Southern Ocean Rotary working to connect students and young professionals with Rotaract

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Jan. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Many local students age 12-18 have the opportunity to belong their local Interact Club, working with Rotarians in community service projects that impact their region on a larger scale. The benefits of being trained in community leadership from Rotarians, as well as learning the proper procedures of running a national chapter and even receiving sponsorship to RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy to fine tune skills are apparent to all. After years of being limited to grade 12, the question was raised from graduating high school seniors, past club officers and RYLA Alumni, what next? For many Interact students, college, or entry level jobs prevent them from committing to Rotary, but the need to gather, do good for their home community, and receive guidance from business leaders is even more necessary. Enter Rotaract, offering young adults ages 18-29 an opportunity to connect at a college level and beyond.

Rotaract brings together people ages 18-29 in local colleges, returning students from out of area schools and communities worldwide to organize service activities, develop leadership and professional skills while networking and earning scholarships to continue education and training. "We researched that there is not a Rotaract Club for almost 100 miles", says Southern Ocean Rotary President Keith Gunsten. "The discussion of how we can best serve Interact graduates, or young adults who never had the opportunity to be involved to connect with legitimate service and leadership training." Southern Ocean Rotary Club plans to sponsor the new group, but Rotaract members will run the show. Managing and running their club independently, while working with Rotarians on acheiving goals.

The Southern Ocean Rotary began recruitment at Stockton Manahawkin site Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service, with support from students already committed to helping the launch of the new chapter. The Rotary members plan to display at the Southern Ocean County Chamber Family Expo on February 22 at the St Marys Parish Center in Manahawkin. The expo runs from 10-2 and is celebrating the Southern Ocean Chamber;s 100th and NJ 350th Anniversary by featuring the NJ Hall of Fame Mobile Museum. There is no admission to attend. For more information contact Southern Ocean Rotary meets in Manahawkin every Wednesday 12:15 at Il Villaggio Restaurant  or contact President Gunsten at 609 660-1024 or  https://www.facebook.com/SouthernOceanRotaryClub