GOING BEYOND THE CALL OF SERVICE Tuesday 13th March 2012
Rotary and action!
On their own, these are just mere words but when merged they are the epitome of civic development, youthfulness and empowerment.
This was the vision of Rotary International on March 13th 1968 when they coined the name and established the first Rotaract club in North Carolina.
The idea was to get young people actively engaged in the humanitarian efforts within their communities while affording them the opportunities to advance professionally. Initially, the plan was to create university based clubs as community service projects; however, after seeing the international reverberations this simple seeming project could possibly have, Rotary International saw the need to approve this as an official project and encouraged Rotary Clubs around the world to start Rotaract Clubs in their respective countries and regions.
Today, 44 years later, Rotaract has become a name of international relevance that Rotary can be proud of. With an international network of over 7000 clubs in over 150 countries, the Rotaract movement has been able to make profound changes in the lives of individuals and communities and has been able to make a name for itself apart from the efforts of Rotary. Creating the opportunity for a child to actively exercise his/her right to an education, rebuilding hope in a community that has been ravaged by the perilous hands of disaster or realizing the dreams of the individuals; Rotaract has provided that unwavering support and much more.
In keeping with the high standard of commitment to human life and development, the Rotaract Club of Antigua has also engaged in efforts of such great calibre. Through projects such as the annual Haliborange Rotaract Spelling Bee which is a competition between Grade 5 students, Have a Heart Blood Donation, supporting a family that has been adversely affected by the spread of HIV/AIDS, conserving and restoring our environment through the planting of trees, spreading smiles across the faces of children who are elated to know that Rotaract cares and much more, we have been able to integrate that youthful, civic minded purpose into the local community.
Knowing that we are able to positively impact our community does our hearts a lot of good and it is in recognition of these tremendous efforts, that we take the time out this week to give some international observance to the existence of Rotaract within the community. Throughout the world, Rotaract clubs have organised a week of activities to commemorate the official start of the Rotaract movement and to reflect on the impact that the organisation has had.
In Antigua, we have organised a Retreat which started last Friday and culminated on Sunday. The aim of this activity was to help members to recommit to their vow to volunteer as well as promoting fellowship within the club. On Sunday, the club joined the Parham Methodist Church in worship to offer thanksgiving for the many blessings bestowed on the work of the organisation. As the week continues, the club will be doing a donation of art and craft supplies to the School for Disabilities and an interactive meeting that focuses on the impact of community service on the individual to which all young, interested individuals are invited.
If you are between the ages of 18- 30 years and are a young professional who is willing to serve your community through a service organization; Rotaract is the place for you. Rotaract is a gift, a privilege, an opportunity to serve and become a better person.
The Club can be contacted at rotaract_anu@hotmail.com, P.O Box 1455 or call 770-2655.
Meetings are held at Rotary House (Junior Achievement Building opposite Sagicor on Factory Rd) every 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm.
Click here for all News and Specials for Rotaract Club of Antigua
| 
