World Water Day
“Mní Wičóni. Water is life.” - Oceti Sakowin saying
March 22nd is World Water Day! Our SHARE Detroit readers do not need a reminder that water is essential to life, but consider this post just that. World Water Day has been a United Nations Observance since 1993 intended to raise awareness for the 2 billion people worldwide without access to safe drinking water. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that 2 million people lack that access, most of those people low-income, many of them residents of Native American reservations. It is industrial pollution, decaying water systems, and governmental neglect that are to blame for this issue. Water should be the key to health, not the price of development.
Today at SHARE Detroit, we want to take some time to thank the nonprofits we are partnered with who work to keep the water around us safe.
First we have the Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy. Six Rivers protects “the watersheds of the Belle, Clinton, Huron, Flint, Rouge, and Shiawassee Rivers and [their] service area covers Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, and St. Clair Counties.” Their long term goal is to increase the amount of public land in Southeast Michigan to encourage a mutualistic relationship between people and nature.
Next is the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy maintains and oversees the expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk. This is important because not only is the Detroit Riverwalk a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, the Detroit River itself provides drinking water for millions of people. Did you know Detroit Riverwalk was named best in US for third straight year?! Friends of the Detroit River is another organization working towards the restoration and conservation of the Detroit River.
And last but not least is the Friends of the Rouge. Friends of the Rouge works on protecting the health of the Rouge watershed as well as providing educational opportunities for community members.
We hope that you will take the time to support these organizations by attending an event, volunteering time, donating money, or shopping their wish-lists! If you are still in search of a nonprofit to support, please check out our directory here.
About SHARE Detroit
SHARE Detroit is a community initiative with opportunities to do good across the tri-county area. A robust online platform makes giving easy by connecting generous people to the greatest needs in the community. ShareDetroit.org offers local nonprofits a chance to be seen and heard, regardless of cause or size, and work together. Learn more at ShareDetroit.org.