The Origin of World Rotaract Day

The proposal of establishing a "World Rotaract Day", to be celebrated annually by all Rotaractors, was presented to Rotary International by DRR 1989-90 of D.2420, Turkey, Rtr. Derya SENSOY, on February 23, 1990 by the following letter:

"Being the young generation of the "Service Above Self" philosophy, we would like a certain day to be celebrated as “World Rotaract Day” which would give us a chance for our voice to be heard with a common activity.

This day will also be an opportunity to make us approach each other sharing the happiness of being Rotaractors and will motivate us to create new ideas.

An activity shared by World Rotaractors will attract world attention and will enhance recognition of Rotaract. This activity should be at least at district level and it should have a group activity characteristic such as blood donation, public service campaigns etc. It should be kept in mind that the higher the rate of participation, the more successful the activity.

On the other hand, a declaration by the President of Rotary International about that day emphasising the humanist side of Rotaract and stating its philosophy will play an active role in the development of the Rotaract programme.

Moreover, it is important for the recognition of Rotaract to prepare a bulletin about the activities undertaken and to distribute it to related institutions, local authorities and the Press.

Based on the foregoing facts, we are requesting RI to accept the foundation day of the first Rotaract Club as the official "World Rotaract Day" and to celebrate it each year.”

This proposal was brought to the attention of all Rotaract Clubs as one of the "Items for Consideration" prepared by the 1990-91 Rotary International Rotaract Committee (Group II, item 11). Following the discussions of Rotaractors, the proposal was put forward by the RI Rotaract Committee as a recommendation.

Then, after the Rotary Convention held in Mexico in June 1991, the Board of Directors of RI approved this proposal as a project to be implemented. And in 1993, due to the 25th anniversary of the Rotaract Program, World Rotaract Day was extended to World Rotaract Week (the second week of March).

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