WASRAG Newsletter - April 2019
WASH and Menstrual Health Management
Menstrual eriods are a normal fact of life and should not limit women and girls from realizing their full potential. In 2014, WASH United initiated Menstrual Hygiene Day, on May 28th of each year.

Menstrual Health Management is an essential part of all WASH programs. wash-United.org has some great resources as does the MenstrualHygieneDay.org site.
Toilet Warrior Book NOW Available
Read how an impromptu meeting on a crowded train led to a tour of one of the world's largest slums, and is leading to a better life for tens of thousands of children in India and around the world.

The inspiring book "Toilet Warrior", by Australian Rotarian Mark Balla has just been released. You can purchase a copy at www.toiletwarrior.net. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Rotary Foundation for water and sanitation projects.
Cleaning the Ganges River
Cleaning Rivers of the World Founder, Salvador Rico, has once again spearheaded a huge river clean-up project, this time tackling the Ganges River, near Sangam where the Saraswati and Yamuna combine with the Ganga river.

Representatives from over 40 countries removed several tons of trash. The project was funded by the Rotary Club of Ukiah, and the Rotary Club of South Ukiah, both of District 5130, and many personal donations including Rotarians from all over the world.
Over 90 % of the Water is Unsafe
Chris Choate, from the Rotary Club of Liberty Lake, coordinated the project to build a concrete latrine for the school of San Antonio de Yamales, Honduras. Working with Pure Water for the World the Rotarians provided bio-sand water filters for the 160 villagers. A $11,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation made the project possible.

Read the article from the Spokesman-Review and this wonderful blog post to learn more.
Did you Vote ? Are you a Member ?
Did you cast your vote for the three vacant positions on the WASRAG Board of Directors? Voting closes on Mon May 27, 2019.

If you did not receive an email with Voting information, it may be because you are not a WASRAG member. Every month this newsletter is opened by 9,000 people, yet only 1,500 people are WASRAG members.

Membership is only $25 a year. To become a member or check on your current status send an email to Anna Shepherd at info@wasrag.org
Wash'em and Hygiene in Emergencies
Hygiene in emergencies is essential, but extremely challenging. Fortunately, the Wash'Em tool kit has been developed to provide a practical and rapid solution. This video is from a recent webinar that reviews the tool kit.

The Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), Action contre La Faim (ACF), and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are collaborating on this initiative.
Welcome to Akvopedia
With over 2,000 resource items, Akvopedia is an excellent (and free) Wikipedia style resource on water, sanitation and hygiene. The resources are available in up to nine different languages.

The Menstrual Hygiene Toolkit is a great resource when you are developing your WASH education programs.
The World is NOT on Track
The UN has released its 2018 Report on Sustainable Development Goal 6 that calls for Clean Water and Sanitation for all people by 2030.

The Foreword by the UN Secretary General indicates that demand is rapidly increasing, and states, "There is a need to tackle weak funding, planning, capacity and governance of water and sanitation as a top priority."

You can obtain a copy of the report and learn more about this UN Goal by going to SDG 6 - 2018 Report.
Calendar of Events
May 27, 2019 - Deadline to Vote for WASRAG Directors

May 28, 2019 - MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
 
2019 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - Hamburg, Germany
May 31 -8:00 am - World Water Summit 11 - WASH: Achieving Lasting Impact
June 1 - 8:30 am - WASRAG Annual Meeting - 8:30 -10:00 am
Register here to attend WASRAG Annual General Meeting
Convention Breakout Sessions
June 3 - 1:00 pm - Achieving Lasting Impact from WASH
June 4 - 1:00 pm - Success Stories of WASH in Schools
June 5 - 1:00 pm - Menstrual Hygiene: Manage it Well


And remember to visit the House of Friendship - and stop by the WASRAG Booth 4422

Oct 15, 2019 - GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY
 
Oct 24, 2019 - WORLD POLIO DAY

March 22, 2020 - WORLD WATER DAY
To submit stories, videos, and pictures for the WASRAG Newsletter send an email to info@wasrag.org .
The Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WASRAG) is pleased to consider partnerships with any corporate supporter. Due to the unique attributes of water sources and water provision, acceptance of corporate support does not imply an endorsement of any particular water technology. Rotarians, Rotary clubs, and Rotary partners must evaluate any technology to determine if it is the best solution for the conditions where the program will be implemented. WASRAG can provide guidance about where different technologies work best, but Rotarians and Rotary clubs must make the final decision about how to implement their programs.