited an orphanage, I was struck by the huge effect we had on these children... I left that day feeling like queen of the world, like I could do anything, or solve any problem... Rotaract made me dream, and helped me to make other people's dreams come true.” Nancy Eshre Rotaract Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan District 2450, Egypt Nancy Eshre, past President of the Rotaract Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan, Egypt, comments: “For me, the Rotaract image was parties, outings and having fun, but when I got more involed in Rotaract, I discovered that there is a much deeper meaning and aim to it. The first time I visited an orphanage, I was struck by the huge effect we had on these children, and how we put a smile on their poor, lonely faces. I left that day feeling like queen of the world, like I could do anything, or solve any problem. Them, I found out that I was not only helping these people in need, I was also helping myself, maybe even more! And I came down to the conclusion that the best thing you can do for someone is to make them dream and making their dream come true... well, Rotaract made me dream, and helped me to make other people's dreams come true!”Nancy Eshre, past President of the Rotaract Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan, Egypt, comments: “For me, the Rotaract image was parties, outings and having fun, but when I got more involed in Rotaract, I discovered that there is a much deeper meaning and aim to it. The first time I visited an orphanage, I was struck by the huge effect we had on these children, and how we put a smile on their poor, lonely faces. I left that day feeling like queen of the world, like I could do anything, or solve any problem. Them, I found out that I was not only helping these people in need, I was also helping myself, maybe even more! And I came down to the conclusion that the best thing you can do for someone is to make them dream and making their dream come true... well, Rotaract made me dream, and helped me to make other people's dreams come true!”

    6. What is Rotaract? The 5 goals of Rotaract: To develop professional and leadership skills To emphasize respect for the rights of others, and to promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful occupations To provide opportunities for young people to address the needs and concerns of the community and our world The Standard Rotaract Club Constitution lists five goals that the Rotaract program strives to achieve. These are: 1. To develop professional and leadership skills; 2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others, and to promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful occupations; 3. To provide opportunities for young people to address the needs and concerns of the community and our world; The Standard Rotaract Club Constitution lists five goals that the Rotaract program strives to achieve. These are: 1. To develop professional and leadership skills; 2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others, and to promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful occupations; 3. To provide opportunities for young people to address the needs and concerns of the community and our world;

    7. What is Rotaract? The 5 goals of Rotaract: To provide opportunities for working in cooperation with sponsoring Rotary Clubs To motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary Source: Standard Rotaract Club Constitution Article 2 4. To provide opportunities for working in cooperation with sponsoring Rotary clubs; 5. To motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary. If nurtured correctly, the Rotaract program can be a very powerful training ground for future Rotarians. Not only are these young adults learning leadership skills, determining what needs are in their local and international communities and finding ways to address them, and broadening their horizons with international friendship, they are also learning about Rotary and what it means to be a Rotarian. So here we have the first benefit to Rotarians for sponsoring a Rotaract Club: Rotaract can be a powerful tool when it comes to recruiting and retaining future Rotarians. While working with you, Rotaractors have a unique opportunity to judge Rotary and whether they would like to be a part of it in the future according to what they see in the Rotarians they interact with. Let's look at some of the other benefits to Rotarians that the Rotaract program offers.4. To provide opportunities for working in cooperation with sponsoring Rotary clubs; 5. To motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary.

    8. Benefits of Rotaract Mentor dynamic young men and women help shape the community's future next generation of Rotarians Valuable partners-in-service new ideas & alternate viewpoints more help for your projects access to younger networks As Rotarians, you can play a direct role in helping ensure your community has young leaders with the strong sense of ethics that Rotary embodies though the Four Way Test. Ensure your Rotaractors receive ample training, by including them in Rotary and Rotaract District training assemblies and conferences, offer opportunities to Rotaractors to be leaders or facilitators at camps such as RYLA, and assist your DRREs to attend their regional DRR Training assembly. You can also directly mentor Rotaractors by inviting them to participate in your club's projects, not just as an extra pair of hands, but by involving them at all stages of the project's organization. By doing so, you can increase their awareness of any financial and legal aspects of projects that they may not have been exposed to previously, and help them make new contacts with civic leaders. At the same time, Rotaractors may be able to offer you a new perpsective, with ideas you may not have thought of and a better understanding of what appeals to younger people. They can also offer access to their own networks, which may be useful for sourcing participants for your other youth projects. In forging strong links between Rotaract and other youth projects in your club and district, your projects can become a big investment in Rotary's future, If all Interact, Youth Exchange, RYLA, Foundation alumni and the like joined Rotaract, how many future members of your club are you directly training? As Rotarians, you can play a direct role in helping ensure your community has young leaders with the strong sense of ethics that Rotary embodies though the Four Way Test. Ensure your Rotaractors receive ample training, by including them in Rotary and Rotaract District training assemblies and conferences, offer opportunities to Rotaractors to be leaders or facilitators at camps such as RYLA, and assist your DRREs to attend their regional DRR Training assembly. You can also directly mentor Rotaractors by inviting them to participate in your club's projects, not just as an extra pair of hands, but by involving them at all stages of the project's organization. By doing so, you can increase their awareness of any financial and legal aspects of projects that they may not have been exposed to previously, and help them make new contacts with civic leaders. At the same time, Rotaractors may be able to offer you a new perpsective, with ideas you may not have thought of and a better understanding of what appeals to younger people. They can also offer access to their own networks, which may be useful for sourcing participants for your other youth projects. In forging strong links between Rotaract and other youth projects in your club and district, your projects can become a big investment in Rotary's future, If all Interact, Youth Exchange, RYLA, Foundation alumni and the like joined Rotaract, how many future members of your club are you directly training?

