March 22 was first deemed World Water Day in 1993 by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) as an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the role that freshwater plays in our world and lives. Today’s reality is that one in eight people in the world don’t have access to safe water, millions of women and children must still spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources, and 2.5 billion people live without a toilet.
We take this day to renew our commitment to achieving our vision - the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water, but also to celebrate our progress over nearly two decades of bringing more than 300,000 people in eight countries clean water and sanitation.
Please join us as we celebrate World Water Day with our partners on the other side of the world and are reminded of water’s profound impact in all of our lives and how it continues to connect us all.
Gramalaya’s 11th World Water Day Celebration – Tamil Nadu, India
From 186 urban Indian slums and rural areas come 25,000 women with one purpose: World Water Day. In India, World Water Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene practices among the rural and urban communities.
Water.org’s partner organization in Tiruchirappalli, Gramalaya, has planned this event for the past decade. Now in its 11th year, Gramalaya believes 2009 will be the largest congregation of women in the world in support of the water and sanitation cause. As part of this event, these women will carry out a campaign to raise awareness of the water and sanitation issues and to encourage proper hand-washing, hygiene and toilet habits. The campaign will begin with 100,000 families and is expected to reach more than 500,000 people.
The World Water Day event organized by Gramalaya with support from Water.org, WaterAid, and Arghyam will be held at the National Institute of Water and Sanitation (NIWAS) Training Centre in Tamil Nadu. More information.
 Click on the invitation above for a printable version. |
Kansas Citians will unite for a relaxed evening of music, art and water advocacy. Water.org’s Kansas City World Water Day celebration will take place on Thursday, March 12, from 6-10 p.m. at Crosstown Station, located at McGee and 15th. Talented musicians supporting the water cause include the Barclay Martin Ensemble, with opening band, Oriole Post, and local and regional artists who have created artwork inspired by water. Their artwork will also be on display for Kansas City’s First Friday on March 6, and during the entire month of March. Check out the photo album of this exclusive exhibit.
Suggested minimum donation for the March 12 event is $10. The event is open to everyone ages 21 and up. Tickets may be reserved ahead of time: info@water.org. Food, drink and art are available for purchase. Tickets include a half-off off coupon: buy one item off the kitchen menu, get one half off. All event proceeds and a portion of the art sales will support Water.org in bringing clean water and toilets to the millions who need these most basic necessities.
About the Barclay Martin Ensemble
Barclay Martin Ensemble is an eclectic blend of multiple musical styles which emphasizes high-energy performance and fine musicianship.
Singer Barclay Martin, pianist Mark Lowrey, bassist Rick Willoughby, percussionist Giuliano Mingucci and vocalist Erin McGrane, have released their first full-ensemble record entitled Dawn. Touted by the Pitch as a ‘breakout endeavor’, the Kansas City-based ensemble was also nominated for “Best Folk/Americana” group by The Pitch in 2008, “Best Local Entertainer”, receiving the Silver Medal from Ingram’s in 2008, and “Best Local Musician” by KC Magazine in 2008.
About Oriole Post
Ever since they first started playing their sweet, sad songs under a tree one hot day in 2007, Oriole Post has been trying their best to out-sing the birds. With Rachel Bonar on guitar and vocals singing about lost love and hard times, Seth Jenkins on mandolin, Michaela Meckel on fiddle, Roger Strong on upright bass, Michelle Strong singing harmony vocals, and Bill Pollock on the Drums, Oriole Post has its feet in the plains, its head in clouds, and a song in the breeze for you.
World Water Day Links
World Water Day events all over the world
