2011 marks a new dawn for Wasrag! We are ready to help Rotary clubs around the world in their WASH (WAter, Sanitation & Hygiene) work. And we now have the authority from RI to be the official resource to clubs and districts.
It's taken a long time. RI endorsed the concept of RAGs (Rotarian Action Groups) in 2005 and Wasrag was launched in 2007 to address the water and sanitation challenge. But only in November 2010 did the board of RI confirm that RAGs are a recognized resource for Rotary clubs and districts.
Rotary is now encouraging all Rotarians to collaborate with RAGs on their projects. As the General Secretary stated in his recent message to all district governors:
"By collaborating with Rotarian Action Groups, clubs and districts can enhance the scope and impact of their humanitarian service projects, improve Rotary's public image and awareness, and attract and retain members who are motivated by involvement in service."
And Wasrag is ready to help! Members of the former Water Resource Group have thrown their support behind us. These dedicated WASH specialists are the nucleus of our Regional Teams - Rotarians committed to helping clubs everywhere achieve sustainable outcomes from their projects.
In the next few months we'll tell you a lot more about Wasrag's evolution. With a clear mandate to proceed we are revamping our strategic and business plans. And, we are expanding the website to provide many new resources.
This is an ambitious program and we'll need your help. If you are not a Wasrag member - please join us NOW and be part of our exciting new future JOIN WASRAG. Will you be in New Orleans for the RI Convention? Then come to the World Water Summit WWSIV on Friday, May 20th and share our vision of providing safe water, sanitation - and the promise of a better future - to the millions in need.
Yours in Rotary,
Ron Denham, Chair
Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group
