Lauren Petersen, the president of the Rotaract Club of Blouberg, believes it is through helping others that we become better people ourselves.
It’s a sentiment underpinned by Rotaract’s motto of “Service above self”.
“Rotaract clubs strive to participate in as much service as they can,” says Lauren.
That community service can include local activities such as beach clean-ups and visits to old-age homes and international ones, such as youth-exchange programmes.
Rotaract clubs are aimed at men and women under 31. From there, says Ms Petersen, 30, members are encouraged to join Rotary clubs.
“Rotaract clubs are part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world. This effort starts at the community level but knows no limits in its goals,” she says.
“In a society where negative influences are catching up with our youth, our mission is to bring awareness about Rotaract that will allow the youth to develop professional and leadership skills.
“To emphasise respect for the rights of others based on recognition of the worth of each individual, to recognise the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve.”
Ms Petersen, a Table View resident, attended her first Rotaract meeting in 2015 and knew immediately it was an organisation she wanted to be a part of.
Her role as president includes helping members develop their leadership skills and interests.
Projects focus on both professional and leadership developmentand there’s plenty of socialising too.
To find out more about the clubemail bloubergrotaractclub@gmail.com or find them on Facebook at Bloubergrotaract or Instagram @bloubergrotaract