Rotaract is an international program for young men and women ages 18 to 30 who believe that they can make a difference.

Rotaract clubs provide an opportunity for young adults to enhance the knowledge and skills that assist them in personal development. They also address the physical and social needs of their communities through different projects and activities. Moreover, they aim to promote better relations among all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International (RI), a global community of committed professionals who serve others and promote peace for society. At present, RI records a membership of more than 1.2 million from at least 34,000 Rotary clubs worldwide. Rotaract clubs work under the guidance of their respective local Rotary clubs.

The name “Rotaract” comes from a combination of the words “Rotary” and “action.” The first officially chartered Rotaract club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1968. Prior to this, however, clubs of young people associated in service with local Rotary clubs had already existed for several years in India and Europe.

Today, there are more than 184,000 members in more than 8,000 Rotaract Clubs around the world. Clubs draw members from the community or are organized as an extracurricular activity for students. Rotaract clubs conduct formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions and visits to other clubs.

The Philippines ranks fourth in terms of the most number of Rotaract clubs per country. As of March 2009, there are at least 492 established Rotaract clubs in the Philippines. There are ten RI Districts in the country: 3770, 3780, 3790, 3800, 3810, 3820, 3830, 3850, 3860 and 3870.

Rotaract clubs in the Philippines play a vital role in executing meaningful service projects and activities that help develop the welfare of indigent citizens. Worthy projects such as tree planting, book drive, feeding programs, leadership trainings, mentoring and storytelling activities, and awareness campaigns are just some of the projects and activities of these clubs. The existence of Rotaract in the Philippines, thus, proves that the youth of today can take action and work together for the betterment of the country.

Several Rotaractors from the Philippines have represented the country to various international conferences and RI-funded programs, such as the Group Study Exchange and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

Rotaract clubs in the Philippines have also proven their competitiveness beyond the national level. For three consecutive years, the Philippines bagged the Rotary International Most Outstanding Project in the Asia Pacific Region.

Truly, Rotaract clubs work hand-in-hand with their sponsoring Rotary clubs and other organizations. Altogether, they strive to better uphold international understanding and raise social awareness. And putting into practice Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self,” they seek to encourage everyone to lend a helping hand.