April calls us to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the environment, one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus and a vital pillar of sustainable communities. Across District 5930, Rotarians are stepping forward as environmental stewards, working hand in hand with local leaders to develop innovative, sustainable service projects that strengthen our ecosystems and safeguard our planet.
Together, we are creating a greener, more stable future for all of us.
Protecting Our Environment
Environmental protection is not a distant goal; it is a local responsibility. From preserving our waterways to promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing waste, our clubs are taking meaningful action to address the environmental challenges impacting our communities across South Texas.
The Corpus Christi Rotary Club is still implementing its Global Grant: Bringing Baffin Back: Restoring Texas Coastal Waters. Please view the story highlighted in the January 2026 issue of Rotary Magazine: “A Restoration Plan for Texas Coastal Waters Includes Rain Gardens.”
Supported by a Rotary Global Grant, the Bringing Baffin Back initiative focuses on restoring the health of the Baffin Bay ecosystem—one of Texas’ most important coastal resources. Years of runoff pollution, habitat degradation, and environmental stress have threatened the bay’s delicate balance.
Rotary clubs, in partnership with environmental experts and community stakeholders, are addressing these challenges through nature-based solutions, including:
Rain Gardens: Strategically designed landscapes that capture and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches coastal waters, reducing pollutants and improving water quality.
Community Engagement: Educating residents, students, and local leaders about watershed protection and sustainable land use practices.
Ecosystem Restoration: Supporting long-term efforts to restore habitats critical to marine life and biodiversity.
This project exemplifies Rotary’s ability to combine science, community involvement, and sustainable design to create lasting environmental impact. It also demonstrates how Global Grants can support scalable, high-impact environmental solutions.
Environmental Action Across the District
Clubs throughout District 5930 are contributing to environmental protection through a wide range of initiatives:
Community clean-up campaigns in parks, waterways, and neighborhoods
Tree planting efforts to improve air quality and urban resilience
School and youth-led environmental education programs
Community gardens promoting sustainable food systems and addressing food insecurity
Each project, no matter the size, contributes to a healthier and more resilient region.
Partnering for Impact
Rotary’s work is strengthened through collaboration. We encourage clubs to continue building partnerships with:
Local governments and environmental agencies
Universities and research institutions
Non-profit organizations
Private sector leaders are committed to sustainability
By working together, we expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Call to Action
This April, we invite every Rotary and Rotaract club in District 5930 to:
Launch or participate in an environmental service project
Integrate sustainability into ongoing initiatives
Engage youth in environmental leadership
Explore opportunities for District or Global Grants focused on environmental protection
Your leadership is essential in shaping a sustainable future.
Share Your Story
We want to highlight your impact. Please share photos, project updates, and success stories so we can celebrate and learn from one another across the district.
And don’t forget to report all your service projects at Service Project Center so that you can meet your club goal. Please note that to earn a goal achievement, the project must be marked as complete.
Rotarians are people of action. When we unite for good, we don’t just respond to challenges, we build solutions that endure. By protecting our environment today, we ensure stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.
Let us continue to lead with purpose, innovation, and care for our planet.
District Youth Summit & Four-Way Test Speech Contest
District 5930 Youth Summit Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 10:oo am to 1:00 pm
Location: Los Fresnos CISD
District 5930 is proud to host a Youth Summit that will bring together Interactors and Rotaractors from across South Texas for a day of connection, learning, and service.
Participants will:
Meet new friends from other clubs and communities
Learn about peacebuilding and positive peace
Explore leadership development opportunities
Partner on meaningful service projects
This summit reflects Rotary’s commitment to empowering young people as the next generation of peacebuilders and community leaders.
**No cost with registration. The last day to register is April 8th.**
District Four-Way Test Speech Contest Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Los Fresnos CISD
The District Four-Way Test Speech Contest will be held during the afternoon of the Youth Summit. This inspiring event will identify this year’s first-, second-, and third-place winners, who will be formally recognized at the District Conference 2026. More information HERE
The District Conference will celebrate Rotary’s service impact, recognize outstanding Rotarians and youth leaders, and honor the winners of the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
We will be accompanied by our Rotary International President’s representative, PDG Ben Bauer.
Conference Agenda:
Friday, April 24 – Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner, 6:00 pm. Dress Code: Formal. There will be a cash bar reception beginning at 5:30pm. Our international dancers representing the Philippines will entertain us.
Saturday April 25 - Keynote Speaker: RIP Representative PDG Ben Bauer, House of Friendship club displays, The Four-Way Test Speech Contest Winners, and more.
8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Dress Code: Business Casual.
Breakfast Tacos starting at 8 am in the House of Friendship and Buffet Lunch included.
Request a table to showcase your project or fundraising at the House of Friendship:REQUEST A TABLE HERE
Book your hotel room with a special rate by phoning the hotel at 956-682-3222 and using the code ROTARY.
Hotel: McAllen Plaza Hotel & Suites
Address: 300 W Expy 83, McAllen, Texas, 78501.
Special rate of $99.99 + tax. Per night.
All registration details and updates will be available on the District 5930 website:
Using Rotary Foundation Recognition Points generously donated by anonymous donors, we will match contributions of New Cash made to the Annual Fund-SHARE during Rotary Year 2025- 2026 on a 1:to:1 basis in amounts of $100.00 to $500.00 for any active Rotarian in District 5930 who is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8. The intent of this initiative is to help increase the number of Paul Harris Fellows in our District and also support the Annual Fund-Share program.
Rotary Leaders Graduate from LSRLI Course: “Practical AI for Rotary Clubs - From Curiosity to Confident Use"
Congratulations to the first graduates of the Lone Star Division Rotary Leadership Institute (LSRLI) Graduate Course, Practical AI for Rotary Clubs: From Curiosity to Confident Use. Twenty-five Rotary leaders from six districts strengthened their confidence and practical skills to responsibly apply artificial intelligence in club operations, membership engagement, service projects, and communications — all while earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
District 5930 graduates include: DGE Jack Alspaugh (Corpus Christi Evening), Nianna Gustovich (McAllen Evening), PDG Debbie High (Mission), Kathy Preddy (Harlingen), Victor Rivera (Harlingen), and IPDG Zehra “Dr. Z” Surani (Southside Corpus Christi).
The Lone Star Division extends sincere appreciation to LSRLI facilitators Dr. Zehra “Dr. Z” Surani (District 5930) and Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers (District 5790) for their outstanding leadership in guiding participants through the responsible and impactful use of AI in Rotary service.
Are you an RLI Graduate?
Interest in this innovative graduate course continues to grow. Registration for the next offering — October 20 and 22, 2026 — will open soon. Watch for details and plan to take the next step in strengthening your leadership impact.
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