Nonprofit sector is a key water sector

The nonprofit sector is a key sector that contributes to policies and public service. A nonprofit agency is a private organization that contributes to the public good and directs any profit it generates, back into the organization and typically is not tax liable for their generated revenue. Many of these agencies are started or supported by those who are able to donate their time or money in service to those who may be in need. The nonprofit sector can greatly influence the policy process through various means. While society needs these groups’ efforts, some wonder if the nonprofit sectors influence is too strong. While there is some debate about which groups have too much control or are not doing enough, there are several agencies that are doing great things. While it becomes easy to judge efforts and intention of these groups, it should be considered what efforts if any would be made without the contributions of these agencies. There are several agencies that are working to provide needs and services beyond what government is able to do. To address the worldwide issues of access of clean water, it takes more than local government and that is where a specific nonprofit agency such as foundations can step in. Foundations such as Water for People and Water Education Foundation work to address the specific issue of the clean water availability and water source management both locally and throughout the world. These agencies collaborate with government, local groups and larger foundations to provide sustainable programs towards their mission of providing reliable means and sources for clean water.

Water for People is based out of Denver, Colorado and was started by people who have worked within the water industry who have a passion for improving infrastructure for water distribution and sanitation. They partner with many other agencies and through that collective effort are able to achieve great strides toward achievement of their vision of, “A world where every person has access to reliable and safe water and sanitation services” (Water for People (2017)). Water for people are currently working in nine underprivileged countries but have helped 40 countries with their mission of providing and improving water supplies. To fund their efforts they rely on grants and donors and by targeted research, they choose not only areas in need but areas that they believe they can make a sustainable positive impact. Donations to this group go a long way in creating programs that make a lasting difference in people’s lives. There is also opportunity to volunteer but that does require self funded long term trips to underdeveloped and developing countries.

Water Education Foundation mission “is to create a better understanding of water resources and foster public understanding and resolution of water resource issues through facilitation, education and outreach” (Water Education Foundation (2017)). Since its founding in Sacramento California 1977, this agency has worked tirelessly to provide non-biased solutions for a variety of water resource issues that impact not only the American Southwest but considers the major issues encountered worldwide regarding water management. This foundation generates its revenue from donations, sponsorships, tours and conferences. The foundation is most focused on education and offers large volumes of information about awareness, local conditions, environmental issues and water management. In addition to their education programs, they do offer products and services allowing for others to use their resource in development or expansion on their own water programs. By elevating beyond the scope of local water conditions and educating others about our most precious resource, this foundation is doing great work toward this public problem. Most important is educating not only the community about their local water conditions but they also create programs to engage the youth in caring about this issue. Donation opportunities are available and that money does not just go to California, it goes to developing programs that benefit all communities.

For all things, water is life and everything with the exception of air is secondary. The places these foundations touch have measurable differences that are plain to see. For WEF, the efforts of dealing with aging infrastructure, water storage and management and the issues of drought have been brought to national attention as California has seen severe enough conditions to effect America’s food sources and forces what some consider sever water restrictions on California households. Because of these conditions and dwindling levels of local surface and groundwater sources, options like desalination and recycled or reused water have been more widely accepted than ever before because the reality of the water crisis came face to face to the residents of that state. Water for people work is equally as important by creating long term solutions to areas that have never had reliable source water. They work to solve the issues facing water management and sanitation in developing nations. In countries such as India that are developing rapidly, experiencing huge population growth and limited supplies of fresh drinking water, education and smart development is necessary to avoid further crisis in the area. With innovation and teamwork, we can expect the work water for people is doing to pay for itself in that as India rises it will protect its resources responsibly and perhaps lead the way for new technology in water management. The impact these agencies and those like them cannot be underestimated. Without these agencies minimum efforts would be made and minimal resources would be given toward this public problem. Programs like these rely heavily on awareness, donations, sponsorships and volunteerism.

Both of these foundations are examples of nonprofit agencies that are influencing change and making a positive impact. In the water industry, these foundations are well known and respected, and through their missionary work we are able to see the haunting often lasting images of gaunt children drinking from questionable water sources and stories of fear from women afraid to go to the restroom because they have to do it in public and are vulnerable in those moments. By telling stories of positive change and reminding us there is much more work to be done, they let us realize water is a basic need and many are still in need. Knowing that there is a great problem that impacts so many daily while we see our water supply as a guarantee puts into perspective the privilege we have, with that privilege should come the civic duty of guaranteeing others are given what we take for granted. That is what is happening through these foundations. This must truly be an inspiring and rewarding journey. Imagine traveling to a place that is suffering to maintain sanitary conditions and are drinking from polluted sources simply because that is all that is available and changing those conditions for the people in that place. A truer happiness may not be felt as you see parents joy in the child’s first drink of safe water, water that is plentiful and sustainable.

Both of these causes are worthy of volunteering my time and money. I would like to learn more about what I can do to make a difference with agencies like these in the future and remember their missions as I grow in my career. I hope to educate others to be grateful and responsible for their water source and continue to volunteer with my employer’s outreach program for water education. I will be sure to include information on these programs at our next event and encourage others to become educated and involved. I would like to be able to help in the future by providing training to underprivileged communities on techniques of treatment that can help safeguard themselves and water sources from waterborne disease. For now I have subscribed to their cause, follow them on LinkedIn and share their accomplishments with others.

References:

Water for People. (2017). Retrieved October 28, 2017, from https://www.waterforpeople.org/

Water Education Foundation. (2017). Retrieved October 28, 2017, from https://www.watereducation.org/