To view this message online click here.

E-newsletter #15 - June 2009
Latest News from Robert Renteria

Free Barrio Curriculum for All Schools, Social Workers, and Youth Outreach Programs
We’ve been watching the curriculum work in the Chicago Public School District and beyond, and now we’re offering it for free! The curriculum is my gift. I’m throwing down the gauntlet so to speak. Let’s exchange the Barrio book for all the guns, knives, drugs, needles, booze, and even cigarettes that are out there touching and killing our youth. I believe we can make a difference, and I want us to do this together. Upwards of 3,000 students will use the curriculum with the book this fall in the Chicago Public Schools and around the country. It’s free to anyone. Listen to teachers and students talk about the impact of the curriculum and get a copy of the curriculum by clicking here.

New Barrio Book Drive
Craving to use From the Barrio to the Board Room with your students or group but don’t have the available funds to do so? Do you know a community leader or teacher in a similar situation? From The Barrio Foundation has created the Barrio Book Drive, a complete in-the-box fundraising program to help schools and organizations raise the money needed so that educators can incorporate the book into their curriculum and programs. For more information on the book drive contact Robert directly at 312.933.5619 or email me at Robert@fromthebarrio.com.

You wanted it...you got it! Spanish Version of From the Barrio to the Board Room has arrived!
The first draft of the Spanish version is complete thanks to Ayten Santillan, and we’re now into the editing process. We expect to release the book by the end of the summer. The Curriculum will also be available in Spanish! Place your orders now!

Dynamic New Website Launched
Haven’t witnessed the impact From the Barrio to the Board Room is having? Check out the new version of our website, www.fromthebarrio.com. You’ll hear and see from the people who are changing their lives – and changing the lives of others – with the book. More videos, more photos, more of your stories, plus a complete listing of resources for those who are suffering or who need help.

Non-Profit From the Barrio Foundation Formed
We are quickly realizing that many of the schools, groups and organizations we want to reach out to and help are simply dealing with financial constraints. The From the Barrio Foundation was created so we could be more intentional about reaching out to those looking to make a difference – our goal is to reach at least 1 million teenagers and at-risk youth across America.

Robert’s Commencement Speech at Evergreen Academy
Robert gave the commencement speech at the Evergreen Academy Middle School Graduation in Chicago this month. When the kids walked down the aisle they received their diploma and a copy of From the Barrio to the Board Room as a gift from the school. Robert stayed after and so did the graduates – to get their books signed! See and hear Robert deliver his speech here.

A LETTER FROM ROBERT
The past two months has simply been an amazing time. We have set up the From the Barrio Foundation, launched our curriculum, are getting ready to release the Spanish version of the Barrio book (thank you Ayten Santillan for your brilliant translation!) and we’re now implementing our book drive nationwide. This book and this message are changing lives, including my own and I’m seeing and living it in real time! I would like you to take a moment to hear and see what is going on and the difference that we’ve been able to make with your support. I want to encourage you to check out the latest videos to hear directly from the teachers and students at Roosevelt High School in Chicago about their experience using the Barrio book and curriculum. I also invite you to visit the new From the Barrio web site, www.fromthebarrio.com. (Nathan Brown and the team at Writers of the Round Table did an amazing job!) My sincere thanks to the many of you around the world for reaching out and helping to make a difference. United we stand!

Peace,
Robert Renteria
robert@fromthebarrio.com
312.933.5619