    9. Benefits of Rotaract “Rotaractors are the enthusiasts who dare to try and explore. Rotarians are the practitioners of Rotary philosophy. By working together, they inspire each other and their horizons are broadened.” Florence Hui Rotary Club of Macau District 3450, Macau Former Rotaractor who joined Rotary in July 2005 Macau Rotarian Florence Hui, who is a former Rotaractor who made the transition to Rotary a couple of years ago, observes: “Rotaractors are the enthusiasts who dare to try and explore. Rotarians are the practitioners of Rotary philosophy. By working together, they inspire each other and their horizons are broadened.”Macau Rotarian Florence Hui, who is a former Rotaractor who made the transition to Rotary a couple of years ago, observes: “Rotaractors are the enthusiasts who dare to try and explore. Rotarians are the practitioners of Rotary philosophy. By working together, they inspire each other and their horizons are broadened.”

    10. Benefits of Rotaract “After having been a Rotary Youth Exchange student and in Rotaract for 11 years, becoming a Rotarian was a logical step for me... The [Rotary] club was very welcoming and recognising my solid background in the Rotary family, my membership was fast-tracked.” Jonathan Nish Rotary Club of Putney District 1130, England Former Rotaractor who joined Rotary in July 2006 Jonathan Nish is a former Rotaractor in the UK who made the transition to Rotary in mid 2006. Jonathan reflected in September 2006 that: “After having been a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and in Rotaract for 11 years, becoming a Rotarian was a logical step for me. I had concerns whether I'd fit in to a Rotary club, or even be invited. I made an approach to my local club, the Rotary Club of Putney, via our District Governor. The club was very welcoming and, recognising my solid background in the Rotary family, my membership was fast-tracked. I've been a Rotarian for just over 60 days now, and I've already set up a new website for the club - and we're sponsoring a new Rotaract club later this year.”Jonathan Nish is a former Rotaractor in the UK who made the transition to Rotary in mid 2006. Jonathan reflected in September 2006 that: “After having been a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and in Rotaract for 11 years, becoming a Rotarian was a logical step for me. I had concerns whether I'd fit in to a Rotary club, or even be invited. I made an approach to my local club, the Rotary Club of Putney, via our District Governor. The club was very welcoming and, recognising my solid background in the Rotary family, my membership was fast-tracked. I've been a Rotarian for just over 60 days now, and I've already set up a new website for the club - and we're sponsoring a new Rotaract club later this year.”

    11. Benefits of Rotaract “Whether Rotaractors become Rotarians or not, thanks to Rotaract they have become even better citizens of the community, and so they contribute to Rotary's good reputation.” Marco Kappenberger Rotary E-Club of Latinoamérica Rotarian Marco Kappenberger, who as a Rotarian in Samoa worked closely with the local Rotaract Club and now as a member of a Rotary e-Club is presently forming a Rotaract e-club, observes: “Being in Rotaract is an excellent experience for its members and the benefits will be for life. Consequently, independent of whether Rotaractors become Rotarians or not, thanks to Rotaract they have become even better citizens of the community and also so they contribute to Rotary's good reputation. ”Rotarian Marco Kappenberger, who as a Rotarian in Samoa worked closely with the local Rotaract Club and now as a member of a Rotary e-Club is presently forming a Rotaract e-club, observes: “Being in Rotaract is an excellent experience for its members and the benefits will be for life. Consequently, independent of whether Rotaractors become Rotarians or not, thanks to Rotaract they have become even better citizens of the community and also so they contribute to Rotary's good reputation. ”

