DG Xavier Toson's September Message

Welcome to September! This month we celebrate basic education and literacy. Did you know that worldwide, 67 million children have no access to education, and more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate?

That's 17 percent of the world's adult population. Our members here in District 5840 support educational projects that provide technology, teacher training, vocational training teams, student meal programs, and low-cost textbooks to local schools.

Members across the district have hit the ground running this year despite the odds and are opening many outstanding opportunities. As I look at the many club activities happening, my hope in humanity is strengthened. We truly have what it takes to make a continuous difference in the world we live in. Many school leaders across South Central Texas anticipate a much greater need this year from our underserved students and families as recent job losses and layoffs have significantly impacted them.

I want to encourage all clubs in District 5840 to support a local school, students, and their parents as we navigate one of the most challenging years in quite some time. With your support, students will be empowered and encouraged to stay in school and achieve in life. The impact provides a positive return of investment over and over again.

District-Wide Impact Project

We are calling all clubs to join in and participate! I'm excited to announce a district-wide impact service project benefiting education and literacy! My home club, the Rotary Club of Alamo Ranch (led by Rotarian Charlie Wasser), is looking to produce mini-libraries throughout District 5840 and place them in areas where both children and adults will have access to enjoy and enhance their reading abilities. 
 
Mini libraries aim to inspire and promote the love of reading for its target users. With your help, we'll expand this project across South Central Texas and encourage all to participate in book exchanges and encourage healthy reading habits.
 
Ways You Can Help:
 
  • Help Build the mini libraries
  • Gather project resources (building materials, etc.)
  • Scouting a location to set up a mini library
  • Facilitating the approval process to build on location
  • Sponsoring a mini library
  • Collecting donated books
     
To join in on this effort, please contact the District Community Service Chair, Carl Michel, at communityservice@rotary5840.org.
 

Are You A Life-Long Learner?

I recently had the excellent opportunity to join an Executive Book Review, co-founded by Rotarian Mark Wittig (Pearl Rotary Club), and decided that others could benefit. I truly enjoyed learning and engaging with fellow "Life-Long Learners" and would like to share this incredible resource with like-minded members in our district. 

Executive Book Review is a service to the community working from the belief that knowledge is to be shared and enhanced by rich dialogue with the goal to arrive at applied knowledge.

Register for their next event by clicking the link below:

http://executivebookreview.co

Governor’s Motivational Corner:

 The world is looking at Rotarians for leadership and guidance in these trying times. We’ve led the way for 115 years and counting, and over the years, we’ve navigated some of the world’s toughest challenges. Although each year our leadership changes, the passion that thrives in Rotarians' hearts does not waiver.

If there's ever a time where answers may not be apparent, always revert to the 4-Way Test of the things we think, say or do. The answer always lies within.

Thank you for adapting and collaborating to make our collective efforts worth its weight in goal.