Welcome to Cal-Nev-Ha Division 42!

 Happy February, Kiwanians-

The beginning of the year welcomed us with some uncertainties, as it presented us with circumstances that were out of our control. Our prayers and positive vibes will continue to go out to those who were affected by the fires in any capacity. A huge THANK YOU to those who jumped into the role of servitude, immediately reaching out and helping those being affected. Some of us collected clothing, food, water, medical supplies, and basic necessities, while others opened their doors, welcoming friends and families into their homes. Your actions are all testament to the core values of our Kiwanis CommUnity.

This month we begin by celebrating Valentine's Day or as we call it in the Latino Community, Dia del Amor y de la Amistad, which translates to Day of Love and Friendship. A day commemorating the love between partners, families, and friends (not to mention inflated flower prices and crowded restaurants), for some of us, the one day we take the time to show our close ones how much they mean to us. In the spirit of Valentine's Day or Dia del Amor y de la Amistad, I want to express the love I have for Our CommUnity, I am forever grateful and blessed for the impactful relationships I developed since becoming a Kiwanis. Relationships with others who share the passion and commitment to help others and build CommUnity through servitude.

We then transition to President's Day, a day to celebrate our past leaders and their impact on our Nation. Many of us have our "favorite" President, whether we lived during their term or know of them because of the legacy they left behind. For President's Day, I am going to highlight Lyndon B. Johnson, our Nation's 36th President. I was not alive during his term, but I am a direct beneficiary of his actions and commitment to provide academic, social, and economic growth to everyone in the United States.

President Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1964 during his State of the Union address. The War on Poverty meant battling poverty through the lens of equitable access to human rights, voting, education, social welfare, and medical care. The Economic Opportunity Act, The Food Stamp Act, Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, Job Corps, and The Higher Education Act were all consequences of his efforts. Through the Higher Education Act, the Upward Bound Program was established in 1965, a program aimed to help first generation (students whose parents did not complete a four year degree) students from disadvantaged communities get into college. Due to the Program's success, the Student Support Services or SSS Program was established in order to provide services and resources to assure that those students entering college matriculated with their degrees. In 1968, the third program known as Educational Talent Search was born, this program provided college access services to students as young as sixth grade through adulthood. Upon its establishment, the term TRIO was coined and has been in the legislature since. Today, there are a total of eight programs under the TRIO umbrella; Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science (high school), Veterans Upward Bound (Adult Veterans), Educational Talent Search (middle school, high school, and re-entry adults), Educational Opportunity Centers (re-entry adults), Student Support Services (college and university students), Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (PhD research students), and Federal Training Program (Federal TRIO Programs staff).

Today, the TRIO Programs are present throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, Micronesian Islands (Palau and Guam), Alaska, Hawaii, and every state in the Continental United States. They currently serve over 800,000 students annually and have helped over 6 million students attain college degrees since their existence. Notable alumni include; Astronaut Jose Hernandez, Astronaut Ronald E. McNair, Astronaut Franklin Chang Diaz, Astronaut Bernard Harris, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, and Viola Davis. Locally, the TRIO Upward Bound Program from California Lutheran University is home to alumni Ventura County Superior Court Judge Gilbert Romero and Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, along with thousands of students who were the first in their family to go to college who became teachers, administrators, lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, corporate executives, and one eventually the Division 42 Lt. Governor!

This month, we also honor Black History, a rich history that contributed to the great Nation that we are. From Rosa Parks, Fredrick Douglas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcom X, John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and the previously mentioned Astronaut Ronald E McNair to name a few. I would also like to acknowledge a couple of unsung Black heroes who had a tremendous impact in my life, my little league baseball coach Dwight Norman and my first third grade teacher Mr. Frierson. 

Let's continue to honor their legacy through our servant leadership by providing opportunities, support, and resources to our CommUnities.

Thank you for everything that you do; I am blessed to serve alongside all of you!

Gracias,   

Temo Solorio

TRIO Upward Bound Alumnus, Class of 1999