    12. Obligations to Rotaract Training Incoming Rotaract Club officers must be provided with training by the district Multidistrict training for DRREs Funding chartering a club club & district officer training Rotaractors should fund everything else Rotaract Clubs are self-administering, so there is little that Rotaract requires from Rotary on an ongoing basis. However, there are a couple of things that Rotarians are required to provide to Rotaractors in relation to training and funding, as set out in the Rotaract Statement of Policy. All incoming Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairmen are to be provided with leadership training at the district level, such training to include a 1 to 2 day leadership training seminar conducted by the Rotaract District Rotaract Committee (ie, the DRR and his / her board and Rotaract Club Presidents) in conjunction with the Rotary District Rotaract Committee (ie the DCHR and other Rotarians appointed by the DG). This training is to be paid for by the sponsoring Rotary Clubs. Rotary districts are to pay for the attendance of their districts' DRRs at multidistrict leadership training meetings. In relation to providing funding to Rotaract other than for training, the only other mandated expense is a once-off organization fee of US $50 payable by the sponsoring Rotary Club to RI when certifying a new Rotaract club. For all other costs associated with the activities of a Rotaract Club, it is the responsibility of the Rotaractors to raise the funds they require themselves. They must not solicit nor accept more than occasional or incidental financial assistance from their sponsoring Rotary Club. Learning how to raise funds for their projects or how to seek doonations-in-kind is part of their professional development, and they learn nothing if Rotary Clubs just hand over the funds they need for this.Rotaract Clubs are self-administering, so there is little that Rotaract requires from Rotary on an ongoing basis. However, there are a couple of things that Rotarians are required to provide to Rotaractors in relation to training and funding, as set out in the Rotaract Statement of Policy. All incoming Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairmen are to be provided with leadership training at the district level, such training to include a 1 to 2 day leadership training seminar conducted by the Rotaract District Rotaract Committee (ie, the DRR and his / her board and Rotaract Club Presidents) in conjunction with the Rotary District Rotaract Committee (ie the DCHR and other Rotarians appointed by the DG). This training is to be paid for by the sponsoring Rotary Clubs. Rotary districts are to pay for the attendance of their districts' DRRs at multidistrict leadership training meetings. In relation to providing funding to Rotaract other than for training, the only other mandated expense is a once-off organization fee of US $50 payable by the sponsoring Rotary Club to RI when certifying a new Rotaract club. For all other costs associated with the activities of a Rotaract Club, it is the responsibility of the Rotaractors to raise the funds they require themselves. They must not solicit nor accept more than occasional or incidental financial assistance from their sponsoring Rotary Club. Learning how to raise funds for their projects or how to seek doonations-in-kind is part of their professional development, and they learn nothing if Rotary Clubs just hand over the funds they need for this.

    13. Obligations to Rotaract “Imagine telling the DGE that the district has decided that s/he cannot attend the international assembly... s/he can just learn from PDGs instead. Why then is this a common practice, for [Rotaractors] to be denied the training they are entitled to? ” PDRR Simone Carot Collins Rotaract Club of South Perth District 9470, Australia Australian past DRR Simone Carot Collins comments: “Rotary Districts put a lot of emphasis on training incoming Rotary Club and District leaders. Could you imagine telling the DGE that the district has decided that s/he can't attend the international assembly as it is only budgeted for every 2nd DGE to go, but don't worry, there are plenty of PDGs in the district that they can learn from? It's just not done. “So why then is it common practice for DRREs and other Rotaract leaders to be denied the training they are entitled to, with it not being budgeted for being the major reason cited? Like training Rotary leaders, training Rotaract leaders is not just about the Rotary, Rotaract and leadership content, it is also about forging networks with your peers to exchange ideas with and seek support from during their term.” Australian past DRR Simone Carot Collins comments: “Rotary Districts put a lot of emphasis on training incoming Rotary Club and District leaders. Could you imagine telling the DGE that the district has decided that s/he can't attend the international assembly as it is only budgeted for every 2nd DGE to go, but don't worry, there are plenty of PDGs in the district that they can learn from? It's just not done. “So why then is it common practice for DRREs and other Rotaract leaders to be denied the training they are entitled to, with it not being budgeted for being the major reason cited? Like training Rotary leaders, training Rotaract leaders is not just about the Rotary, Rotaract and leadership content, it is also about forging networks with your peers to exchange ideas with and seek support from during their term.”

    14. Obligations to Rotaract Rotaractors in Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay hold a week long training seminar, “ERAUP”. “Isn't this ERAUP an example of what we want for Rotarians all over the Rotary world? Other one full week training Rotaract meetings should be encouraged in other parts of the world.” PDG Juan Pedro Torroba, RI Membership Development & Retention Committee ERAUP (Encuentro Rotaractiano Argentino Uruguayo Paraguayo) is an annual meeting for all Rotaractors from the 18 RI Districts in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This meeting is recognized by RI as the most important event for training. It lasts for 6 full days with 30-36 total hours of training. The leaders - representing every district - have a continuous education on Rotary and coordinate actions toward service and international cooperation. PDG Juan Pedro Torroba, the Regional Foundation Alumni Coordinator for Zone 19, attended the 2007 ERAUP, and reported back to the RI Board: “Isn’t this ERAUP an example of what we want for Rotarians all over the Rotary World? Other one full week training Rotaract meetings should be encouraged in other parts of the world. Pilot Meetings-Encounters should be encouraged.” ERAUP (Encuentro Rotaractiano Argentino Uruguayo Paraguayo) is an annual meeting for all Rotaractors from the 18 RI Districts in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This meeting is recognized by RI as the most important event for training. It lasts for 6 full days with 30-36 total hours of training. The leaders - representing every district - have a continuous education on Rotary and coordinate actions toward service and international cooperation. PDG Juan Pedro Torroba, the Regional Foundation Alumni Coordinator for Zone 19, attended the 2007 ERAUP, and reported back to the RI Board: “Isn’t this ERAUP an example of what we want for Rotarians all over the Rotary World? Other one full week training Rotaract meetings should be encouraged in other parts of the world. Pilot Meetings-Encounters should be encouraged.”

