Dr. Johann D’Souza earned both a PhD and Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston on a Presidential Fellowship after receiving a prior Masters degree from Boston University in Psychology and Bachelors degree from University of Dallas in Theology. His research publications focus on the psychological benefits of hope and optimism. He is a research affiliate at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, a coach for OptimalWork, and the host of the Virtuous Leaders podcast which highlights inspiring examples of moral and professional excellence. He is the founder of Values First Therapy, where he offers modern psychology with traditional values. He specializes in helping high achievers achieve peak performance and overcome anxiety or OCD by using science-based strategies from cognitive behavior therapy. Short Bio Dr. Johann D’Souza is a clinical psychologist and founder of Values First Therapy, where he offers modern psychology with traditional values. He specializes in helping high achievers achieve peak performance and overcome anxiety or OCD. In addition, he hosts the Virtuous Leaders podcast to highlight inspiring examples of moral and professional excellence.
It is time for all who are able to step up and serve as an "Everyday Hero". There are so many opportunities to help others if we simply open our eyes to see and take a moment to try and understand those in need around us. You may ask yourself, "But what can I do?" It really only takes time to be considerate of others and recognize the needs of others. If you desire to help recent victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, there are ways you may help as outlined by DG Nancy Anderson.
1. Donate money to the impacted Rotary Zones 33/34 directly.
4. Volunteer to answer phones for Crisis Cleanup as part of Disaster Aid USA. (most needed at this time)
One effective way for families in need to seek assistance is by registering their needs on Crisis Cleanup. Crisis Cleanup is a free service provided to communities following a disaster, aimed at assisting non-profit organizations in navigating the aftermath and identifying families in need of assistance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, over 23000 individuals called the Crisis Cleanup Hotline to request assistance from non-profit organizations serving in the area.
One way you can assist families affected by the storm in Milton is by volunteering as an operator with Crisis Cleanup. We anticipate a high volume of calls from storm victims in the days and weeks ahead, and we want to help them by shining the light on their needs so that others can respond.
You can assist from your home any day between 8 AM and 7:30 PM central time. There's no need to schedule a shift, as you can work whenever you have the time. All you need is a computer and internet access, and the training is available online, in both English and Spanish!
I'd also like to share the following video of Andy Greenfield, Founder of the Greenfield Everyday Heroes Foundation. This foundation began in 1995 and encourages and supports high school students who had been dealt more than their share of life challenges. They celebrate students who have risen above their circumstances.
Rotary may present unexpected opportunities that may seem insignificant, yet later we may realize the impact we actually had on others. When PDG Ed Charlesworth gave his governor speeches, he often included a story about a mother needing to go to the hospital. However, she had a five-year old at home and needed someone to care for him while she took car of her personal health care needs. A Rotary club president called upon a club member to assist. He was asked to go to the home and take them to the hospital and remain with the child during the doctor visit. The child waiting patiently and then asked the Rotarian, "Mister, are you God?" He was shocked and asked the child why would he ask such a thing. The child replied that his mother said "Only God can help us now."
Our acts of kindness may take the simple act of driving someone to the doctor and providing child care, it may involve sharing of our good fortune monetarily by donating to a worthy cause, or it may involve volunteering in food drives, clean-up operations, packing medical supplies, tutoring a student, donating blankets or hygiene supplies to the homeless, and the list goes on infinitely. Be an Active ROTARIAN, and take part in making this world a better place, enhancing health and education of others, providing vocational training, and promote peace in this world so desperately in need of people willing to help their neighbors near and far.
Song lyrics/chorus from "Everyday American Hero" by David Munyon:
He's just an everyday American Hero
Just like Uncle Harry and your Uncle Joe
He don't have all the answers and some he don't know
Our Houston E-Club community service theme for October & November is “Food for the Needy & Veteran Support” – Concentrating service efforts to make the lives of those less fortunate more comfortable as we head into the Thanksgiving season. Three areas of specific needs are shown below with connection opportunities to volunteer and help in the Houston area. For those outside Houston look for similar needs and support opportunities in your community …. These needs are everywhere this time of year.
Veterans Day Event and support – letters to vets & active-duty service members
Additional focus should also be given to the greater perspective provided through Rotary International. The RI focus for the months of October and November are:
October – Economic and Community Development
November – Rotary Foundation Month
Be proactive and represent Rotary wherever you are and please do so often!
