PHILIPSBURG – This week is World Rotaract Week and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle invited Assistant Director Regional Rotaractor (ADRR) Micaela Hart, along with President of Rotaract Sunrise Georgette Rampersad, Secretary Chanelle Hart and Rotaractors Lerissa Rey, Hendrick Snijders, and Franklyn Solomon to a fellowship (dinner) meeting.
They were quizzed on their knowledge of the early beginning stages of Rotaract 50 years ago. Mid Isle members that were present enjoyed learning more about the history of Rotaract.
Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 at Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, and has grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organization of over 9,522 clubs spread around the world and 291,006 members.
It is a service, leadership, professional and community service organization for young men and women ages 18-30. Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.
“Rotaract” stands for “Rotary in Action,” although the name originally comes from a combination of “Rotary” and “Interact” (International + Action), the high school level program created by Rotary International in 1962.
Most Rotaract activities take place at club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs.
Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops. 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.
To be eligible for membership, prospective members must be 18-30 years of age, show that they are committed to Rotaract, and show that they are in good standing in the community.
During 2017, Mid Isle will celebrating the Rotary Foundation turning 100 years old. That’s a century of Rotary members changing lives and improving communities all over the world.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesdays at 7:00pm at Mary’s Boone in Simpson Bay. For more information contact rotarysxm.mi@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle.
