Like great stories and lasting legacies, the Rotaract Club of La Paz begins with small steps founded in deep communal senses—planning with multiple partners, collaboration among members, and actively accomplishing their goals by capitalizing on each Rotaractor’s respective niche. With its leadership and membership predominantly in the youth sector, the organization redefines impact through authenticity and connection as tools to reach more people in need and as a personal mission grounded in values, fresh ideas, and genuine leadership.
The Rotaract Club of La Paz’s leadership doesn’t appear loud or booming. Rather, it is embedded in authenticity and connection among its beneficiaries. This value is championed by immersing themselves in each project—not just through fieldwork, but most importantly by hearing each beneficiary’s stories, taking time to forge deeper relationships, and being present when needed, whether the task at hand appears challenging or simple.
RAC President Elijah Zandro Arcena brands the organization’s “authentic impact” as the ability to address community needs through well-executed initiatives with feasibility and sustainability plans. He also believes that authentic impact is seen when even a simple project can touch lives and give hope in times of need.
One of the best narratives the Rotaract Club of La Paz can offer comes from the pilot Project BaliKID, an education-centered program that aims to promote literacy among children. Held in a public school, the children had stories to tell: one wanted to be a doctor to help alleviate their family’s financial condition, while another dreamed of becoming a scientist to support their father as he grows older day by day.
The project, initiated by the youth, ended on a heartfelt note and strengthened the drive to keep pursuing what is right. Remembering that for each action there is a consequence, let it be one that is silently impactful yet tangible—one that compels others to be more empathetic and more in tune with one another. The world needs not more achievers, but more people willing to go the extra mile to build stronger communities through volunteerism.
On the surface, Project BaliKID is just one activity ticked off a to-do list. But this perception changes when stories of innocent hope are encountered. True to its name, the project encourages reflection—to reassess how we engage with others and whether our leadership continues to benefit the community.
It takes genuineness to face people in need, and it takes connection to empathize and create value-driven projects. From this foundation, the club has initiated multiple activities and partnerships, including the continuation of Project BaliKID; fun runs such as Run Love Palooza and Santa Run 2025, which serve as campaigns against polio; the launch of Paghugpong sa Katinluan, a clean-up drive; and SOAPERACT: Lathering Up for a Healthier Tomorrow, aligned with WASH initiatives promoting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Truly, great things come from small beginnings. Just as one match can light a thousand candles, it took one authentic and connected impact for the Rotaract Club of La Paz to grow and serve more communities.
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