I look around this website and see so many people that wish to initiate change and good things for the peoples of Earth. I see so many people sad and distraught about the condition of the world as it is and wish for change, yet they do nothing but complain. Yes, there are a select few of you who do take the time out of your busy schedules to actually do something for your community and others... and I want to take a moment to thank you for your efforts, they are not in vain!
For the rest of you who want to make a difference and aren't sure how... there are still people on this planet who still don't have clean water. Water! One of our most basic needs, and yet there are still people (over 1 billion) who do not have their basic needs met. Yet here we sit, with our computers and electronics and our internet. No, there is nothing to be ashamed of that we are afforded the luxury of these gadgets, it's not our fault we were born into the families and regions we were (sure, you could argue that, but take that to another discussion please), but at the same time... while we sit here in our cozy houses with our clean water... there are men, women and children who go without. And it's not even hard to contribute to these clean water efforts!
Water.org
"Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness."
"More people have a cellphone than a toilet."
This organization helps communities build and maintain a sanitary water system. This provides their community with fresh water and toilets. Each project is custom tailored for the community, maintained by the community, and organized with the community.
If I saw a man carrying one of this organization's water bottles ($25-$35 with $10 going towards projects), my immediate first impression would be like, "Ain't that a sexy, caring man?" And if I saw a woman, I'd be like, "She seems approachable, kind and generous because she looks like she gives a damn about more than herself!" -- OR it would probably mean someone they know cares enough about complete strangers and decided to hand out meaningful gifts to their family and loved ones.
But if you have plenty of water bottles, there are options to give directly. I mean why buy a water bottle when you can donate an entire $25-$35 to the cause? Well, besides to give other people gifts to spread the word about the organization.
You can also start your own fundraiser with them.
Wavesforwater.org
If you prefer to take a hands on approach, there's another charity where you can buy water filters yourself, and travel to wherever you please to setup simple drinking water systems personally. You'll get to explore interesting, new places and witness cultures that you've probably only ever seen on tv. Or contribute to those less fortunate in your own countries. If you're looking for a change in your life, taking one trip and bringing just one filter with you ($50) will provide water for up to 100 people, for about 3 years.
You can also start your own fundraiser with them.
If you have any other water charities that you would like to be added, please send me a link (feel free to add it as a comment) as well as a brief summary of what they do and I'll edit this page as necessary. However, the sad part is this post will probably only last a day or two before being buried. But you can help delay that with your comments! Even if you only comment with, "Yay water!", you'll be contributing to something much bigger than just another online post ;).
Replies
I love clean water!
Yay water!
The title of this thread was intended to be sarcastic.
Water! It's really important!!!
But apparently not as important as aliens, conspiracies and self-improvement/absorption. It's so sad to see how fast this thread got buried. Where are everyone's priorities at? =/
Ouch, not even half a day and this post is already getting buried. Sad.