Meet District 9111

The Rotaract District Structure: A Framework for Service and Leadership

Rotaract, a global organization for young leaders aged 18-30, operates within a well-defined structure that mirrors its parent organization, Rotary International. At the heart of this structure, beyond individual clubs, lies the District. A Rotaract District serves as a vital hub, coordinating the activities of multiple Rotaract clubs within a specific geographical area and providing a crucial link to the wider Rotary family.

What is a Rotaract District?

A Rotaract District is a geographical grouping of Rotaract clubs, typically overseen by a Rotary District Governor. It acts as an administrative and support entity, fostering collaboration, training, and growth among its constituent clubs. The district structure ensures that Rotaract clubs are not isolated but are part of a larger network, enabling them to undertake more impactful projects and develop stronger leaders.

Key Components of a Rotaract District:

The district structure is hierarchical yet collaborative, designed to facilitate effective communication and project execution. Here are the primary components:

1. District Rotaract Committee (DRC):
   This is the core leadership body of the Rotaract District. It comprises various officers and chairs, each responsible for specific portfolios. The DRC is responsible for planning and executing district-wide events, training, and initiatives.

2. District Rotaract Representative (DRR):
   The DRR is the highest-ranking Rotaractor in the district. They are elected by the clubs within the district and serve a one-year term. 

3. District Rotaract Representative-Elect (DRRE) / Nominee (DRRN):
   The DRRE is the incoming DRR, who works closely with the current DRR to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership. The DRRN is the individual nominated to potentially become the DRRE.

4. Assistant District Rotaract Representatives (ADRRs):
   ADRRs are appointed by the DRR to oversee specific clusters or zones of clubs within the district. They act as direct points of contact for club presidents and provide localized support, guidance, and mentorship. 

5. District Committee Chairs/Officers:
   The DRC includes various chairs and officers responsible for specific areas of focus, mirroring Rotary's avenues of service and operational needs. Common roles include: Secretary, Treasurer, Service Project Chair, Professional Development Chair, Club Service Chair, International Service Chair, Public Relations/Communications Chair, Training & Development Chair

6. District Rotary Committee (DRC) for Rotaract:
   While Rotaract is youth-led, it operates under the guidance of Rotary. Each Rotary District has a Rotary District Committee for Rotaract, typically chaired by a District Rotaract Chair (DRC Chair - a Rotarian). This committee provides mentorship, financial oversight, and strategic guidance to the Rotaract District. The Rotary District Governor (DG) has ultimate oversight.

In essence, the Rotaract District structure is designed to empower young leaders, amplify their impact, and prepare them for future roles within Rotary and beyond, all while upholding the core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

Strong leaders can help your Rotaract club find and retain members, raise funds, and carry out successful projects.

The Standard Rotaract Club Constitution states that every Rotaract club must have at least 4 officers, they are:

• President. The president shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the club and the board of directors. He/she shall, with the approval of the board, appoint all standing and special committee and, in the event of a vacancy in the board of directors, shall, with the approval of the board, fill such vacancy by appointment until the next regular election of the club. He/she shall be an ex officio member of all committees. He/she shall maintain communication with the sponsor club and the district Rotaract representative to ensure they are continually informed of all actions taken by the club.

• Vice-President. The vice-president shall succeed to the office of president in the even or removal of the latter for whatever cause, and, in the absence of the president, shall preside at all meetings of the club and of the board.

• Secretary. The secretary shall maintain all club records, He/she shall keep minutes of all the meeting of the club and board of directors, and provide copies of such to the chair of the sponsor Rotary club’s Rotaract committee.

• Treasurer. The treasurer shall have custody of all club funds, maintaining all necessary records and depositing all such funds in a bank approved by the board of directors. He/she shall report on the club’s financial status at each meeting of the club and shall hold all records available for inspection by any club member. All disbursements shall be by cheque and with the signature of two authorised officers.

Your club can also have additional officers if you think this is appropriate. Make sure you note these additional posts in your By-Laws. Many clubs find the following positions are useful additions:

• Membership Officer. The membership officer shall create and implement a recruitment strategy so that the club may increase its membership.

• Publicity Officer. The publicity officer shall attempt to increase the public awareness of the club and Rotaract within the local area. Typically the publicity officer will be responsible for club social media accounts, contacting the press with news and other related tasks.

• Social Officer. The social officer shall organise a range of social outings so that an active social calendar is available to club members.

• Personal Development Officer. The personal development officer will organise all personal development related activities such as inviting speakers to club nights.

Elections

Elections are held annually prior to 1 March. A Rotaract club year is the same as a Rotary club year and those elected shall take office on 1 July.

Board of Directors

The board of directors serves as the governing body of a Rotaract club and includes the president, immediate past president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and any additional officers your club decides it needs. Rotarian and faculty advisers should regularly attend board meetings to provide guidance. Rotary club members may also attend these meetings as observers. The board should meet at least once a month and report any action taken at the next club meeting.

During its meetings, the board reviews and approves the club’s plans and service projects, ensures the club’s financial solvency, and delegates responsibilities. At the end of the Rotary year, the board prepares a final report that describes the major actions taken over the preceding 12 months. A copy of the report should be sent to the sponsor Rotary club.

Update Your Club Information

Every six months, the Rotaract president is required to update club information and membership data with RI through My Rotary. This online process lets RI know that your club is active, confirms that your contact information is listed correctly in the Worldwide Rotaract Directory, and ensures that your club is kept up-to-date about Rotaract, preconvention activities, and resources.

Clubs that fail to update club information and membership data over a two-year period will be terminated.

District 9111 has under its leadership 27 clubs spanning across Ogun and Lagos state. 

1. Rotaract Club of Festac Town

2. Rotaract Club of Ojodu Ambassadors

3. Rotaract Club of Egbeda

4. Rotaract Club of Agbara Golden

5. Rotaract Club of Maryland

6. Rotaract Club of Igando

7. Rotaract Club of Abeokuta

8. Rotaract Club of Orile Agege

9. Rotaract Club of Oto Awori

10. Rotaract Club of FUNAAB

11. Rotaract Club of Eko Global

12. Rotaract Club of Agege

13. Rotaract Club of Lagos State University of Education

14. Rotaract Club of Omole Golden

15. Rotaract Club of Mapoly Provisional

16. Rotaract Club of Isolo Metro

17. Rotaract Club of MEDILAG Golden

18. Rotaract Club of Okokomaiko

19. Rotaract Club of Ewutuntun

20. Rotaract Club of Ijanikin Central

21. Rotaract Club of Ijoko Prestige

22. Rotaract Club of Amuwo main

23. Rotaract Club of Ota

24. Rotaract Club of LASU

25. Rotaract Club of Isolo (I-solo)

26. Rotaract Club of Crescent University

27. Rotaract Club of Ajara