Growing a Future in Rotary through Rotaract

Growing a Future in Rotary through Rotaract

by Joe Dorman

I was honored this past summer to be tasked to create more Rotaract Clubs in our state by District Governor Mac Patel. For those who are not familiar with them, Rotaract clubs bring together people aged 18 and older to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service, as defined on rotary.org

The site further shares that “in communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities like yours.”

Much like Rotary clubs, Rotaract members decide how to organize and run their clubs, manage their own funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects. To help with their success, Rotary club sponsors offer guidance and support and work with Rotaract members as partners in service.

In undertaking this task, I have reached out to individuals in college communities to work with their collegiate-based foundations to provide an endowed opportunity for Rotarians and other supporters to further this work. Funds received could provide a long-range plan with possibly even an offering of scholarships to help with club recruitment.

This does not have to stop with colleges.  There is also the possibility of working with career technology center campuses to also establish clubs. Other locations could also launch clubs, but support would be needed to assist those younger Oklahomans with furthering their goals through the organization, and that starts with Rotary club sponsorship.

If you are interested in being a part of this effort, please drop a note to me at jdorman@oica.org or simply catch me at a club meeting to discuss your ideas.  Together, we can help build the future of Rotary by providing better opportunities for younger leaders in our state who will hopefully someday become Rotarians.