When asked to define what Rotaract is, many Rotaractors say: “Rotaract; we are like Rotary but we do things a bit differently”. Sometimes perceived as a youth project, or holding place for future Rotary Memberships, Rotaract, or ‘Rotary in Action’ is a legitimate membership option embedded into Rotary.
Meaningful opportunities
Rotaractors have had seats on District and International Boards and Committees, been eligible for a wide range of project grants and had the opportunity to have real input on a range of issues, yet there is still more work to do.
“Rotaract Australia is known for our dynamic and robust training ahead of the new Rotaract year and by collaborating we are ensuring the training will be as helpful as possible to our Rotaract members,” Nicholas Egan said. “Stay tuned for save the dates in the new year!”
Collaboration is key
Rotary South Pacific’s Regional Council Rotaract Director, Joe Martinovic, is working closely with Rotaract Australia Chair, Nicholas Egan and Rotaract Oceania’s Chair, Bronte Barbour, forging new opportunities for members and leaders.
“For many Rotaractors, Rotaract provides an avenue to learn, grow and support the community surrounded by peers. Being in Rotaract isn’t necessarily a place to hang out while waiting to join Rotary, but is a fostered space for collaboration with likeminded and aged people,” Bronte Barbour said.
“For us, it’s about having a space to share ideas and collaborate with people who understand the nuances of Rotary and Rotaract while being alive to the idea we are better when we are working together,” Bronte Barbour continued.
Regionalisation and Rotaract
Joe Martinovic reflects that as a member of the Regional Council he is having really positive conversations with other Regional Council Directors to help support ongoing Rotaract elevation work.
“As part of the Pilot we now have two specific Rotaract Community Groups leveraging off Multi District Information Organisations’ (MDIO) geographic remit as a way of integrating into the Pilot operating model. This is not to duplicate work but to add another layer of support to Rotaract clubs and members to support the great work already happening on the ground.” Joe said.
Rotaract continues to welcome new members across the zone, offering an alternative connection to Rotary.
“Membership growth is also about membership choice, we are seeing a rise in different kinds of Clubs and it would be great to see that spread further across Rotaract as well. In the last few years we have seen clubs like the Rotaract Gamers Club emerge but we have only just touched the growth potential in Rotaract and I am excited to see how we can leverage Rotaract in new spaces as well.”
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