    15. Obligations to Rotaract Meetings The sponsoring club is encouraged to: send a Rotarian to a Rotaract meeting once a month invite Rotaractors on at least a quarterly basis to their meetings and events While these items are not obligations, they relate to the sponsoring Rotary Club as given in the Rotaract Standard Constitution and Statement of Policy. Rotary International recommends that each sponsoring Rotary club designate one or more members of its club to attend the meetings of its Rotaract club at least once a month. Also, Rotary Clubs which sponsor Rotaract Clubs are encouraged to invite Rotaractors on at least a quarterly basis to their regularly scheduled meetings, project planning meetings, and special events, and are encouraged to review Rotary Club membership potential withing their Rotaract Clubs on a periodic basis. While attending each other's meetings is not mandated, it is an extremely good approach to adopt, as it helps strengthen the relationship between the two clubs. If Rotarians interact with the Rotaract Club rather than it being just another vague project that nobody knows much about, then there will be more interest from Rotarians to continue giving support. Plus, there is a higher likelihood that the Rotaractors will want to join your Rotary Club once they have turned 30 if they in turn find that Rotarians are people they enjoy interacting with. While these items are not obligations, they relate to the sponsoring Rotary Club as given in the Rotaract Standard Constitution and Statement of Policy. Rotary International recommends that each sponsoring Rotary club designate one or more members of its club to attend the meetings of its Rotaract club at least once a month. Also, Rotary Clubs which sponsor Rotaract Clubs are encouraged to invite Rotaractors on at least a quarterly basis to their regularly scheduled meetings, project planning meetings, and special events, and are encouraged to review Rotary Club membership potential withing their Rotaract Clubs on a periodic basis. While attending each other's meetings is not mandated, it is an extremely good approach to adopt, as it helps strengthen the relationship between the two clubs. If Rotarians interact with the Rotaract Club rather than it being just another vague project that nobody knows much about, then there will be more interest from Rotarians to continue giving support. Plus, there is a higher likelihood that the Rotaractors will want to join your Rotary Club once they have turned 30 if they in turn find that Rotarians are people they enjoy interacting with.

    16. Building a Rotaract Club Read the Rotaract Handbook (available from rotary.org downloads) Another good resource is the Extension Manual by Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland (available from rotaract.org.uk) Visit other Rotaract Clubs Meet with your district's DRR and DCHR Source a suitable venue for club meetings How do you build up a strong Rotaract Club? (These tips can also apply to strengthening an existing club as well as forming a new club) First, learn as much as you can about the Rotaract program. This includes reading the Rotaract Handbook, which gives a clear overview as to what Rotaract is about, especially the rules associated with it. It is important to be aware of what is actually required of a Rotaract Club versus what traditions have been passed on from sponsoring Rotary Clubs which are not actually required. Another good resource you could consult is the Extension Manual produced by the Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland Multi District Information Organisation, which documents what they have found works best in forming new clubs in the UK. Where possible, attend some of the meetings and activities of any existing Rotaract clubs in your district, so you can get a feel for what they do. You should also meet with your District Rotaract Representative and District Rotaract Chairperson. Rotaract Clubs not should exist in isolation – they are part of a district in a similar way to Rotary Clubs being a part of a larger district. These experienced people can advise you on what works well in your district, and should be consulted at regular intervals to ensure that as your new club is being formed, it is integrated into the rest of the Rotaract district. Rotaract Clubs which interact regularly with Rotaractors beyond their own club are much more likely to survive in the long term. Also scout out suitable venues for the Rotaractors to meet on a regular basis. Rotaract meetings don't generally include a meal like most Rotary club meetings, which should be taken into consideration when selecting venues.How do you build up a strong Rotaract Club? (These tips can also apply to strengthening an existing club as well as forming a new club) First, learn as much as you can about the Rotaract program. This includes reading the Rotaract Handbook, which gives a clear overview as to what Rotaract is about, especially the rules associated with it. It is important to be aware of what is actually required of a Rotaract Club versus what traditions have been passed on from sponsoring Rotary Clubs which are not actually required. Another good resource you could consult is the Extension Manual produced by the Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland Multi District Information Organisation, which documents what they have found works best in forming new clubs in the UK. Where possible, attend some of the meetings and activities of any existing Rotaract clubs in your district, so you can get a feel for what they do. You should also meet with your District Rotaract Representative and District Rotaract Chairperson. Rotaract Clubs not should exist in isolation – they are part of a district in a similar way to Rotary Clubs being a part of a larger district. These experienced people can advise you on what works well in your district, and should be consulted at regular intervals to ensure that as your new club is being formed, it is integrated into the rest of the Rotaract district. Rotaract Clubs which interact regularly with Rotaractors beyond their own club are much more likely to survive in the long term. Also scout out suitable venues for the Rotaractors to meet on a regular basis. Rotaract meetings don't generally include a meal like most Rotary club meetings, which should be taken into consideration when selecting venues.

