As you’ve probably noticed through my Twitter feed or my personal blog, I am greatly interested in water and how we as humans interact with water through policies and the built environment. For the most part, I try to bring awareness of water use and technology among the “developed” world to prove to everyone that water is still very much a topic of concern for those of us who enjoy such pleasures as hybrid cars and 4K televisions. Water infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating, and modern society has to re-think how we interact with and manage water resources if we hope to continue and improve our lifestyles.
My focus on the “developed” world is by no means an attempt to detract attention on water and sanitation issues in the “developing” world. I strongly believe in the power of improving lives by providing reliable, clean and safe drinking water. But while everyone is aware of the problem, I think constant bombardment of facts and figures can desensitize us to the issue. Even if we don’t know the exact statistics we all know that lack of safe water impacts health, keeps children from attending schools, and traps millions of people in a cycle of poverty. I’ve always thought that if I could make water “cool” to people by showing them all the interesting technologies in development and create a sense of personal concern by showing that water is not just an issue of others, I could motivate people to improve water infrastructure for ALL.
So for my 22nd birthday, I’m starting a fundraiser for Water.org and asking my friends to donate whatever amount they can. I’m confident that the people I know are willing to donate even just a little bit to this cause. There’s no pressure, and I sincerely hope I’m not guilty-tripping you too much, but I’m hoping that if you’re reading this, you would be willing to at least give a dollar (well, at least $5, seeing as that’s the minimum donation). I’m not so concerned with the actual amount we raise, I’m more interested in just getting as many people to donate as possible. For every $25 that we raise, Water.org can give someone access to safe water. Even though it seems straightforward, providing clean, reliable water is a complex issue that doesn’t end with just digging a well. There are plenty of water/sanitation charities and foundations out there (you should check out AguaClara, they are doing some amazing stuff!) but I’ve decided to go with Water.org. You can find more information regarding where the donated money goes, and the history of the charity on their website.
And to encourage you further, I’m going to offer some incentives for donations made by October 11th, 2015!
- Donations of $10 or higher will have the opportunity to suggest a topic for me to cover in my blog (the topic must be relevant to the areas I normally cover in my blog). The blog post will be dedicated to you and your name will appear on the post if you so desire.
- Donations of $25 or higher will receive a handwritten postcard from me thanking you for your donation.
- Donations of $50 or higher will receive an original 8.5’x11’ B&W sketch by me of something water-related (I promise I’m not THAT bad of an artist).
Please consider donating, if not for me, for yourself, because water is a shared resource!
Ethan Yen 