Since they launched Conejo Valley Rotaract last year, Mitchum Owen and his peers have become fast friends and have contributed to a number of local charities.

Rotaract is a branch of the Rotary Club designed for young people.

Owen, 26, moved to Southern California in 2008. He formed the new club to meet like-minded young professionals.

“Having an organization like Rotaract attracts the right people in your life, and I now have an extensive network of friends and colleagues that I can trust. They’re good people, interested in helping others and wellrounded individuals,” he said.

Owen, who grew up in Kentucky, owns a Web design company in Oak Park. He’s been involved with Rotary for about eight years.

He also founded a Rotarct Club at Purdue University in Indianapolis, where he received a 2007 Rotary Paul Harris Fellow award for his service.

Rotary International is a service club organization with more than 1.2 million members worldwide. Members raise funds and volunteer to combat hunger and improve health and sanitation. They also provide education and job training, promote peace and work to eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self.”

Rotaract is for people between the ages of 18 and 30. It’s a stepping stone to traditional Rotary clubs, which comprise people who own or manage companies, said Naj Alikhan, a Moorpark resident who is publicity chair for the club.

“We’re part of the new generation program. Since Rotary members are getting older, they needed a new way to reach out and continue their growth and to guarantee that outgoing numbers will be replaced,” Alikhan said.

At a recent meeting in Westlake Village, the group received praise from the elder Rotarians.

“I’m thrilled to have young people in Rotary, so I want to support them however I can,” said District 5240 governor, Luz Maria Ortiz-Smith.

The district is made up of 72 clubs from Cambria to Westlake Village and east toward China Lake.

“Rotaract is a great channel for young people to give back to the community without spending a lot,” said Keith Parks, president of the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club, before handing a $2,500 check to Owen to support the new club’s projects.

“This generation is very involved; it’s an amazing thing to watch. We really want these kids to be successful and continue in Rotary,” said Parks, a former Thousand Oaks police chief.

John Morse, president-elect of the Westlake Sunrise club, also praised the young men and women as he unfolded a banner embossed with the Rotary “Four Way Test.”

The test, created to save a business in the 1920s, was adopted by Rotary because it complements the organization’s goal to be truthful, fair, build better friendships and do things that are beneficial to all concerned, Morse said.

“The banner will help you remember the Four Way Test,” he said.

Morse’s son, Peter, joined Rotaract about six months ago to continue the Rotary tradition.

“I just like the idea of service above self,” Peter Morse said. The 22-year-old professional magician hopes to use his talent to host a fundraiser for a local nonprofit organization soon.

“The purpose of the club is to do community service and provide networking opportunities,” he said.

After the presentations at the recent meeting, Rotaract members painted “Bowls of Hope” to be used at a Many Mansions fundraiser in Simi Valley.

Many Mansions provides housing to homeless and lowincome people. It’s one of several nonprofits benefiting from Rotaract activities.

Club members also sold teddy bears at last month’s Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair to raise funds for a free mammography program.

“Members want hands-on projects. Rather than talk about doing things, we want to do something,” Owen said, inviting people who are interested in the group to participate.

Anyone who lives and works in the area and who is available to attend meetings is invited to join.

“It’s easier to get involved and give back with a group,” Owen said.

Rotaract dues are $10 per month. Guests are considered visitors until they have paid for at least 3 months and signed up for a committee.

For more information about Rotaract, visit the website www.cv20s.org, e-mail info@cv20s.org or call (805) 518-1782.