Moving Forward with WASRAG
November 29th, 2010
Friends,
The Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (Wasrag) needs your help!
The directors of RI recently took a giant step forward. They formally brought Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs) into the RI organization. This decision marks Wasrag as the official resource to Rotary clubs and districts everywhere:
"A Rotarian Action Group shall be an association of Rotarians who have as their purpose the advancement of the object of Rotary by providing assistance and support to Rotary clubs, districts and multi-districts in planning and implementing large-scale, community development and humanitarian service projects. Rotarian Action Groups will serve as RI resource groups in their specialty".
Wasrag has been waiting for this decision for many months. In anticipation, teams of Rotarians are already:
·
re-designing the website to make it easier to get help for projects, to access expertise, to learn "how to do a project", to obtain latest know-how on technology.
·
Assembling Regional Teams to help clubs conduct needs assessments, manage a project, prepare proposals for funding, ensure sustainability of programs and projects, prepare "Package Grants" under the Future Vision.
·
Building teams of experts to advise clubs on selecting appropriate technologies, developing benchmarks, ensuring the most effective use of Rotary resources.
·
Creating links with many NGOs who share our goals and want to work with Rotarians to ensure our projects are truly sustainable.
Polio eradication put Rotary on the humanitarian map. Water and sanitation will build on that reputation - if we do it right!
It is one of the areas of focus of the Future Vision. Wasrag and TRF complement each other perfectly. Amanda Robertson, Manager of WASH (WAter/Sanitation/Hygiene) programs in The Rotary Foundation will be the link between our two organizations. Together we will enable clubs and districts to implement large-scale, sustainable WASH programs.
Writing proposals to funding agencies, defining best practices and assembling teams of professionals to ensure WASH programs are sustainable will be typical of the support you can expect. Wasrag teams will continue to "Create Awareness" of the need for humanitarian WASH projects. More important, we will actively work to enhance Rotary's image as the pre-eminent organization in the fight to improve life and livelihood through access to safe water and sanitation. In short, we envisage a capability equal to those of NGOs who value our partnership and cooperation.
We need your help!
Wasrag, in common with other RAGs, receives no funding from RI. We depend solely on membership fees to sustain our operation. Negotiating with donors, representing Wasrag and Rotary at international events, attending conferences, making presentations to clubs and districts, updating the website, distributing bulletins and newsletters and printing promotional materials are the most visible of our activities.
Corresponding with Rotarians, answering questions such as "When is the LifeStraw effective?", "How much should it cost to drill a 60 meter borehole?", "Where can I get information on bio-sand filters?" are typical of the many emails answered daily.
As part of the Future Vision program, RI President Ray Klinginsmith is encouraging every club to implement a project in the areas of focus. Water & Sanitation is critical to the success of every area. You can help your club to achieve that goal:
1.
Become a member of Wasrag.
Go to the website www.startwithwater.org and click on "Join Us"- then follow the steps shown. A five year Charter membership is just $100; an Annual membership - $25. Join a world-wide network of Rotarians supporting each other, and raising the image of Rotary in the fight to bring water and sanitation to the billions of people lacking this basic human right.
2.
Persuade your club to take out a membership in the name of your club's "Water Warrior".
RI rules prohibit clubs from becoming members of RAGs, but a club can nominate a member to be their representative.
3.
Then, when you have joined, offer your knowledge and expertise to assist clubs in their quest to improve the life and livelihood of their communities. Become part of this new, exciting Rotary venture!
Yours in Rotary,
Ron Denham, Chair