Frequently Asked Questions
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’s 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. After aging out, we highly encourage members to join a local Rotary Club. We offer Rotary Transition events where members can meet and network with local Rotary Club Members.
Q: What is Rotaract’s purpose?
A: Mirroring Rotary’s Service Above Self belief, we also focus on two signature service projects to serve our local community, host professional development lunches with a 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 one of the largest Rotaract Clubs in the world with over 200 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 183 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: As part of the core tenet of “Learn” for the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, monthly luncheons are hosted on the first Thursday of every month (subject to change around holidays). Luncheons are held at the Harbert Center (2019 4th Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203) with lunch at 11:30am, programming beginning promptly at noon, and we’ll wrap up by 1:00pm. Dress ranges from casual to business professional. We encourage everyone to wear what they wear to work! Lunch cost is included in dues for members. Guests are invited to enjoy their first lunch on us. After that, a $25 fee will apply to cover the cost of each additional lunch. 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 $560. Dues are prorated based on when you join the club. We offer annually, bi-annually, and quarterly payment options. There is a nominal convenience fee per payment. While the club does not offer direct assistance with dues, our VP of Finance will be more than happy to provide a letter for your employer detailing our membership benefits or share a cost breakdown with you.
Q: Are there 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.
Q: What are the perks of membership in Rotaract?
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Diverse Monthly Events
Enjoy a wide range of thoughtfully curated and elevated events each month—experiences designed to go beyond the typical and offer something you won’t find anywhere else. -
Exclusive Luncheons & Service Opportunities
Hear directly from and engage with influential community leaders while gaining insight into local organizations and social issues you might not otherwise encounter. -
Leadership & Committee Involvement
Get hands-on experience through various Board, Chair, and Committee positions that enhance your understanding of Rotaract’s structure. You’ll also refine your leadership skills through direct leadership opportunities that prepare you for future roles—within Rotaract and beyond. -
Leadership Development Program
Our highly competitive Leadership Development Program is designed to accelerate both personal and professional growth. Participants are matched with a dedicated Rotary mentor, engage in workshops led by local executives and thought leaders, and gain valuable insight into effective leadership and community impact. The program culminates in a team-based capstone project, where members tackle a key challenge facing Rotaract—developing and presenting real solutions that leave a lasting mark on the organization. -
Board Fellows Program
Through the Rotaract Club of Birmingham’s Board Fellows Program, members are placed on local nonprofit boards as non-voting fellows. This unique opportunity allows you to gain firsthand board experience, contribute meaningfully to mission-driven work, and build relationships with community leaders. -
A Powerful Local Network
Connect with a vibrant community of young professionals and civic leaders who are deeply engaged in Birmingham’s cultural, nonprofit, and business scenes. Whether your interests lie in music, food, public service, or the arts, Rotaract opens doors to meaningful connections and opportunities.
Q: When are Service projects and how can I volunteer? How do I register to attend?
A: Check out the Events page; 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.