    17. Building a Rotaract Club Identify potential Rotaractors (18 – 28 years) Family members Past Rotary youth project participants Employees / work colleagues Members of other associations Any young adults you come across in day to day activities Extended networks Next, start identifying potential Rotaractors. Think of everyone you know aged between 18 and 28 (you don't want to be asking new Rotaractors to leave because they are 30 just months after inducting them). This can include family members such as children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and godchildren. Also invite all the past participants of youth projects of your club, including Interact, RYLA, Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholars etc who are of Rotaract age. What about young adults in your workplace? Do you have employees or work colleagues of Rotaract age? Think also about other networks you are involved in. Do you belong to any professional associations, or sporting or hobby clubs which have young adults in them? What other young adults do you cross paths with in your day-to-day activities? Think about bank clerks, check out operators at shops, your children's music teachers or coaches. You can then extend this further, by asking your friends for details of their children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren etc that you could invite to join a new Rotaract cluib. Finding at least fifteen 18 to 28 year olds interested in being a part of a new Rotaract Club should not be a difficult exercise! Next, start identifying potential Rotaractors. Think of everyone you know aged between 18 and 28 (you don't want to be asking new Rotaractors to leave because they are 30 just months after inducting them). This can include family members such as children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and godchildren. Also invite all the past participants of youth projects of your club, including Interact, RYLA, Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholars etc who are of Rotaract age. What about young adults in your workplace? Do you have employees or work colleagues of Rotaract age? Think also about other networks you are involved in. Do you belong to any professional associations, or sporting or hobby clubs which have young adults in them? What other young adults do you cross paths with in your day-to-day activities? Think about bank clerks, check out operators at shops, your children's music teachers or coaches. You can then extend this further, by asking your friends for details of their children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren etc that you could invite to join a new Rotaract cluib. Finding at least fifteen 18 to 28 year olds interested in being a part of a new Rotaract Club should not be a difficult exercise!

    18. Building a Rotaract Club Identify club leaders Start planning activities Joint Rotary / Rotaract projects Events of other Rotaract Clubs Projects through RotaractNET Help form their own identity Club tshirts, website etc After prospective Rotaractors have been inspired by showing them what is possible through Rotaract, which is best done by other Rotaractors who are passionate about the program and can explain first hand how it has impacted them, it is important to keep the momentum up and get them planning and participating in their own projects and events straight away. If they feel involved and that they have ownership of their activities, they are more likely to want to come back. Help them identify and elect the initial leaders amongst their club to ensure activities are planned and followed through. You could perhaps get them started by inviting them to join in some of your projects (both in the planning and implementation), and where possible, ensure they are invited to activities run by the other Rotaract clubs in their own or neighbouring districts. Encourage them to join online networks such as RotaractNET so they can seek other ideas and partners in other cities and overseas. (RotaractNET is at : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rotaractnet) Help your new Rotaractors gain a sense of club identity by suggesting they arrange club t-shirts and banners and establish their own club website and newsletter. Encourage them to proudly wear their Rotaract pin at all times.After prospective Rotaractors have been inspired by showing them what is possible through Rotaract, which is best done by other Rotaractors who are passionate about the program and can explain first hand how it has impacted them, it is important to keep the momentum up and get them planning and participating in their own projects and events straight away. If they feel involved and that they have ownership of their activities, they are more likely to want to come back. Help them identify and elect the initial leaders amongst their club to ensure activities are planned and followed through. You could perhaps get them started by inviting them to join in some of your projects (both in the planning and implementation), and where possible, ensure they are invited to activities run by the other Rotaract clubs in their own or neighbouring districts. Encourage them to join online networks such as RotaractNET so they can seek other ideas and partners in other cities and overseas. (RotaractNET is at : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rotaractnet) Help your new Rotaractors gain a sense of club identity by suggesting they arrange club t-shirts and banners and establish their own club website and newsletter. Encourage them to proudly wear their Rotaract pin at all times.

