ROTARACT

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in some 155 countries and geographic areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Through the Rotaract program, young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 not only augment their knowledge and skills, but they also address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service. Chartered in October 30, 2005, Rotaract Club of the University of Miami, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hialeah/Miami Springs, is certainly no exception to this ideal.

What exactly does a Rotaract club do?

Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending on the interests of the club members. However, three main areas of focus include professional development, leadership development, and service projects (both locally and internationally). Together, these areas ensure clubs have a balanced service program while providing opportunities for the personal development. It is important to remember that Rotaract, like Rotary, is diverse, and each club acquires unique qualities, depending where in the world it is established.

Service Projects

Service defines Rotary's character and is the basis for its appeal and visibility in the community. Above all other principles, "Service Above Self" is the credo that guides Rotary. Each Rotaract club is required to complete at least two major service projects annually, one to serve the community and the other to promote international understanding.

Leadership Development

A club's leadership development activities not only aim to make members more effective leaders in their personal lives, but also to teach them how to develop and sustain strong clubs with relevant projects. Each Rotaract club should provide leadership development opportunities to its members through activities that encourage the following:

• Improving public speaking skills
• Learning techniques for marketing the Rotaract program to potential members
• Building consensus among members
• Delegating project responsibilities and ensuring the necessary follow-up
• Identifying channels for project publicity and promotion
• Finding financial resources for strengthening club development
• Assessing project success

Additionally, consider providing ongoing leadership development opportunities to Rotaractors in the district as they strengthen their understanding of Rotary.

Professional Development

A club's professional development activities should expand the members' understanding of the work environment and business opportunities within their community. These activities should highlight the Rotaractor's role in the community's economic development and illustrate how skills developed through service activities can help resolve problems in the workplace.

President's Letter

Thank you for expressing your interest in the Rotaract Club of the University of Miami. Rotaract is truly an international organization that lives up to its motto 'service above self' and our club is certainly no exception. We are a group of students who are motivated to make a change in the world and our surrounding community. We were charted in 2005 by the Rotary Club of Hialeah/Miami Springs and won 'Best New Organization' at the University of Miami that same year.

In 5 years we have raised over $150,000 for international projects, participated in dozens of local service events and educated our peers on important issues occurring around the world. We truly are a global organization with strong roots at home. Our first international project, Project Loja, provided an orphanage in Ecuador with medicine. One of our biggest project to date, Bridging the Gap Peace by Peace, tackled malnutrition in Haiti. The past year we raised money to help rebuild a primary school in Peru that was destroyed in El Nino. Club members traveled to Peru this past summer to see the progress of the school, meet the children and teach English classes. Upon arrival we learned that only 30% of the kids go on to secondary school due to lack of finances. As a club we will be sponsoring a child and hope to set up a scholarship fund so there are opportunities to continue their education and better support their community. Besides following up with our Peru Project we will be fundraising for an orphanage in Colombia that houses abused and neglected girls.

Locally, we have cosponsored with many organizations throughout Miami to not only serve our community but to learn from people of all walks of life. Every year we participate with our sponsoring club of Hialeah/Miami Springs in a Halloween and Easter party for children at Safe Space, a shelter for abused women and children. We also work with Church World Service and other UM groups to welcome Cuban and Haitian refugees to America by having a Thanksgiving event complete with basket donations, food, music and games for the children. This year we will be partnering with Stand Up for Kids, which works with homeless youth to do street outreach as well as mentoring at the shelter.

This year will be a busy, but highly rewarding one. One of the greatest things about Rotaract is you get to learn so much about the world, other people and cultures, as well as yourself. Every project we do opens my eyes to something different, things that I would have never experienced otherwise. It is a great way to get involved and become part of our Rotaract family both here at UM and throughout the world. We are filled enthusiasm and excitement and are ready to make our mark in our community and the world and hope you will join us!

Melissa Meade
President 2009/2010
Rotaract Club of UM
District 6990

For Rotaract Club of UM current events please view our Calendar.

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