Everyone should have now received a reminder to pay dues. With our new system you may now select a payment plan option. Our club has already paid Rotary International and District 5890 dues. Our current dues are $300. If you paid only $200 as has been the amount for the past years, please pay the additional amount due. We appreciate you taking a moment to fulfill this responsibility!
Ruby Powers - Congratulations, Ruby! "Exciting News! My book Power Up Your Practice is finally out and available on Amazon!"
Harish Krishnarao - Already busy with grants as the District 5890 Chair, Harish is instrumental in re-activating the ICC USA-Mexico with blessings from DG Nancy Anderson. Our district application has already been submitted, and with the addition of a minimum of two additional USA districts a Chartering event may be determined. Rotarian Patrick Lesley will be our District. Representative. Robin Charlesworth is also attending some planning sessions to lend a hand as she has served on ICC USA-Ukraine since 2020. There are seven district governors from Mexico who are committed and an in-person planning meeting was conducted at Zone Institute. The group will consist of rotary districts dedicated to working together on grants to fund worthwhile service projects, and cultural exchanges to grow and learn as Rotarians work together with common goals.
Evelyn Traylor - Serving as District 5890 Mental Health Chair, Evelyn has been busy. presenting program throughout our district to various Rotary clubs. She was also the main speaker at SCRYE (Southern Conference Rotary Youth Exchange) meeting recently held in Fort Worth, Texas. SCRYE consists of 37 Rotary districts that cover 37 states.
ML Brookshire - More good news for Clubhouse Ghana. Nominated for West Africa as an official 2024 nominee for "Best Initiative Using Music t6o Improve Health & Wellbeing". Congratulations on this nomination!
Eunice Mbarika - Condolences on the loss of her father who will be buried tomorrow in Cameroon, October 12th.
The final RYE Information. session for prospective students and their parents will be held on October 13 from 6:30 pm to 8:00n pm.
Both short-term and long-term exchange programs will be discussed. If you know of a high school junior or senior who may be interested, please pass along this information. The must have an interest to explore the world, learn a language fluently, and meet lots of people. Register at www.RYEHOUSTON.COM
Important Dates: October 25, 2024........................Preliminary Application Due
November 15, 2024....................Club Interviews Due
December 6, 2024......................Medical & Dental Forms Due
January 11-12, 2025...................RYE District Interviews
As your Foundation Chair, I've decided to lead by example this month and commit to becoming a Paul Harris Fellow to start off with. I implore each of you to make some pecuniary goals towards your passion for Rotary. Let's declare our loyalty--Let's declare our interest--Let's declare our commitment. I appreciate you all, and I hope that you can inbox me about the specific area unto which you want to donate a hundred dollars. I'm counting on each of you and we shall talk more in your inbox.
As an e-club we seek virtual options. Here is an excellent program planned by the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Rotary International on our mission to END POLIO NOW.
OCTOBER 24TH, 2024 • 12 PM MT 2 PM ET • 7 PM SCOTLAND
To Register for the virtual session scan code shown below.
For more information:
Ingrid Neitsch • RRFC | ilnrotary@gmail.com Duncan Conrad • EPN Lead | duncanconrad47@gmail.com
Within our district we have several options to participate in World Polio Day:
3rd Annual Paddling for Polio (see full article in this newsletter)
Pumpkins
Pastries for Polio. - 4:00 pm October 23rd @ The Center for Arts & Sciences. 400 College Blvd. Clute, TX. 77531
The "Match Game" - Donate to the RI Foundation Polio Plus Fund prior to Oct 31 and forward your receipt to PDG Eric Liu (EricLiu5890@gmail.com. Your gift of $200 - $500 to the Rotary Foundation will be matched by District Foundation Recognition points (counting toward Paul Harris recognition).
Wine Tasting & Auction - Sponsored by Space Center Rotary on November 14 6:30 - 9:30 at the Universal Weather Bldg in Clear Lake/$100 per ticket
District 5890 PolioPlus Committee's "Pumpkins For Polio" FUNraiser to END POLIO NOW!
Join us for this FUN Family Event at First Colony Mall in Sugar Land
October 24-27, 2024
"Pumpkins For Polio" Fundraiser to END POLIO NOW!
For the 2024 World Polio Day, District 5890 is planning a great collaborative fundraiser for all D5890 to come together and raise funds to help wipe polio of the planet!
