Too often, I take for granted the luxury of water and overlook the fact that billions of people lack access to this human right. I believe that all individuals deserve the resources and the opportunity to reach their potential. In high school, I was introduced to Water1st, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating the global water crisis; their mission aligns with my interest to help others and design a greater future.

Volunteering for Water1st has taught me to think critically about injustices. As a youth board member, I attended quarterly meetings and monthly educational workshops to learn about the complexities of the global water crisis. I was exposed to other global development topics that rely on water accessibility such as public health, gender, and economics. One activity that stood out to me was calculating how much water I use each day. My group’s average water use was 80 gallons a day, whereas the communities Water1st supports use an average of 2 gallons a day. Our average seemed careless and unnecessary. We brainstormed ways to combat this extreme discrepancy and to use our talents to support lasting, comprehensive solutions to water scarcity. Water1st encouraged me to develop my own ideas and incorporate sustainable practices into my life. Additionally, as a board member, I advocated and raised funds for Water1st projects. Water1st projects end girls’ walk for water, stop the spread of preventable diseases, promote education, and tackle poverty. Water1st staff routinely visits their projects to evaluate and improve their work. I am inspired by their efforts to empower communities around the globe.

Volunteering for Water1st has deepened my global perspective and increased my passion for promoting change through service. One pivotal experience was walking in the annual Carry5 Walk for Water. I rallied my family to join me to walk in solidarity with the 2 billion people around the world who still lack access to safe water. After my walk, I gained significant empathy for those who face this burden every single day. This experience gave me a stronger voice to effectively communicate a problem and advocate for change.

My time on the youth board has been transformative to my growth. From practicing sustainability and being conscious about my water usage to sharing my knowledge and encouraging action; being a member of Water1st’s inspiring community has empowered me to be an advocate for justice. As I prepare to head into the world, I am equipped to address global inequities and further my passion for connecting with and helping others.

Walk with me and my fellow advocates on May 2!