Following the annual One Night for ONE DROP gala, a number of people asked me what it is that One Drop does.  They knew it had something to do with water, but the whys-and-wherefores eluded them.  So, to commemorate World Water Day (as well as ONE DROP's tenth anniversary), I figured I’d do some ‘splaining; and give a brief rundown of the various projects One Drop is involved in, around the world.

Providing sustainable access to safe water is the crux of One Drop’s mission.  To achieve this, One Drop has developed an effective pairing of operational initiatives and strategies.  One Drop identifies where it is best able to make a difference, vis-à-vis water sustainability, thanks to a pre-determined set of criteria.  Three, as a matter of fact.

First, the organization has to ensure that One Drop will be making a significant positive impact on that region’s ability to access water and sanitation (which, being the heart of One Drop’s mission, is a big deal).  Also, a willingness to actively participate in the process, on behalf of all main stakeholders, ensuring the project’s sustainability.

Next, in order to take a leadership role in the project’s implementation, and to provide the follow-through needed to guarantee its sustainability, the region must maintain an organized civil society.

Finally, good local governance (i.e. political and social stability) is necessary for any developmental undertaking.  A democratic political context, wherein the populace is engaged in a constructive dialogue, and allowed to take an active role in implementation, is required for any successful project.

Come back for Part 2, where I go over the numerous projects in which One Drop is involved, worldwide (broken-down into three geographical regions: Central America and the Caribbean, West Africa, and India); and give you the numbers on each. 

Until then, I’ll leave you with One Drop’s manifesto:

Water is an active force.
It is powerful, and when used wisely, it can change the world.
We believe that providing access to water is not an end in itself.
It is a means of accelerating community development.
It is about securing futures.
WE TURN WATER INTO ACTION.

International Water Initiatives
One Drop
Click HERE for info

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