Rotary Theme of the Month: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
March invites us to reflect on one of Rotary’s most essential Areas of Focus: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Access to safe water and sanitation is not only a basic human need but serves as the foundation of health, dignity, education, and economic opportunity.
Today, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, and billions more live without adequate sanitation. The consequences are profound. Unsafe water contributes to disease, keeps children out of school, burdens women and girls who must carry water long distances, and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
Rotary has long been a global leader in sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Our work goes beyond installing wells. We invest in community training, education, infrastructure, and long-term maintenance to ensure that projects endure for generations.
Here in District 5930, our proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border reminds us that water is also a regional priority. Colonias and underserved communities continue to face challenges related to water access, wastewater infrastructure, and hygiene education. Rotary’s leadership and partnerships can make a lasting difference both locally and globally.
Why Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Matter
Health:
Clean water and proper sanitation prevent deadly diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrheal illness.
Education:
Children, especially girls, are more likely to attend school when clean water and sanitation facilities are available.
Economic Development:
Communities thrive when families are healthy and no longer spend hours each day collecting water.
Dignity and Peace:
Access to water promotes stability, reduces conflict, and strengthens communities.
How Rotary Clubs and Rotarians Can Take Action
Every Rotary Club in District 5930 can play a role in advancing WASH. Here are meaningful ways to get involved:
1. Support Sustainable Water Projects
Partner with clubs in Mexico and around the world through Global Grants
Fund wells, rainwater harvesting systems, filtration systems, and sanitation facilities
Ensure projects include training and maintenance plans
2. Promote Hygiene Education
Partner with schools to provide handwashing stations
Support hygiene education campaigns
Assemble and distribute hygiene kits for vulnerable populations
3. Take Action Locally
Partner with local nonprofits serving colonias and underserved communities
Support food banks and shelters with hygiene supplies
Participate in community clean-up and environmental protection projects
4. Engage Youth
Encourage Interact and Rotaract clubs to lead WASH service projects
Organize educational events on water conservation and environmental stewardship
5. Build Binational Partnerships
Collaborate with Rotary Clubs in D4130 and throughout Mexico. Water projects are being proposed for Matamoros and Reynosa.
Develop projects that strengthen regional resilience and public health.
6. Join the Rotary Action Group for WASH. Visit https://www.wash-rag.org/.
Spotlight Opportunity:
Global Grant: GG2460030 Bringing Back Baffin Bay- Sarita
Please see the January 2026 Rotary Magazine article on this wonderful project, “A restoration plan for Texas coastal waters includes rain gardens.”
The Rotary Clubs of Corpus Christi and Los Altos Quetzaltenango are partnering with the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBBEP) and the Kenedy County-wide Common School District to install a rain garden on the Sarita Elementary School campus.
The rain garden collects rainwater from roofs, driveways, and parking lot. This a cost-effective and beautiful way to reduce flooding, provide a habitat for butterflies, songbirds, etc., store excess carbon, and filter out pollutants.
This project is part of a larger regional plan to reduce runoff from impervious surfaces that contribute to water quality decline in the San Fernando and Petronila Creek Watershed that flows into Baffin Bay.
All people and organisms that rely on the Watershed for their health and life will benefit from the project as a result of its effect on water quality. The project also includes a student education program and a public awareness program utilizing the Sarita rain garden as a prototype to encourage the construction of additional rain gardens in the Watershed and elsewhere.
Every Rotarian Can Make a Difference
You do not need to drill a well to change lives. You can:
Donate to The Rotary Foundation
Volunteer your time
Share Rotary’s impact with your community
Advocate for sustainable solutions
When Rotarians provide clean water, we do more than quench thirst—we restore health, dignity, and hope.
A Call to Action
As Rotarians, we are People of Action. This month, I invite every club in District 5930 to:
Learn about a water and sanitation need
Start a project or support an existing one
Engage your members in meaningful service
Together, we can ensure that more families have access to one of life’s most basic needs.
World Rotaract Week 2026 runs from Sunday, March 8th to Saturday, March 14th, 2026, celebrating 58 years of service, fellowship, and leadership since the first club was chartered on March 13, 1968. Centered around World Rotaract Day on March 13th, the week features international, district-level, and local projects focusing on community impact, networking, and professional development under the 2025-26 theme "Unite for Good".
District Youth Summit & Four-Way Test Speech Contest
District 5930 Youth Summit Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 10:oo am
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.
This is an event without cost. Register for the Youth Summit HERE
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
District Conference 2026 April 24–25, 2026 Location: McAllen Plaza Hotel
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.
Registration Information
Registration for both the Youth Summit and the District Conference will open in February 2026.
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 Leadership Institute District 5930 Congratulations
Congratulations to three Rotarians from District 5930 South Texas who recently completed the virtual Lone Star Division Rotary Leadership Institute (LSRLI) Faculty Re-Certification.
Please join us in congratulating:
• Rene Cantu – McAllen Evening Rotary Club
• Nianna Gustovich – McAllen Evening Rotary Club
• Kathy Preddy – Harlingen Rotary Club
These dedicated leaders are now re-certified Lone Star Division RLI Faculty members continuing to serve District 5930.
The February 10 & 12, 2026 virtual certification was supported by District 5930 faculty members Debbie High, LSRLI Co-Chair, and Andy Zamarripa, Technical Support Lead.
Rotarians and Rotaractors interested in strengthening their leadership skills are encouraged to visit rotary5930.org > Membership > Rotary Leadership Institute for course information and registration details.
Congratulations to Rene, Nianna, and Kathy on this achievement!
The Rotary Leadership Institute International is not an official training program of Rotary International
Upcoming Events
The Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Apr. 11, 2026
For more information contact District Chair Anna Putegnat.
Apr. 24, 2026 6:00 p.m. - Apr. 25, 2026 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-05:00)
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.
Los Fresnos, TX
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