The Thirst Project (Clean Water for Developing Communities)
Submitted by thirstyseth on Fri, 02/20/2009 - 19:12.
Last updated on Mon, 03/15/2010 - 19:47.
.jpg)
Vital Stats
ongoing project
03/22/2008
34000
16
$290,000
Project Photos
 MEDIUM.jpg)
 MEDIUM.jpg)
Project Video
The Problem
1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
Why It's Important
My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."
The Plan Of Action
We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)
How Can Others Get Involved?
Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
Project Updates
08/25/09
Update: ***NEWS***
8/9/09
SETH MAXWELL AWARDED $1,000 DO SOMETHING! GRANT AT VARIETY MAGAZINE'S "POWER OF YOUTH" PARTY ON HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD.
Last night, Thirst Project Founder, Seth Maxwell received the $1,000 Do Something! Grant at an event co-hosted by Variety Magazine. This grant will help The Thirst Project continue to further develop their mission and objectives as they set out to bring safe, clean water to over 1 million people by 2014! Thanks to Do Something! for believing and empowering this work!
Additional people impacted: 2500
Additional people involved: 18
Final Grant Update
02/11/10
Seth MaxwellNumber of people impacted: 69,300 Students participated in our Assembly-Styled, On-Campus School Tour Events. Ultimate result: 5 new water projects, giving safe, clean water to 1,500 more people.
Describe the impact the grant had: The grant I received from DoSomething opened up new doors in terms of relationships with individuals who suddenly became aware of my project and got involved. Additionally, the resources provided by the DoSomething grant allowed us invigorate our Marketing Strategy, which created a hugely noticeable and very direct impact on our local School Tour programming, and global water projects.
Project highlights: 1.) New Marketing Materials (PSA/Photo shoot/School Tour One-Sheet/Promo Cards/New Website Strategy) created & put in place as funded by DoSomething Grant. 2.) Expanded School Tour stops/campuses. (Texas/New Mexico/Indiana/California/Oregon) 3.) Five (5) new water projects COMPLETED, giving safe, clean water to 1,500 PEOPLE!!!
How did the project unfold and develop? The element of the project impacted most significantly by the DoSomething grant I received was our School Tour. Each year, The Thirst Project travels to local Middle Schools, High Schools and College Campuses across the country, speaking and creating on-site events that raise awareness of the global water crisis. In our first year, we reached 5 schools with a total of 7,500 schools. This year, with the support of this grant from DoSomething and other like it, we were able to update our website and create new Marketing Materials that expanded our Tour booking to 29 schools and 69,300 students!!! This means more students than ever learned about the global water crisis through our Thirst for Education programming and are ACTIVELY engaged in fundraising initiatives to fund water projects in the field!
Location
Related Causes:
stdClass Object
(
[nid] => 336683
[vid] => 336700
[type] => project
[status] => 1
[created] => 1235171535
[changed] => 1268696859
[comment] => 2
[promote] => 0
[sticky] => 0
[revision_timestamp] => 1268696859
[title] => The Thirst Project (Clean Water for Developing Communities)
[body] => Is this a...: ongoing projectDid DoSomething.org’s content or programs inspire you to start, or help you to grow your project? : yesWeb site link: www.ThirstProject.org Video (optional):
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 22Related Campaign or Program: Do Something AwardsHow many people are directly involved in your project? : 16How many people have you inspired to take action?: 112000How many people has your project helped? : 34000Location(s)
Los Angeles, CA, 90034See map: Google MapsWhat's the problem you are trying to solve?: 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
Why is it important to you?: My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."What's your plan of action?: We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)How Can Others Help?: Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
Start Date: 03/22/2008Money Raised: $290,000
[log] =>
[format] => 0
[uid] => 260488
[name] => thirstyseth
[picture] =>
[data] => a:13:{s:2:"op";s:6:"Submit";s:6:"submit";s:18:"Create new account";s:7:"form_id";s:24:"dosomething_profile_form";s:23:"profile_mobile_category";s:4:"29@5";s:7:"contact";i:1;s:13:"profile_fname";s:4:"Seth";s:13:"profile_lname";s:7:"Maxwell";s:12:"profile_bday";s:9:"2/15/1988";s:14:"profile_gender";s:4:"Male";s:23:"profile_preferred_cause";s:7:"Poverty";s:18:"profile_why_do_you";s:829:"I think life is a lot like LA traffic. When you're exhausted and irritated from waiting in line for three hours and moving less than a mile that one person comes alongside you and needs to merge. You can't look at them, because if you do, then you acknowledge them and have to do something about it, so you look straight ahead and do everything in your power to to pretend you're doing something else that prevents you from seeing them- you pretend you're singing, on your phone, praying, whatever it takes so that you don't see them. Knowledge makes you responsible, and I think sometimes it's so easy to not want to know, because we don't want to do something.