    19. Pitfalls to Avoid “We don't sponsor a Rotaract Club because...” There aren't any colleges in our area We're busy enough with our other projects We're a small club fighting for our survival When asking Rotarians at the Chicago Convention in 2005 if their club sponsored a Rotaract Club, these were the most common responses given, with the first one that there aren't any colleges nearby being the excuse used the most. Contrary to popular belief, Rotaract is not just “a college thing”. In fact, the USA is possibly the only country which has this mistaken belief; everywhere else, Rotaract is primarily community based, or in the case of some Asian countries, there is a healthy mix of college/university based and community based clubs. While colleges and universities may seem like the ideal setting for a Rotaract club, given a large audience of 18 to 30 year olds in the one location, it can be harder to make Rotaract function well in colleges as they typically cease operating during exam periods and vacations. And being perceived as or required by student guilds or unions to be a “student” club can see the numerous Rotaract-age administrative, support and graduate research staff at these institutions denied membership. Community based clubs, on th eother hand, are open to a much wider audience, function all year round, and don't have quite the membership turnover problems of students graduating and leaving after 3 or 4 years. So don't just limit Rotaract to students, or you will be missing out on a large portion of the potential market for Rotaractors. The other two reasons heard frequently as to why Rotary Clubs don't support Rotaract indicates a lack of understanding of how beneficial Rotaract is to the health and longevity of a Rotary club. Rotaract clubs are self-governing, and while it may take a bit of time to establish a club, once it is up and running, Rotaract takes little time. Rotaract meetings count as make-up opportunities. And if your club is struggling membership-wise, why would you not want to take advantage of having a pool of potential young members? Working with enthustiastic Rotaractors may inject some new life back into your club and help with member retention.When asking Rotarians at the Chicago Convention in 2005 if their club sponsored a Rotaract Club, these were the most common responses given, with the first one that there aren't any colleges nearby being the excuse used the most. Contrary to popular belief, Rotaract is not just “a college thing”. In fact, the USA is possibly the only country which has this mistaken belief; everywhere else, Rotaract is primarily community based, or in the case of some Asian countries, there is a healthy mix of college/university based and community based clubs. While colleges and universities may seem like the ideal setting for a Rotaract club, given a large audience of 18 to 30 year olds in the one location, it can be harder to make Rotaract function well in colleges as they typically cease operating during exam periods and vacations. And being perceived as or required by student guilds or unions to be a “student” club can see the numerous Rotaract-age administrative, support and graduate research staff at these institutions denied membership. Community based clubs, on th eother hand, are open to a much wider audience, function all year round, and don't have quite the membership turnover problems of students graduating and leaving after 3 or 4 years. So don't just limit Rotaract to students, or you will be missing out on a large portion of the potential market for Rotaractors. The other two reasons heard frequently as to why Rotary Clubs don't support Rotaract indicates a lack of understanding of how beneficial Rotaract is to the health and longevity of a Rotary club. Rotaract clubs are self-governing, and while it may take a bit of time to establish a club, once it is up and running, Rotaract takes little time. Rotaract meetings count as make-up opportunities. And if your club is struggling membership-wise, why would you not want to take advantage of having a pool of potential young members? Working with enthustiastic Rotaractors may inject some new life back into your club and help with member retention.

    20. Pitfalls to Avoid Relationship damagers: Treating Rotaractors as children Instructing / taking over rather than advising Expecting help / support from Rotaractors but not giving any in return Even if you do have a healthy Rotaract Club, there are some behaviours exhibited by Rotarians which can be detrimental to the Rotary / Rotaract relationship, which has an adverse effect on Rotaractors desiring to become Rotarians in the future. These are some of the most common complaints Rotaractors cite. If you view Rotaract as a youth program, it can be an easy mistake to think of Rotaractors as children. However, all Rotaractors are adults, and many have university degrees, mortgages, spouses, children, and their own business. Many Rotaractors are very well travelled and quite worldly. You may be surprised to find that Rotaractors may be more experienced or knowledgeable than you in some areas. Treating Rotaractors as children, even if they are college students, is very demeaning. Please endeavour to accord all Rotaractors the same respect you would expect them to show you, and remember at all times that they are partners in service, not underlings. The second point follows on from this. Rotaractors are very capable, very resourceful people. While some may not initially have as much experience with working effectively in committees or organizing projects and finding funding or the right contacts, it is a matter of providing a little training or guidance. Under no circumstances should you try to force Rotaractors to do something in particular, or just do it for them. Teach them to fish, rather than just giving them the fish. And if they need to learn by making a mistake, let them learn. You should also avoid thinking of Rotaractors as a ready and willing slave labour force. Rotaractors are usually more than willing to lend a hand in your projects, but you should never expect that they should help you with no benefit to themselves, just because they are your Rotaract club. If they are helping you with an activity that is raising funds, give them an even share of the profits. Also, reciprocate the support of projects – be sure to attend their projects and fundraising activities as well. Even if you do have a healthy Rotaract Club, there are some behaviours exhibited by Rotarians which can be detrimental to the Rotary / Rotaract relationship, which has an adverse effect on Rotaractors desiring to become Rotarians in the future. These are some of the most common complaints Rotaractors cite. If you view Rotaract as a youth program, it can be an easy mistake to think of Rotaractors as children. However, all Rotaractors are adults, and many have university degrees, mortgages, spouses, children, and their own business. Many Rotaractors are very well travelled and quite worldly. You may be surprised to find that Rotaractors may be more experienced or knowledgeable than you in some areas. Treating Rotaractors as children, even if they are college students, is very demeaning. Please endeavour to accord all Rotaractors the same respect you would expect them to show you, and remember at all times that they are partners in service, not underlings. The second point follows on from this. Rotaractors are very capable, very resourceful people. While some may not initially have as much experience with working effectively in committees or organizing projects and finding funding or the right contacts, it is a matter of providing a little training or guidance. Under no circumstances should you try to force Rotaractors to do something in particular, or just do it for them. Teach them to fish, rather than just giving them the fish. And if they need to learn by making a mistake, let them learn. You should also avoid thinking of Rotaractors as a ready and willing slave labour force. Rotaractors are usually more than willing to lend a hand in your projects, but you should never expect that they should help you with no benefit to themselves, just because they are your Rotaract club. If they are helping you with an activity that is raising funds, give them an even share of the profits. Also, reciprocate the support of projects – be sure to attend their projects and fundraising activities as well.

