The University of Memphis student body is giving back to the community in the form of a student-governed-organization called Rotaract, which held its first meeting of the semester in the Bluff Room of the University Center on campus.
Rotaract is an organization designed to give back to the community in a variety of ways, such as through clothes drives, fundraisers and volunteering. President Edith Grayson, a sophomore at the UofM, gave more specifics as to the mission of the SGO during the meeting.
“Rotaract is a community service club based in Memphis for young men and women between the ages of 18-30 who are dedicated to the community as well as international service,” Grayson said.
Some of the upcoming events that will be held throughout the semester are a resumé-building seminar, a self care seminar during finals week and a spelling bee.
As of now, Rotaract has begun hosting a clothing drive from Sept. 3 to Sept. 17 where students and faculty may donate their unwanted and unused clothing to the Student Activity Council office located on the 2nd floor of the UC from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m..
Advisor and education career specialist Ayanna Perkins was also present at the meeting. She went in depth on the additional services that Rotaract has taken part of.
“Rotaract has taken part of a variety of different missions, such as the Haiti Medical Missions, which we helped fund for,” Perkins said.
In terms of other groups that the SGO has worked with, Grayson listed the partners that Rotaract has worked with.
“Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, LongStreet Methodist Tutoring Program, and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee have worked with us,” Grayson said.
Students around campus have also weighed in on Rotaract and whether they may join the SGO or volunteer in the future. One senior, Matthew Knox said that he wanted to get more involved in the community at school.
“I think having the chance of going out in the community on different missions is really what students needed on campus,” Knox said. “For some of us, we look for ways to give back and this a great way for us to be more involved in our community.”
Rotaract meets on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.. The organization welcomes anybody interested to attend.
