What is Rotaract?

Rotaract clubs across the globe work under the guidance of local Rotary Clubs.

There are five Rotary Clubs in Springfield. As a service club, our primary goal is to serve those in need—specifically, youth at Great Circle. Community service opportunities are made available each month, with nearly half benefiting Great Circle and half benefiting other local charities.

Ultimately, the Rotaract Club of Springfield gives driven young professionals opportunities to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development; to address the needs of local children at Great Circle as well as other local nonprofit organizations, and to promote better relations between people through a framework of friendship and service..

Great Circle is the Rotaract Club of Springfield's signature charity and we volunteer there in some capacity monthly. Rotaract works throughout the year to raise funds for Great Circle and presents a check to them in July.

We ask our new members to tour the local Great Circle campus to get acquainted with the organization and their mission.

What Rotary is All About

  • History

    The Rotary Club of Springfield–Southeast chartered the Rotaract Club of Springfield on June 14, 1995 after Rotarians saw the need for an organization targeted to young professionals in southwest Missouri. Today, the club is made up of more than 60 members under the age of 30.

    Rotaract meets at 425 Downtown twice a month, and its local charity of choice is Great Circle. In 2019, Rotaract made a donation of more than $17,000 to Great Circle—the largest annual gift made by the club to date.

    Each year, Rotaract partners up with the Rotary Clubs of Springfield to help make the annual Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival a success. Started in 1999, the event has raised more than $1 million for local children's charities.

    Our largest annual fundraiser is our Double Dare event, where local businesses and Rotary clubs join us for a night of fun, games, trivia, silent auction, 50/50 raffles and fellowship. This event has grown exponentially every year since its inception. For more details, contact us at sgfrotaract@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please consider sponsoring a team, table,round or more! We are grateful for all of our generous sponsors but are always on the lookut for future contributions of any kind - be it a silent auction item, a sponsorship/donation, or just forming a team to participate in the event.

  • 4-Way Test

    At the beginning of our meetings, we recite the Rotary 4-Way Test together as a club.

    1. Is it the truth?

    2. Is it fair to all concerned?

    3. Will it build good will and better friendships?

    4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

    The test, translated into more than 100 languages, is used by Rotarians world-wide as a moral code for personal and business relationships.

  • Service

    Community Service

    As a service club, Rotaract’s primary goal is to serve those in need. Rotaract supports youth in our area by volunteering and raising funds for our charity of choice, Great Circle. One of the primary reasons Great Circle is Rotaract’s signature charity is that it provides a unique opportunity for interaction between the kids and club members. Some of the club's annual highlights include hosting a Halloween party and end of year bash for the kids to enjoy. In addition to the events previously mentioned, Rotaract and Great Circle provide monthly opportunities for members to make a difference utilizing service events that include open gyms, game nights, crafting, holiday decorating, mini golf outings, and so much more. Other opportunities for members to get involved include fundraising for Great Circle throughout the year, whether through special events or at monthly meetings.

    Double Dare

    Double Dare and Rock’n Ribs are Rotaract’s two largest annual events. Double Dare is uniquely 'ours' and we are proud to say that each year we have raised record-breaking amounts for the kids at Great Circle. In 2019, we changed our Double Dare venue to the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in order to accomodate the popular demand. We would love for you to join us as a sponsor or team!

  • Activities

    The social committee coordinates a variety of events throughout the year so members can get to know one another and develop long-lasting personal relationships. Functions include happy hours, an annual March Madness party, attending local sporting events, breakfast socials and more.

    The athletic committee focuses on the spirit of teamwork and the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes the health and well-being of our members. Events include a basketball tournament in conjunction with the other Rotary clubs in our area and the formation of teams for sports like volleyball. Members often join local Rotarians for golf outings in the spring and summer as well.

Come See Us

“Having grown up and having attended college outside the area, I was at a disconnect with the Springfield community. Thankfully, Rotaract has helped me build relationships with young leaders, as well as many non-profit agencies in the region. We have changed so many lives in the community, and I could not be happier with the return on my investment in this AMAZING organization. I am extremely excited to see this community grow and prosper with the aid of the young professionals in Rotaract.”