I've seen global poverty and the impact of the clean water crisis...now that I know about it, that knowledge makes me responsible, so I'm doing something about it.";s:8:"category";s:20:"Personal Information";s:10:"form_token";s:32:"34a627818c6493ec2c73257954b24d2c";}
[path] => project/the-thirst-project-clean-water-impoverished-communities
[tags] =>
[nodewords] => Array
(
)
[last_comment_timestamp] => 1235171535
[last_comment_name] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[taxonomy] => Array
(
[27] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 27
[vid] => 5
[name] => Disaster Response And Relief
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
[25] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 25
[vid] => 5
[name] => Education
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
[20] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 20
[vid] => 5
[name] => Environment
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
[26] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 26
[vid] => 5
[name] => Health And Fitness
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
[73] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 73
[vid] => 5
[name] => International Human Rights
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
[21] => stdClass Object
(
[tid] => 21
[vid] => 5
[name] => Poverty
[description] =>
[weight] => 0
)
)
[field_type_of_project] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => ongoing project
[view] => ongoing project
)
)
[field_inspired_by_dosomething] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 1
[view] => yes
)
)
[field_project_photo] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[fid] => 30680
[title] => In the Indian Kolwan Valley, a Nanegaon Woman carries water by the Sugarcane Fields back to her home. Often, women have to walk several miles to collect water for their homes. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Nanegaon Woman carries water by Sugarcane Fields (Kolwan Valley) MEDIUM.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Nanegaon Woman carries water by Sugarcane Fields (Kolwan Valley) MEDIUM.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Nanegaon Woman carries water by Sugarcane Fields (Kolwan Valley) MEDIUM.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 188295
[view] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[fid] => 30681
[title] => Boys from the 8th Standard fill their Father's cart with water for their family from a local pond. Often the only water available for consumption in developing communities is so polluted it will make people sick, or die. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Boys from 8th Standard fill Father's cart with water for family from pond MEDIUM.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Boys from 8th Standard fill Father's cart with water for family from pond MEDIUM.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Boys from 8th Standard fill Father's cart with water for family from pond MEDIUM.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 146827
[view] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[fid] => 30682
[title] => The task of water collecting often falls on young girls, leaving them no time or energy for school. This is true for these young girls inside the Thar around Bikaner (Rajasthan). (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Inside the Thar around Bikaner (Rajasthan) MEDIUM.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Inside the Thar around Bikaner (Rajasthan) MEDIUM.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Inside the Thar around Bikaner (Rajasthan) MEDIUM.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 132541
[view] =>
)
[3] => Array
(
[fid] => 30683
[title] => Water is a human right! Together, we can give water. Together, we can give life! (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Afterschool Boys Drink from Well MEDIUM.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Afterschool Boys Drink from Well MEDIUM.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Afterschool Boys Drink from Well MEDIUM.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 128425
[view] =>
)
[4] => Array
(
[fid] => 30684
[title] => A boy on Hollywood Boulevard takes The Thirst Project's water challenge to see what it would be like if he had to haul water in jerry cans every day. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => DSCN5635.JPG
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => DSCN5635.JPG
[filepath] => files/project_photos/DSCN5635.JPG
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 434034
[view] =>
)
[5] => Array
(
[fid] => 30685
