Remix: Scott Harrison & charity: water, 5 years later

Charity: water's impact has grown significantly over the past five years, but there is still much work to be done. Currently, there are 703 million people on Earth without access to clean water, which is an astonishing number. However, charity: water has been able to provide clean water to over 17.5 million people in 137,000 communities worldwide. This progress is commendable, but it only represents about 1/40 of the work that needs to be done. Scott Harrison and his organization are more focused than ever on scaling their impact and finding solutions to the global water crisis. The urgency to address this issue is heightened when considering that while we search for water on other planets, 10% of people on Earth still drink dirty water every day. The ultimate goal is to reduce this number to zero and ensure everyone has access to clean water in our lifetime.

True happiness and meaning in life cannot be found in material possessions or self-indulgence. The narrator's journey of self-discovery led him to question the emptiness of his previous lifestyle and contemplate the opposite of his self-centered existence. This ultimately led to a decision to dedicate a year of his life to humanitarian service and, subsequently, the establishment of charity: water. However, running a nonprofit organization comes with its own set of challenges and stress. Despite the difficulties, what keeps the narrator going is the unfinished work and the desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need. To achieve this, constant fundraising and inspiring everyday people to care and contribute are crucial. It is through the generosity and compassion of others that true impact can be made, even in the face of countless rejections.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for creating change and inspiring action. Scott Harrison, the founder of charity:water, realized the impact of combining visuals and narratives to communicate the needs of those he was serving. By sharing captivating images and stories of people in desperate situations, Harrison was able to engage his audience and evoke empathy and support. The raw truth of needless suffering, captured through photography, compelled many to get involved and make a difference. The power of showing rather than just telling cannot be underestimated. Visuals have the ability to convey the urgency and impact of a cause in a way that words alone cannot. Through storytelling, Harrison was able to mobilize a community and transform the lives of millions.

Charity: water has recognized the power of showing and creatively showing the impact of their work. They believe in immersing people into the issue through visual images, rather than relying solely on words. By showcasing powerful photographs and videos, they are able to emotionally engage their audience and bring attention to the urgent problem of lack of clean water. Their commitment to radical transparency is also a key aspect of their success. With a business model that ensures 100% of public donations go directly to providing clean water, they have built trust and attracted donors who appreciate knowing that their money is making a direct impact. Despite facing constraints, charity: water continues to grow and inspire hope through their aspirational brand.

Perseverance and staying true to your vision can yield incredible results, even in the face of financial difficulty. Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water, faced numerous challenges in the early stages of his organization, including financial struggles and the risk of closure. However, his commitment to transparency and his unwavering belief in his business model attracted the attention and support of Michael Birch, who invested a million dollars into the charity. This act of radical generosity not only provided a lifeline for charity: water but also instilled confidence in Scott and his vision. Today, transparency remains a crucial mindset for the organization, allowing them to showcase their completed projects and build trust with donors and supporters.

Charity: water's use of sensor technology and transparency has revolutionized the monitoring and maintenance of water projects. By creating sensors and installing them across their portfolio, charity: water has the largest dataset in history for real-time flow in rural water systems. This allows them to identify when a well breaks and send technicians to fix it promptly. Their commitment to transparency has even led to the government of Ghana adopting their sensors for government wells, despite charity: water never having worked in Ghana before. This level of transparency ensures that accountability is maintained and a sustainable system of water flow is established. Through their innovative approach, charity: water continues to conceive new fundraising ideas and engage a wide range of donors.

Charity: water's birthday initiative was a rich and impactful idea that allowed people to use their birthdays to help those in need. By donating their birthdays, individuals could bring their networks into the celebration and generate more stories and donations. This initiative not only fought against materialism but also spread a message of generosity and redemption. However, as new platforms and methods of fundraising emerged, such as GoFundMe and Facebook causes, charity: water faced the challenge of constantly reinventing themselves and coming up with fresh campaigns and strategies. They are now exploring innovative ways to engage and educate people about the global water crisis, using cutting-edge technology like holographic and augmented reality. The key takeaway is that charities need to adapt and find new ways to connect with existing and new donors. In addition, Scott Harrison expresses his fascination with using AI in storytelling, particularly in conveying the vastness and uniqueness of the global water crisis. However, he emphasizes the importance of aligning AI with the core messages and values that the charity aims to promote.

Charity: water prioritizes both the beneficiaries and the donors in their mission to provide clean and safe drinking water. They are dedicated to ensuring access to clean water for communities in need and making that access sustainable. Simultaneously, they focus on creating a meaningful and impactful experience for their donors and volunteers, connecting them directly to the lives they have changed through their contributions. The organization recognizes the importance of the human aspect in their work and aims to make a difference on both ends. This approach allows them to deliver high-quality work to the beneficiaries and provide a fulfilling and rewarding experience for the supporters.