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Rotaractors, Rotarians working side-by-side in service

Mary Kathryn DeLodder is a member of the Rotaract Club of Greater Louisville, Kentucky, USA. 

By Mary Kathryn DeLodder, a member of the Rotaract Club of Greater Louisville, Kentucky, USA, for World Rotaract Week 12-18 March. 

While it is not unheard of for Rotary clubs to have members under the age of 30, many young people in their 20s may not quite be ready for membership in a Rotary club, whether due to work schedule, finances, or other family obligations. 

This is where Rotaract offers the perfect bridge into Rotary.  Rotaract provides college students and young professionals with a way to connect to Rotary while conforming to their needs and circumstances. 

Rotaractors and Rotarians often work side-by-side on service projects, extending the impact made on the local community.  Through Rotaract, Rotarians have the opportunity to help mentor the next generation of community and business leaders.  In turn, Rotaractors often bring enthusiasm and energy to their sponsoring Rotary club. 

Having been involved in Rotaract for nearly a decade, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Rotarians who have helped to shape me as a leader.  I have been fortunate to be included in various club and district functions where I was able to learn about the workings of Rotary beyond my own community.  Sometimes, I just invited myself to events in order to learn more. 

Rotarians made sure I had information, and I was able to use that information to become a better leader within Rotaract.  Without a doubt, I can say that I will be a Rotarian when the time is right for me.  I cannot imagine Rotary not being a part of my life! 

Mary Kathryn and Andrea( previous Voice) I am so pleased to hear of your Rotaract experiences in service to others.  BUT I am not surprised!  As I Rotarian for 37 years, one of many areas I served Rotary International for 3 years (90-93) was as USA and World Co-ordinator for the Rotaract Organization concluding with the the Rotaract Pre-Convention meeting in Melbourne Australia.with 13,000 Rotaractors.  During this period I witnessed first hand what a dynamic group Rotaractors are though-out the world.  The projects and programs and fellowship you share can best be described as an incredible asset you are to all of Rotary International.  Thank you.  R.G. Wallace, PDG
P.s.  Scroll down to my message in Literacy about Rotary being our Passport to People.  It applies to all of us.