[title] => Our School Tour is our BIGGEST local program. Is YOUR school a stop on the Tour? (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => schooltourlogo.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => schooltourlogo.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/schooltourlogo.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 36362
[view] =>
)
[6] => Array
(
[fid] => 30686
[title] => 'Road Trip-Style': The Thirst Project School Tour Team drives across the country in Thirst-Mobiles, raising awareness and mobilizing students to end the global water crisis! (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => DSC00418.JPG
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => DSC00418.JPG
[filepath] => files/project_photos/DSC00418_0.JPG
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 3485341
[view] =>
)
[7] => Array
(
[fid] => 30687
[title] => Seth Maxwell speaks to High School students about the water crisis at a Thirst For Education outreach event. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Seth_ThirstSpeech-4019.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Seth_ThirstSpeech-4019.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Seth_ThirstSpeech-4019.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 1606798
[view] =>
)
[8] => Array
(
[fid] => 30688
[title] => High School students at a Thirst For Education campus outreach event. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => Seth_ThirstSpeech-3994.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => Seth_ThirstSpeech-3994.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/Seth_ThirstSpeech-3994.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 1919629
[view] =>
)
[9] => Array
(
[fid] => 30689
[title] => High School students getting involved and DOING SOMETHING about the water crisis! (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => IMG_7323_0022.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => IMG_7323_0022.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/IMG_7323_0022.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 1829563
[view] =>
)
[10] => Array
(
[fid] => 30690
[title] => Some of the Thirst Project staff at DoSomething's 'Power of Youth' event- August '09. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => 6091_561271295777_11608351_32876897_2260469_n.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => 6091_561271295777_11608351_32876897_2260469_n.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/6091_561271295777_11608351_32876897_2260469_n.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 57027
[view] =>
)
[11] => Array
(
[fid] => 30691
[title] => Thirst Project Founder, Seth Maxwell, with Ashley Greene at DoSomething's 'Power of Youth' event- August '09. (Copyright: The Thirst Project)
[alt] => n11608351_32876766_4740155.jpg
[nid] => 336683
[filename] => n11608351_32876766_4740155.jpg
[filepath] => files/project_photos/n11608351_32876766_4740155.jpg
[filemime] => image/jpeg
[filesize] => 51620
[view] =>
)
)
[field_embedded_video] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[embed] => http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epooXyl_dTI
[value] => epooXyl_dTI
[provider] => youtube
[data] => Array
(
[emthumb] => Array
(
)
)
[view] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[embed] => http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoyqTDq8VxE
[value] => hoyqTDq8VxE
[provider] => youtube
[data] => Array
(
[emthumb] => Array
(
)
)
[view] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[embed] =>
[value] =>
[provider] =>
[data] => Array
(
[emthumb] => Array
(
)
)
[view] =>
)
[3] => Array
(
[embed] =>
[value] =>
[provider] =>
[data] => Array
(
[emthumb] => Array
(
)
)
[view] =>
)
[4] => Array
(
[embed] =>
[value] =>
[provider] =>
[data] => Array
(
[emthumb] => Array
(
)
)
[view] =>
)
)
[field_website_link] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => www.ThirstProject.org
[view] => www.ThirstProject.org
)
)
[field_project_age] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 22
[view] => 22
)
)
[field_dosomething_award_winner] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] =>
[view] =>
)
)
[field_related_action_guide] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[nid] => 0
[view] =>
)
)
[field_related_campaign] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => Do Something Awards
[view] => Do Something Awards
)
)
[field_hours_volunteered] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] =>
[view] =>
)
)
[field_essay_see_it] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
[view] => 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
)
)
[field_essay_believe_it] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."
[view] => My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."
