Rotaract was formed in 1968 by Rotary in the USA and has now spread worldwide with over 149, 000 members in 6,500 clubs across 128 countries. The organization is based on small clubs which can vary in size from 15 to 50 members. Through community and international service projects, Rotaractors help improve the lives of the people around them. In so doing they develop leadership skills and professional skills and establish a network of friends. Rotaract is friendship in action.

Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. Rotaract Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and action. The first officially chartered Rotaract Club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1968, but clubs of young people associated in service with local Rotary Clubs had existed for several years in India and Europe.

Rotaract Clubs conduct formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions, and visits to other clubs. Rotaractors utilize weekends for service project work, social events, and professional and leadership development workshops. Every Rotaract Club is part of a district Rotaract organization, run by elected representatives with support from sponsoring Rotarians. The district organization plans regional conferences, develops regional projects, holds club leadership training programs, and sponsors special events to strengthen the bond among clubs.

Rotaract functions internationally through a committee of Rotaractors and Rotarians. This committee works with Rotary International to plan an annual day-long forum held prior to the Rotary international convention. This event offers Rotaractors from all over the world the chance to meet, discuss issues of mutual interest, and develop friendships based on international goodwill and understanding. Every three years Rotaractors conduct another international meeting called Interota, named from the words international and Rotaract. The Purpose of Rotaract The purpose of a Rotaract Club is to provide young men and women with an opportunity to enhance 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.

The six Rotaract Club Goals Develop professional and leadership skills. Emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual. Recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve. Recognize, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities. Develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide. Provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understanding and goodwill toward all people. The 3-Way Test for Rotaractors Do we, as Rotaractors, serve the community, Encourage personal integrity and self respect, Promote national and international knowledge, understanding, and goodwill?