Rotaract of the Fox River

Michelle Reppert, Rotaract of the Fox River, talked about how they were chartered on July 16, 2012 and sponsored by the Neenah Rotary Club.  Rotaract is a service, leadership and community service organization for young men and women between the ages of 18-30.  Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces. Clubs around the world also take part in international service projects, in a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.  Rotaract can be community or university based.  Currently, Rotaract of the Fox River has 5 members and they are trying to expand.  They are also considering moving to a university based club with U. W. Oshkosh.  They have worked on service projects to raise money for a ShelterBox who provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters, a book drive, cooked and served food for the Appleton Warming Shelter, helped at Seafood Fest for the Neenah/Menasha Rotary Clubs, wrapped gifts for Habitat for Humanity, helped at an art show for Friendship Place and helping grow the Oshkosh Community Garden.  The goal is to keep momentum on these projects, other ways to help in the community and to grow membership.  Members can be from anywhere in the Fox Valley.  The age range is not rigid since there is a gap between the time someone is a member of Rotaract and Rotary clubs.  Rotaract of the Fox Valley does not have a formal meeting time but meets when everyone can get together. 

Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 and has grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organization of over 9,030 clubs spread around the world and 207,690 members. "Rotaract" stands for "Rotary in Action", although the name originally comes from a combination of "Rotary" and "Interact" (International + Action), the high school level program created by Rotary International in 1962.  Most Rotaract activities take place at the club level. Rotaract clubs hold formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs. Club members get together on designated days for service project work, social events, or professional/leadership development workshops.  The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the 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