)
)
[field_start_date] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 2008-03-22T00:00:00
[view] => 03/22/2008
)
)
[field_essay_build_it] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)
[view] => We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)
)
)
[field_end_date] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] =>
[view] =>
)
)
[field_others_involved] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
[format] => 1
[view] => Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
)
)
[field_money_raised] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => $290,000
[view] => $290,000
)
)
[field_num_people_involved] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 16
[view] => 16
)
)
[field_num_people_inspired] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 112000
[view] => 112000
)
)
[field_num_people_impacted] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[value] => 34000
[view] => 34000
)
)
[locations] => Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[eid] => 336700
[lid] => 291865
[type] => node
[name] =>
[street] =>
[additional] =>
[city] => Los Angeles
[province] => CA
[postal_code] => 90034
[country] => us
[latitude] => 34.032463
[longitude] => -118.395863
[source] => 3
[is_primary] => 0
[lat] => 34.032463
[lon] => -118.395863
)
)
[location] => Array
(
[eid] => 336700
[lid] => 291865
[type] => node
[name] =>
[street] =>
[additional] =>
[city] => Los Angeles
[province] => CA
[postal_code] => 90034
[country] => us
[latitude] => 34.032463
[longitude] => -118.395863
[source] => 3
[is_primary] => 0
[lat] => 34.032463
[lon] => -118.395863
)
[readmore] =>
[content] => Array
(
[field_type_of_project] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Is this a...: ongoing project
[#weight] => -7
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_inspired_by_dosomething] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Did DoSomething.org’s content or programs inspire you to start, or help you to grow your project? : yes
[#weight] => -6
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_website_link] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Web site link: www.ThirstProject.org
[#weight] => -4
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_embedded_video] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Video (optional):
[#weight] => -4
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_project_photo] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] =>
[#weight] => -4
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_dosomething_award_winner] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] =>
[#weight] => -2
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_project_age] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 22
[#weight] => -2
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_related_campaign] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Related Campaign or Program: Do Something Awards
[#weight] => -1
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_related_action_guide] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] =>
[#weight] => -1
[#printed] => 1
)
[group_project_numbers] => Array
(
[#title] =>
[#weight] => 0
[#attributes] => Array
(
[class] => fieldgroup group-project-numbers
)
[#description] =>
[field_num_people_involved] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => How many people are directly involved in your project? : 16
[#weight] => 5
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_num_people_inspired] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => How many people have you inspired to take action?: 112000
[#weight] => 6
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_num_people_impacted] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => How many people has your project helped? : 34000
[#weight] => 7
[#printed] => 1
)
[#children] => How many people are directly involved in your project? : 16How many people have you inspired to take action?: 112000How many people has your project helped? : 34000
[#printed] => 1
)
[locations] => Array
(
[#value] => Location(s)
Los Angeles, CA, 90034See map: Google Maps
[#printed] => 1
)
[body] => Array
(
[#weight] => 0
[#value] =>
[#printed] => 1
)
[group_explain_your_project] => Array
(
[field_essay_see_it] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
[#weight] => 0
[#printed] => 1
)
[#title] =>
[#attributes] => Array
(
[class] => fieldgroup group-explain-your-project
)
[#description] =>
[#weight] => 1
[field_essay_believe_it] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Why is it important to you?: My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."
[#weight] => 1
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_essay_build_it] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => What's your plan of action?: We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)
[#weight] => 2
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_others_involved] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => How Can Others Help?: Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
[#weight] => 3
[#printed] => 1
)
[#children] => What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
Why is it important to you?: My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."What's your plan of action?: We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)How Can Others Help?: Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
[#printed] => 1
)
[group_the_details] => Array
(
[field_hours_volunteered] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] =>
[#weight] => 0
[#printed] => 1
)
[#title] =>
[#attributes] => Array
(
[class] => fieldgroup group-the-details
)
[#description] =>
[#weight] => 2
[field_start_date] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Start Date: 03/22/2008
[#weight] => 2
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_end_date] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] =>
[#weight] => 3
[#printed] => 1
)
[field_money_raised] => Array
(
[#access] => 1
[#value] => Money Raised: $290,000
[#weight] => 4
[#printed] => 1
)
[#children] => Start Date: 03/22/2008Money Raised: $290,000
[#printed] => 1
)
[#children] => Is this a...: ongoing projectDid DoSomething.org’s content or programs inspire you to start, or help you to grow your project? : yesWeb site link: www.ThirstProject.org Video (optional):
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 22Related Campaign or Program: Do Something AwardsHow many people are directly involved in your project? : 16How many people have you inspired to take action?: 112000How many people has your project helped? : 34000Location(s)
Los Angeles, CA, 90034See map: Google MapsWhat's the problem you are trying to solve?: 1.1 Billion people on our planet do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. (That is one in every six of us.) 4,500 children under the age of 5 die every day as a result of drinking contaminated water. (That's approximately one child every 15 seconds.) Over 80% of all world-wide diseases are easily-preventable, water-borne illnesses. These kill over 2.2 million people each year- more than all worldwide violence combined.