    21. Pitfalls to Avoid “A comment we often hear from Rotarians is, 'We tried Rotaract and it failed. All the members coupled up and left or got other jobs and left at once.' It is the role of a responsible sponsoring Rotary club to help Rotaractors to constantly recruit new members. Without constant and consistent strong Rotary support, the Rotaract club will not survive for long.” Source: RGBI Rotaract FAQ for Rotarians The Rotaract FAQ for Rotarians produced by Rotaract in Great Britain and Ireland notes: “A comment we often hear from Rotarians is, “We tried Rotaract and it failed. All the members coupled up and left or got other jobs and left at once.” Well, yes, this does happen, because Rotaractors do couple up or get new jobs, and leave, sometimes very quickly so that suddenly a club has few active members. It is the role of a responsible sponsoring Rotary club to help Rotaractors to constantly recruit new members. Clearly sponsoring a Rotaract club is a long-term commitment and therefore requires the support of the whole Rotary club on an ongoing, year-on-year basis. Without constant and consistent strong Rotary support, the Rotaract club will not survive for long.” This may seem contrary to the earlier statements that Rotaract does not take up much of a sponsoring Rotary Club's time. The message here is that a sponsoring Rotary Club should not ignore or forget about their Rotaract Club after it has been chartered – a healthy relationship is necessary between both clubs for Rotaract to truly thrive.The Rotaract FAQ for Rotarians produced by Rotaract in Great Britain and Ireland notes: “A comment we often hear from Rotarians is, “We tried Rotaract and it failed. All the members coupled up and left or got other jobs and left at once.” Well, yes, this does happen, because Rotaractors do couple up or get new jobs, and leave, sometimes very quickly so that suddenly a club has few active members. It is the role of a responsible sponsoring Rotary club to help Rotaractors to constantly recruit new members. Clearly sponsoring a Rotaract club is a long-term commitment and therefore requires the support of the whole Rotary club on an ongoing, year-on-year basis. Without constant and consistent strong Rotary support, the Rotaract club will not survive for long.” This may seem contrary to the earlier statements that Rotaract does not take up much of a sponsoring Rotary Club's time. The message here is that a sponsoring Rotary Club should not ignore or forget about their Rotaract Club after it has been chartered – a healthy relationship is necessary between both clubs for Rotaract to truly thrive.

    22. Rotaract in Action Self-Sustainable Farms Rotaract Club of Panama “My experience with the Matching Grant has been one of the most rewarding of my life. We are improving their quality of life, providing them with more variety of food, and most importantly, we are making them feel special.” Jeannette Vasquez Rotaract Club of Panama District 4240, Panama Let's look now at some of the outstanding projects Rotaractors coordinate around the world. After years of organising health and vet care visits throughout rural Panama, the Rotaract club of Panama realised they could have more impact if they could address the roots of poverty. In 2006, this club of around 14 Rotaractors completed one of Rotaract's most ambitious humanitarian projects – establishing self-sustainable farms in 5 of the poorest and most remote villages in Panama. They aimed to address malnutrition by increasing the variation in the villagers' diets, and to provide them with a means of livelihood by selling their excess produce. A committee of 8 Rotaractors, 2 Rotarians, and experts from a local NGO which addresses hunger concerns, involved the villagers at each stage of th eproject, from selecting animals and crops, to developing and managing the farms. The Panama Rotaractors turned to their sister club in Australia to help find funding, and the 2 Rotaract Clubs, together with an Australian Rotary Club and District DDF from another Australian district, were successful in obtaining a Matching Grant worth some US$34,000. Let's look now at some of the outstanding projects Rotaractors coordinate around the world. After years of organising health and vet care visits throughout rural Panama, the Rotaract club of Panama realised they could have more impact if they could address the roots of poverty. In 2006, this club of around 14 Rotaractors completed one of Rotaract's most ambitious humanitarian projects – establishing self-sustainable farms in 5 of the poorest and most remote villages in Panama. They aimed to address malnutrition by increasing the variation in the villagers' diets, and to provide them with a means of livelihood by selling their excess produce. A committee of 8 Rotaractors, 2 Rotarians, and experts from a local NGO which addresses hunger concerns, involved the villagers at each stage of th eproject, from selecting animals and crops, to developing and managing the farms. The Panama Rotaractors turned to their sister club in Australia to help find funding, and the 2 Rotaract Clubs, together with an Australian Rotary Club and District DDF from another Australian district, were successful in obtaining a Matching Grant worth some US$34,000.

