Newsletter  July 1, 2011
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Sanitation for AllUN Announces Major Push to Meet Sanitation MDG   

Thanks to the efforts of dedicated people around the world, the MDG on water is reasonably on target. Unfortunately sanitation is not doing so well, with some 2.6 billion people still lacking even basic sanitation facilities. The UN has redoubled its efforts and on June 21st, 2011 announced its major initiative to meet the sanitation goal by 2015. 

If you are thinking of a water project - think sanitation too.  And then add hygiene to the equation.  For the full text of the UN announcement go to:  UN push to achieve MDG by 2015.

Rotary Conference 2011RI Convention in New Orleans and WASH 

 

 This year's convention in New Orleans marked a major step forward for Wasrag.  The enthusiasm and commitment shown by Rotarians for WASH projects was amazing!  This was especially noticeable in the Workshop:  Water & Sanitation:  Achieving Sustainability in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Services."  With standing room only - it is clear that "WASH" is an idea whose time has come in Rotary. 

 

Presenters at the workshop included PDG Sushil Gupta, Carlos Rioja, Carl Vahl and Ron Denham.  Four different perspectives - but all impressive in their dedication to sustainability.  The presentations are all available on the Wasrag site at:  New Orleans Workshop 

Katie SpotzPushing Through Adversity for WASH    

WWSIV presenter Katie Spotz was scheduled to cycle across the US raising funds for WASH projects. A few weeks before the race, Katie crashed during training and fractured her pelvis. Undeterred, she began training on a handcycle, and completed the race using her arms rather than legs to pedal.

Katie, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar heading off shortly to begin her studies, is an incredible example of courage and determination in the face of adversity. Bravo Katie! You're a real WASH hero! 
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    WWSIV Materials Now Available!

 

 

For those of you who weren't able to attend WWSIV in person, we've loaded an audiotaped version of the day's proceedings on the Wasrag website at:  WWSIV Audio.  Look under "Post Summit Follow Up". 

 

Also available are some of the materials that speakers used to illustrate their presentations or used as handouts during the breakout sessions.  If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact us at info@wasrag.org.
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Wasrag - Start With Water

The Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group is a group of Rotarians whose purpose is to support Rotary clubs to effectively plan, finance, implement, monitor and evaluate water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, where they are most needed in a collaborative, cost-effective, timely, and sustainable manner, true to the principles of Rotary International. Wasrag operates in accordance with Rotary International policy but is not an agency of, or controlled by, Rotary International.