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E-newsletter #12 - Holiday Edition - December 2008
Latest News from Robert Renteria

Tell me your story.
The holiday season can be one of chaos or calmness depending on what’s going on in your life. For me, this holiday season has proven to be one of true inspiration – because of you. Everyday, you’re telling me your stories of overcoming your own hurdles. Your stories renew my passion for reaching out to millions of kids to help them aspire to live their own dreams. And you’re sharing your personal stories of how you have taken steps to empower kids in your own life.

I am humbled at how my story has affected and helped others. But I want to hear your story. And I want your story to empower others to reach out and live the American Dream.

The holidays are a time for giving and sharing. Tell your story of inspiration and share it with the world. I’ve created a special place for you to do just that, or read on to hear some of the stories that people have already shared with me.

The Gift of Storytelling
Storytelling is a way to let people into your heart and your life. Thank you for letting me into yours. Here are just a few stories that fuel my fire every day:

After reading From the Barrio to the Board Room last May, Mary quit her job in July and started her own private practice. "I was afraid but I read his book and it inspired me, and I thought, 'I can do this,' and then I started to put my plan into action." Read more

"THANK YOU so much for coming out on a Sunday evening to spend time with B2M. The brothers are still on Cloud Nine because of your visit. We have decided to make "From the Barrio to the Board Room" our 2nd quarter book to read with small assignments for each section." Read more

"This book has to be the most emotional and most inspiring book that I have ever read it shows people that you can have a purpose in life and you have to believe in yourself and try to work has hard as you can to succeed in life." Read more

The Gift of Inspiration Is there someone in your life that needs inspiration this holiday season? Perhaps you are a part of a community organization or group whose members need encouragement and support to face the world each day. Are there underprivileged kids in your neighborhood that would soar simply by hearing an empowering story? With my co-author and partner, Corey Blake, I have created a special Holiday Fund that will allow you to directly affect the individual or group of your choice this holiday season. Here’s how it works: Purchase the Barrio book at a discounted volume rate at www.fromthebarrio.com. During checkout, you will be asked to give the contact name and address of the individual or group that you wish the order to be sent to. We will then enclose a personal note of inspiration to your recipient(s), encouraging them to go after and live the American Dream!

Thank you to the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
I had the honor of presenting the keynote address at the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation's annual sponsorship banquet on December 4. The theme was "La Presencia Latina: Influencing Change." We all have the ability to create change. I met an amazing group of talented, dedicated people who are driven to do just that. After signing books for about 90 minutes, I knew I was in the company of some pretty incredible people. Thank you to all. Look for a video on fromthebarrio.com in a couple of weeks of the presentation!

Your voice is power – speak out!
We must stop the cycle of violence and poverty and set the stage for healthy, growing communities for our kids. Talk to your local politicians. Write a letter to your local newspaper’s editor. We can all be activist in our own way. Together we can make a difference.

Get Your Copy
Click here to order From the Barrio to the Board Room and see what everyone is talking about.

And take the Barrio Challenge! You don’t have to be rich to make a difference! Donate books in small numbers or large. Forward this newsletter. Be part of the solution by standing with me and actively doing something together today!

Partners in reaching out to our youth:

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Our youth are facing tremendous struggles and difficult odds. School shootings and gang violence are affecting all of us. But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to take a new path for the children we love in this country we love. Everyone deserves a fair shot at chasing the American Dream! I am prepared for this challenge. I am prepared to make a difference. Together we can change the world!

PASS IT ON!
Know some book lovers? Do them a favor and forward this e-mail.

For more information about Robert Renteria and From the Barrio to the Board Room,
Click here or contact Sue Publicover at Writers of the Round Table Press.

Writers of the Round Table Inc.
1670 Valencia Way
Mundelein, IL 60060
224.475.0392
www.writersoftheroundtable.com