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November 17, 2011 Friends, Re: Bangkok 2012 Although our previous Summits (Los Angeles, Birmingham, Montreal and New Orleans) have been outstanding events, the Wasrag team has decided not to mount a full summit in Bangkok prior to the RI Convention. We simply do not have the resources available. BUT - we are delighted to tell you that Wasrag will be hosting two breakout sessions at the Convention!!! We'll be telling you more about this later. And of course, Wasrag will have a booth in the House of Friendship - we'll be in touch about helping at the booth as well! Watch out for more information on our rapidly expanding Regional Teams and Program Planning & Performance Evaluation (PPP) teams. And, we are exploring the opportunities for smaller, regional conferences in various parts of the world that will be more affordable for Rotarians in these times of economic difficulty. All this and much more in the next few months And lastly - if you are not already a member of Wasrag, JOIN US. Be part of Rotary's most significant Area of Focus! Enjoy the articles below, and please feel free to contact us with your news and views on WASH.  Ron Denham Chair - Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group | |
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 Join the "Big Squat" for World Toilet Day.
In 2001 the World Toilet Organization (WTO) declared November 19 World Toilet Day (WTD). Today, it is celebrated in over 19 countries with over 51 events being hosted by various water and sanitation advocates.
The "Big Squat" campaign generated 24 "Big Squats" globally and in Singapore over 600 squatters joined the cause in six locations. For ideas, activities, and background information check out the WTO website, or read Bill Chapman's entry on the Wasrag blog. |
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 Trees and Water: What's the Connection?
With help from the Rotary Club of Salt Spring Island, Canada, Michael Nickels and his organization Seven Ravens have planted over 7 million trees in Kenya, promoting permaculture farming. This is an integrated practice that restores land to sustainable biodiversity with many benefits, such as the creation of water catchment areas, reduced erosion, and significant increase in food crops. To learn about the connection with water, watch this nine minute YouTube video... |
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 Appropriate Technology & Development
Engineers Without Borders - Nigeria is pleased to host its first ever conference in Lagos, Nigeria, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2011. The theme of the conference is Appropriate Technology - Partnerships in Development. The PPP Team report from the Niger Delta will be presented at the conference. For more information see the conference website. |
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 Who Knew Sanitation could be that Funny?
Brisbane Arts Theatre puts on special fundraising performance: Toilet humour for World Toilet Day. Read More...
Living without access to clean water or sanitation is no joke. But humor can also touch on complex and often sensitive issues. The Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) produces an annual cartoon calendar to raise awareness around critical issues. Read about WSP... |
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 Raising funds...and awareness!
Fund Raising - one of the greatest skills in a Rotarian's toolkit! In this and future editions of the newsletter we will feature some of the amazing ways that Rotarians are raising funds for WASH and suggest ways you and your club can get involved!
This issue we'd like to tell you about the "Global Soap Project". Like most good ideas it's so simple one is left thinking "why didn't we think of that!" Read More...
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REACH out to Africa adopts WASH!
 The Reach out to Africa initiative held a successful meeting in Mauritius, Nov. 7, 2011 and passed the following resolution: "The Reach Out To Africa initiative has resolved to adopt Water and Sanitation as the African Signature Project for a period of three (3) years commencing immediately and requests the approval of the RI Board."
Read More... |
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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.
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