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E-newsletter #9 - August 2008
Latest News from Robert Renteria

"From the Barrio" author gains notoriety in Hispanic media.
From the Barrio to the Board Room has been frequently featured in the press, including the Beacon News of Aurora and Hispanic Executive Quarterly Magazine. The Latino media has also embraced this message of hope and possibility. I was recently profiled in leading Spanish-language media: Unvision on television and Hoy in print. Click here to see more news.

Mentoring with the Hispanic Bar Association.
I was honored to be a guest speaker at the National Hispanic Bar Association Board of Governors meeting in Chicago on July 11th. Two years ago, the NHBA launched the National Mentoring Program. Their goal is to increase high school graduation and mentor college students. While the NMP caters especially to students seeking a career in law, mentors support Hispanic students in their pursuit of a college degree of any kind. I look forward to joining this group, participating as a guest speaker at events nationwide. At this Chicago event, a 24-year old law student and a 14-year old high school student talked about “From the Barrio” and the impact my book has had on their lives. This book is changing lives, and getting to participate, even briefly, in the lives of these young men and women is the most rewarding part of my journey.

Around town.
I’ve been connecting with many young people, teachers, and community leaders since my book was published. It doesn’t take a lot of time and money to show kids that you care. It all starts with listening. Give a kid a few minutes of your attention and you show them that they matter. Sometimes this is all it takes to help a young person steer away from the wrong choices and move in the right direction! Here are a few ways I’ve been working with young people in my area:

• As a guest of the Latino Engagement Community Council, I was asked to collaborate in their youth outreach program. On June 30, I showed my video at Jericho Circle, gave away over 100 copies of my book (which I gladly autographed for kids ranging from 6 to 18). I talked to these youngsters — many of whom were like I was as a kid — and encouraged them to follow their hearts and strive for something great. The Council works on behalf of kids in the community, and I'm glad to share in and contribute to their efforts.
• I helped to sponsor a 15 year-old wrestler from Aurora who qualified for the 2008 Illinois USA Wrestling Championship Finals in July.
• Because athletics is a great way to keep kids healthy and active, I’ve sponsored “Hoops on Fire” (a summer basketball program) and the grand opening for B’s Boxing Club in Aurora;
• The Youth Rally in nearby Elgin is distributing backpacks with school supplies to kids from low-income families. I donated a laptop to raffle off so they could raise money for much-needed supplies for hundreds of area students. I also shared with them 50 copies of my book to give away at the event on August 9.

Aurora student goes to Princeton with community help.
Aurora honor student Roberto Saenz is active in the community and at school. He wanted to attend the Junior Statesman Summer Program at Princeton University but had to overcome two hurdles: be one of 250 students selected from a nationwide applicant pool; and raise the $5,000 to attend. I’ve met Roberto and knew he deserved a chance at this. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I was able to bring Roberto’s story to the Chamber. From our foundation funds, we contributed the remaining $2,000 Roberto needed to get to Princeton. Get the full story here.

The message continues to spread.
Thank you to Emma Rivera, a 20 year-old college student in California, wrote me a wonderful note about how my story provided her with inspiration:

“From the Barrio to the Board Room was an inspirational book because the man behind the book is not fiction nor a fairytale, but someone speaking from personal experiences hoping to inspire and/or touch another individual to dare them to be themselves. I am a motivated person but I have become a huge procrastinator; this book gave me a push to realize the importance of obtaining my college education. This book expresses the fact that even though you might grow up poor, fatherless, homeless, whatever the scenario may be, only you can change it! With willpower and perseverance you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Robert did not lead a perfect life, nor will it ever be perfect, but he chose his path and didn’t let his childhood pressures stray him from his life goal.”

I’ve received so many kind words from readers of my book. I can’t tell you how much it means to know that my story is reaching out and touching other lives.

Sponsors:

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