A new club was introduced to The University of Memphis campus last Wednesday.
Rotaract, which was founded in 1969 by Rotary International, is open to men and women between the ages of 18 and 30.
The interest meeting, attended by 27 students, outlined the goals and objectives of the club, and gave important background information.
The club emphasizes community service, leadership development, international service and professional development.
The U of M Rotaract club is sponsored by Memphis Rotary East and advised by Walter Drissel, an executive-in-residence at The U of M.
“This club will do more than just enhance your resume. Rotaract provides a great service to its members by teaching them important leadership skills,” Drissel said. “It will also provide a service to the community by stressing community service projects.”
Memphis Rotary East is currently working with several service projects.
This includes The Miracle League, an organization that works to give disabled children the opportunity to play baseball. They are also working on the funding to construct a water well for a village in Honduras, and they have funded a dental clinic in Belize.
The club’s most important contribution has been to Georgia Avenue Elementary in Memphis, where they provide services to inner city children.
“When they say they’re involved, it’s an understatement,” Drissel said. “They are not just providing money to the school — they devote a significant amount of time to the children as well.”
The Rotaractors at The University of Memphis will participate in community service projects this year and will possibly assist with some of the Rotary East projects.
“Involvement with the service projects of Rotary Club has been great for me,” said Jim Weeks, President of Memphis Rotary East. “It was about time for me to give something back to the community and the Rotary Club has provided that outlet.”
Because Rotaract promotes leadership and professional development, the clubs invite speakers, hold workshops and provide career planning programs.
In addition to these opportunities the clubs also promote international service.
Some Rotaractors have the opportunity to attend an international forum each year. This event allows club members to interact with other Rotaractors from around the world. They also work on at least one international service project each year.
The club will begin meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 4:30 p.m. in the Faulkner Lounge.