Sound daunting? The problem is big, but the solution is easy. As little as $5,000 can build a freshwater well in a developing nation or impoverished community, providing up to 700 litres of clean, safe freshwater an hour to a community of as many as 400 people for 20 or more years! It's time to do something!
Why is it important to you?: My name is Seth Maxwell. I'm a 22 year-old college graduate, and in March of 2008, I decided to do something about the clean water crisis. I organized a group of eight of my friends, college students, who committed to making a difference. We pitched in all the money we had between us (at the time- about $70) to purchase about 1,000 bottles of water. We went out on Hollywood Boulevard and gave the gift of free water. This allowed us to talk to people who otherwise wouldn't have listened to us and we engaged them in conversations about the water crisis. We asked, "did you know that 1.1 billion people don't have access to safe, clean drinking water?" By the end of the day, we'd raised awareness through conversations with over 1,000 people and almost everyone who took a bottle of water gave back, raising over $1,700! (Not a bad return on investment!)
I had no idea what I was getting into. From that day, people we met began calling, requesting we bring our "organization" to speak at their school or church and I thought, "Woah there! We're not an organization...we're just eight college kids." As the requests increased, I sat down with my friends who were interested and we started to talk. That day, The Thirst Project was born. We legitimized, incorporated, filed for 501(c)3 status and began the work of building a charity.
*Mission Statement:
"The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that exists to raise awareness of and bring solutions to the clean water crisis through Education Outreach Programs that educate, equip and empower individuals to explore the human journey and take action in projects that create radical and sustainable global change, and champion hope and respect for the positive values of life."What's your plan of action?: We fund water projects in the field through partnering with other international development agencies and/or independent contractors on the ground in the communities we're helping. When we began, we knew there were already a number of non-profits whose work was to provide solutions to the clean water crisis, so when it came time to decide what made us different, we decided to stick to what we know- people our age. The Thirst Project leads its initiatives with an Education Outreach Program.
Through Live, On-Campus Events/Speaking Engagements, we raise awareness on school campuses by showing photos of the problem and the projects we've completed to provide solutions and equipping students to lead their own fundraisers.
This reality of the story is so huge, and yet we hadn't heard about it until our last year of college. We asked, "what would we have already done if we'd learned about this four years earlier?" That's how we got where we are.
Since then, we've spoken at and had events on over 32 Middle School, High School and College campuses and raised over $290,000 to fund freshwater wells, sanitization and hygiene. We've completed 5 projects in Ethiopia, 3 in Uganda and 1 in Niger, and have raised funds to provide over 34,000 people with safe, clean water! (More projects have been funded and are in the process of completion RIGHT NOW!)How Can Others Help?: Bring The Thirst Project to your campus, church or event. We have high-quality multimedia materials that can make your event a success and raise great awareness and impact.
Organize a fundraiser- use your birthday or a holiday to raise money to build your own well.
Visit www.ThirstProject.org
Start Date: 03/22/2008Money Raised: $290,000
[#printed] => 1
)
[links] => Array
(
[comment_forbidden] => Array
(
[title] => Login or register to post comments
[html] => 1
)
[forward_links] => Array
(
[title] => Email this page
[href] => forward
[html] =>
[attributes] => Array
(
[title] => Forward this page to a friend
[class] => forward-page
)
[query] => path=node/336683
)
)
)
Get some cash to get your project to the next level. Weekly grants are available.
Comments
You must Login or Register to post comments or replies.