DG Nancy's Goal is for each club that participates to raise $2,000 for Rotary's PolioPlus Fund to eradicate polio. Join us for a fun and impactful fundraiser that brings together creativity and compassion to help END POLIO NOW. e
Our District 5890 goal for 2024-2025 is to raise $50,000 Rotary's PolioPlus Fund which will be matched 2-for-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation raising the total to $150,000 to help End Polio Now!
🎃 PUMPKIN JUDGING CONTEST 🎃 Houston area Rotary clubs have decorated pumpkins, and we need your help to choose the best one! 🎨
Here's how it works:
Purchase a ticket for just $1. (We'll also have QR Codes there for different donation levels)
Place your ticket in the container by your favorite pumpkin.
Every dollar you spend will be donated to Rotary's PolioPlus Fund, A 501(C)3 non-profit, to END POLIO NOW,
💵 Your $1 becomes $3! The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match every dollar 2-for-1, tripling your impact!:
Come out to support a great cause, enjoy the creative pumpkin designs, and help us make history by ending polio once and for all! 💪🎃
Mark Sunday, November 17 at 5:00 pm on your calendars. We will have an in-person social event to meet our exchange student from Taiwan. At the same time, we will also have an on-line zoom social meeting for our members who can't join us in person. If you are in Houston, please join us at a restaurant to be determined and published in next month's newsletter. We will also have a sign up sent to each member to register for either the in-person meeting in Houston or the virtual meeting to be held at the same time. This format will be shared the same as for our meeting notifications. Click on the link and register your interest in attending.
Mission Statement: The mission of SCRYE is to promote and facilitate Rotary International Youth Exchange for our member districts. We will fulfill our mission through goals as objectives as follows:
1. Ensure that our member districts are thoroughly prepared to do youth exchange.
2. Ensure that our member districts comply with all minimum standards.
3. Help our member districts enlighten students concerning global issues.
4. Help our member districts engage in dynamic committees and active personal networks.
5. Give our member districts great training and tools through innovation, involvement and the latest technology in all available media.
6. Present great conferences that deliver outstanding fellowship, powerful inspiration, and effective motivation.
7. Recognize, nurture, and support our member districts diversity.
8. Achieve great two-way communication with all entities involved in our member districts programs.
9. Improve what we do by listening to, learning from, liaising with, or partnering with. regulatory agencies, Rotary International, other conferences, our member districts, Rotarians, and. students.
10. Engage and manage our change, including organizational and structural change, at a thoughtful and appropriate pace.
11. Maintain our financial stability through a balanced fee structure, quality membership and wise g growth.
12. Measure all our decisions and actions to improve Rotary Youth Exchange as a whole.
Note: Our club is strongly represented in our District Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Program. Special thanks to the following who serve on this committee: Leenette Wilke, Anais Watsky, Akin Olufowoshe, PDG Nick Giannone, Ruben Santos, Glenda Mecal and Evelyn Traylor.
On Friday Night, 11 October, at 6:30 PM, a special showing of the Movie "Sound of Freedom" will take place at the AMC Houston 8 Theatre. This event is being sponsored by Rotary International District 5890's Empowering Girls and Women Peace Committee ,,, and is being held on The International Day of the Girl. The purpose for this event is two-fold:
a) Raise awareness of the Child Sex-Trafficking Problem in the U.S. (Houston being one of the central hubs of this activity), and
b) Raise funds for two of the most successful and dedicated (local) NGOs that are addressing Public/Civic Awareness and Victim Rescue and Recovery.
Stan and Susan Galanski are two of the Director Level Sponsors and have 16 seats set aside for our guests to attend this event. If you are interested in learning more about this serious problem (across our city and in our neighborhoods), and would like to attend as one of our guests, please get back to me soonest (via a reply email or my cell phone), as the seats will be assigned on a first come/first serve basis.
If you are not able to acquire one of these free seats, and are still moved to attend the movie and show support for our local advocates, please follow the directions cited in the attachments to obtain a ticket via on-line payment. I invite you to come out and show your support for the people who are "in the trenches" each day trying to make our neighborhoods safer and protecting our youth. Members of NTZ and Unbound-Now Houston will be in attendance and willing to field your questions before or after the movie.
Feel free to pass this invite on to a friend whom you think would be interested in this subject and/or attending.
Stan Galanski
Assistant Governor, Rotary District 5890 (2023-2026)
Ambassador, Rotary Action Group - Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (2024-)
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