The Rotaract Family

It didn’t take much to convince me about the position, over the phone. “Club Social Services... You’ll be organising all the social aspects of the Club. I think it’s right up your alley!”

I paused. Only for effect, though. The wheels were already turning in my head. An opportunity for me to do something outside of work. To give back. Something... I’d been looking for. There seemed only one possibility.

                “Sure. I’m in!” And so it began: my first step into a life-changing journey. Into a vast and amazing world, previously unknown to me.

National Volunteer Week? Of course, I’m going to talk about Rotaract :).

We’ve pulled weeds and planted trees. Restored the Harvey river, enduring attacks from vicious bamboo stalk and plants. We’ve helped serve soup to the homeless, sick children and disadvantaged. We’ve been inspired by great speakers overcoming polio, blindness and near death, in the fight against Apartheid.  We’ve raised funds for international projects such as HOPE Uganda and ORK. Organised quiz nights, movie nights and multicultural nights. We’ve volunteered at and donated to the Kelmscott fires. We’ve engaged in cultural exchanges through international conferences and the hosting of guests. We’ve even been part of a “first time ever” project for Australia, the Sandgropers Project! Spearheaded by our own member we hosted seven international Rotaractors in WA. And of course through all this we did what Rotaractors do best: Partying it up!

Even as the words tumbled out of my mouth, that initial day, I’d still say I had no idea what I was getting myself into! But I claw at the essence of Rotaract. To dig deep, is to find its spirit: “Service above self”. Rotaract has provided opportunities to serve locally (Red Cross Soup Patrol) and internationally (fundraising for HOPE and polio). To develop professionally. To lead. But most of all, and dearest in my heart- to develop lifelong friends. Locally, and around the globe. It’s amazing that we can come from so many different countries and walks of life, but still unite with one main purpose: a passion to change the world. One person at a time. As often quoted, “It takes just a few passionate people, to make a difference.” And that’s what we do.

Still as I dot the last ‘i’ and cross the last ‘t’, weary-eyed in a “happy exhausted” way, I can’t help but be awed by the myriad of opportunities available to one, if they would just put their head out there. If they would just dare to stand up and say, “Yes, that’s me. I’m the one. Pick me!” The rewards come back as more than words. I feel we have only tapped the surface. Much more awaits.

Gaining these worldwide connections with like minded young adults, with over 8,400 clubs in 170 countries, I can go almost anywhere in the world and know, there will be open arms waiting. I couldn’t think of anything better. At the end of it all you just want to say, “Welcome. Welcome, to the Rotaract family!”

Rotaract Club of Perth CBD meets every 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of the month, 6pm at 43 Below (43 Barrack St, Perth).