Carina Calcagno is the Secretary of Whitehorse Rotaract and Viraj Patel represents Rotaract University of Melbourne and they were our presenters on Monday 17 February.
The evening covered a wide range of topics and themes about establishing and maintaining a Rotaract Club. Val introduced the speakers to us by way of the notion that Rotary Clubs such as ours should develop a continued relationship with Whitehorse Rotaract.
Members of a Rotaract Club are not only university students, nor are they only working persons. The most basic of ideas exposed was that not everyone is meant to be a leader. However, they can volunteer and participate in projects. There are two types of Rotaract Clubs - the traditional and the Satellite Club.
Carina and Viraj provided us with guiding steps to establish a Rotaract Club:-
1. Youth Champions
2. Forming a Team
3. Get your hands dirty
4. Paperwork and Training
Individuals can work towards being in executive positions and they can " get their hands dirty" through involvement in activities. Viraj emphasized the need to get the paperwork right ( naming the Club and setting strong foundations).
Marketing and membership go hand in hand . The initial steps involved are to fulfill executive roles and then to retain membership to keep the club afloat. Rotaract members can be social and volunteer in various opportunities . The needs of the members should be forefront in the minds of Rotaract Club executive members.
Viraj outlined Rotaract University of Melbourne and its essence. It is a top down structure with ninety members. The members have less of a voice. Membership fees are five dollars and grants from both the University of Melbourne and Rotary are used. Members join on the basis of career prospect boost and join sub-committees. There are many leadership opportunities.
Carina's Whitehorse Rotaract Club is a member-led style model. It is community-based with many local obligations to be met It has five partner Rotary Clubs and accesses a cut for its presence at the Whitehorse Farmers Market. There is a minimal cost for membership and Rotary District Leadership programs are applied for the purpose of the development of leadership skills . Rotaract Clubs can also access Foundation Grants. Paperwork can be classified as both the constitution as well as certificates to recognize efforts.
Many thanks to Carina and Viraj for providing a great insight into the operation of a Rotaract Club.