Frequently Asked Questions from Potential New Members
Q: Why Rotaract?
A: Rotaract mobilizes its members to foster responsible citizenship by offering opportunities to learn from diverse leaders, bond with committed young professionals, and serve their community and beyond. Rotary clubs sponsor and offer guidance and support to their nearby Rotaract Clubs. The Rotaract Club of Birmingham sponsor is the Rotary Club of Birmingham.
Q: What’s the difference between Rotaract and Rotary?
A: Mainly the age factor. Rotaract is for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 35 years old. Once you are in Rotaract and turn 35, you can then join a nearby Rotary Club and some of our members are in both!
Q: What is Rotaract’s purpose?
A: Mirroring Rotary’s Service Above Self belief, we also focus on three signature service projects to serve our local community, host professional development lunches with a bi-monthly guest speaker, and engage our members and community with monthly service and social events.
Q: How many members are part of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham? Are there other Rotaract clubs around the world?
A: The Rotaract Club of Birmingham is the largest Rotaract Club in the world with over 250 members from all over the United States working in all different fields and industries across the Birmingham Metro region. Worldwide there are more than 10,000 Rotaract clubs in 184 countries and as a member of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, you can visit those clubs if you are ever in their area!
Q: Rotaract luncheons – give me the details.
A: Lunches are held on the first and third Thursday of every month (subject to change around holidays). They are held at the Harbert Center (2019 4th Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203) with lunch at 11:45am, program beginning promptly at noon and wrap up at 1:00pm. You can wear anything from casual to business professional. We encourage everyone to wear what they wear to work! Lunch cost is included in dues for members. Recruitment guests get their first lunch free, and after it is $15 per lunch until you are a member. Parking is available for a small cost in the municipal deck across the street or open metered parking on the street.
Q: What are the annual dues? Are there payment options or assistance for paying dues?
A: The total annual commitment is $495. Dues are prorated once you join the club. We offer the option to split your payment into two payments a year. There is a nominal convenience fee per payment. While the club does not offer direct assistance with dues, our Treasurer will be more than happy to provide a letter for your employer or share a cost breakdown with you.
Q: Are there are any minimum attendance requirements to maintain membership? Is it worth applying if I know I won’t be able to make most of the lunches during the year due to my schedule?
A: While there are no minimum attendance requirements for members, we encourage all members to be actively involved and attend as many events as possible. Note that those interested in applying for membership need to attend at least one learn, one serve, and one socialize event before applying. Everyone can subscribe to our Podcast to listen to our luncheons and stay up to date on Rotaract news and updates!
Q: What are the perks of membership in Rotaract?
- Wide spectrum of events offered each month
- Luncheons and service events provide insight on a wide variety of organizations and hot topics you otherwise may not have exposure to
- Multiple committees offered to expand your knowledge on the organization’s structure and your own leadership experience
- A competitive Leadership Development Program that connects you with Rotary partners, personal and professional assessments, and aids in board development for future terms
- Network of individuals that can get you plugged into the Birmingham circuit – whether that’s music or food interest, non-profit boards, or becoming a patron of the arts (we have a discount code for that as well)
- Wanting to know more on this? Come to one of our events to see for yourself!
Q: When are Service projects and how can I volunteer? How do I register to attend?
A: Check out the Events page our website; once you are there, there is a direct link to sign up for events and this also lets us know you are coming. Unsure if you registered correctly, if an event is full, or members only? Email recruitment@rotaractbhm.org and we will be happy to help you. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest events!
Q: What if I don’t know anyone in Rotaract or Rotary to write a letter of recommendation for my application?
A: Reach out to the Vice President of Membership Recruitment or anyone on the Recruitment Committee and we would be more than happy to assist you! We encourage you to use your network first, but if you are stuck, we are here as a resource.