    23. Rotaract in Action Dial-A-Santa Districts 9450 & 9470, Australia “As a Rotarian, I get a great kick out of working with the people who order the Dial-A-Santa service. The joy on people's faces when they receive personalized attention from Santa is just great.” Peter Kraj-Krajewski Rotary Club of Mill Point District 9470, Australia The Dial-A-Santa project in Western Australia, coordinated jointly by Rotaractors in Districts 9450 & 9470, has been running annually since 1981. A dedicated committee of Rotaractors do all the planning, booking, and arranging, sourcing volunteer Santas and helpers from Rotaract and Rotary clubs to spread Christmas cheer at parties throughout December. The families, kindergartens, primary schools, corporate social clubs, community groups, nursing and retirement homes, and other organisations which book the Santas online or by phone pay a small fee for the service. This project has raised over A$146,000 (around US$110,000) in Western Australia for medical research and the purchase of equipment for hospitals and different children’s health charities since its inception. As of this year, the proceeds will be used to fund the new WA Rotaract Supplementary Postgraduate Research Scholarship for Child Health worth A$4,000 per annum to help a 2nd year PhD student with their research. The Dial-A-Santa project in Western Australia, coordinated jointly by Rotaractors in Districts 9450 & 9470, has been running annually since 1981. A dedicated committee of Rotaractors do all the planning, booking, and arranging, sourcing volunteer Santas and helpers from Rotaract and Rotary clubs to spread Christmas cheer at parties throughout December. The families, kindergartens, primary schools, corporate social clubs, community groups, nursing and retirement homes, and other organisations which book the Santas online or by phone pay a small fee for the service. This project has raised over A$146,000 (around US$110,000) in Western Australia for medical research and the purchase of equipment for hospitals and different children’s health charities since its inception. As of this year, the proceeds will be used to fund the new WA Rotaract Supplementary Postgraduate Research Scholarship for Child Health worth A$4,000 per annum to help a 2nd year PhD student with their research.

    24. Rotaract in Action A Hand for Polio Rotaract Club of Ciudad Satélite, Mexico “It is possible to adapt this project to practically any space, regardless of the social conditions or culture of the community. Plus, it gives thousands of people the opportunity to know about Rotary and one if its most important programs: Polio Plus.” “A Hand for Polio” was established in 2002 by the Rotaract Club of Ciudad Satélite in District 4170, Mexico, to celebrate World Rotaract Week by raising funds for Polio Plus. A Hand for Polio consists of making a mural in a public space where people from the local community can make a donation and leave their hand print on this mural with paint of different colors, as a symbol of their support for the Polio Plus program. As well as raising money, the project aims to educate Rotarians, Rotaractors, and society in general about the efforts and achievements that RI has had in the fight against Polio. The Mexican Rotaractors shared their vision with Rotaractors worldwide, inviting them join with them every World Rotaract Week. In 2005, 52 Rotaract Clubs in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the USA raised some US$30,000. The project was promoted widely at Interota later that year to make 2006 even bigger and better, but unfortunately the details of how many clubs participated are not available. “A Hand for Polio” was established in 2002 by the Rotaract Club of Ciudad Satélite in District 4170, Mexico, to celebrate World Rotaract Week by raising funds for Polio Plus. A Hand for Polio consists of making a mural in a public space where people from the local community can make a donation and leave their hand print on this mural with paint of different colors, as a symbol of their support for the Polio Plus program. As well as raising money, the project aims to educate Rotarians, Rotaractors, and society in general about the efforts and achievements that RI has had in the fight against Polio. The Mexican Rotaractors shared their vision with Rotaractors worldwide, inviting them join with them every World Rotaract Week. In 2005, 52 Rotaract Clubs in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the USA raised some US$30,000. The project was promoted widely at Interota later that year to make 2006 even bigger and better, but unfortunately the details of how many clubs participated are not available.

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