Let’s talk about water.
I live in Los Angeles (basically a desert) and yet I have never thought twice about my unlimited access to this fundamental human need.
Long-time podcast listeners will remember my podcast with Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water. Over the course of two hours, we dug deep into the global water crisis and the efforts his organization has undertaken to solve this massive problem. That was a profound conversation for me, and I think for many of you as well.
What struck me about that exchange is that most of us have no idea what it’s like to be truly thirsty. It has never occurred to us that we couldn’t access as much clean water as we want – it’s completely anathema to our daily experience. I, like most in the developed world, have spent my entire life taking it completely for granted.
But as Scott’s so eloquently explains, so many people around the world have no access to clean water. In fact, right now, 663 million people somehow live without it – that’s nearly 1 out of every 10 people worldwide. Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. And every day, about 1,400 children die from disease caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation – every single day.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
My exchange with Scott (and subsequently seeing him deliver an extraordinary keynote at Chris Guillebeau’s World Domination Summit) left me pondering my responsibility to the world, and how I can leverage my platform to help craft a better life for others. Because this problem of water — admittedly huge — is also entirely solvable. Simple solutions, like drilled wells, spring protections, and filters can fundamentally change the life experience for untold numbers of people.
On October 20, I will turn 51. The last thing I need are presents. I want for nothing. So I thought I would use the occasion of my birthday to do some good.
I want to help bring clean water to those in need.
But I can’t do it alone.
To meet this need, I decided to create a fundarising campaign in partnership with charity: water with the goal of raising $51,000 — 100% of which will be deployed to provide clean water projects to over 1,5000 people for the very first time. Projects that will save lives for generations to come.
Specifically, I’m asking that you donate $1 for every year that I have been drinking clean water – a pledge of $51.
When the water projects are complete, charity:water will then send all of those who donated photos and GPS coordinates so together we can experience up close and personal the exact community that we impact.
And that is priceless.
Together we are powerful. Together we really can change the world.
So I say, let’s come together and focus our energy in a positive direction.
To find out more, please visit my campaign at my.charitywater.org/richroll and consider a donation.
For the price of a night out at the movies, you hold the power to save lives.
If you can’t afford $51, I get it – it’s fine. Donate whatever you can. Every penny counts. And for those more fortunate, of course you can pledge more than $51
Your generosity isn’t just appreciated – it’s needed. Now more than ever.
Thanks for helping make a positive difference in the world.
Peace + Plants,
