Twestival Home

Ok people….this groups has been amazing at doing things on the fly, as well as overcoming adversity, beating the odds, and rallying around causes (could I cram anymore clichés in there..I think not). We are scrappy and want to show everyone we can do what they’re doing, and make it bigger, better and definitely more fun.

Just the recap…what is Twestival? Well, here’s the quick and dirty - One in six citizens of the world does not have clean drinking water. The lack of clean drinking water is the source of wars, famine, and disease, and now millions of Twitter users have decided to do something about it. The goal is to raise $5000 at each location. Seems doable right?

That said, cities around the world are scrambling to put on Twestivals. Some example of their efforts are our nemesis in the Net2 world:

Charlotte - http://charlotte.twestival.com/

A raffle for a cruise (compliments of NOLA ex pat @93octane’s employer), gift certificates for local eating and service establishments as well as a Flip Video MiniHD Camcorder giveaway. Tickets to the party are $5, and limited VIP tix run $100 with perks.

Austin - http://austin.twestival.com/

They have folks wresting in sumo suits for entertainment, music by a local band, a presentation by someone who drills wells in Ethiopia, online broadcast of the events, photographer and a silent auction.

There will be media coverage and live streaming of events around the world for this initiative. I think it’s just another opportunity to put New Orleans on the map.

Most folks have found businesses to sponsor the party by donating space, money, giveaways and/or some food. If it’s a bar, drink specials are a nice addition (not looking for freebies necessarily).

So what can we do? Well, if we can secure a spot, find some entertainment (lots of local artist, djs, etc on Twitter now), and some giveaways I think we can make it happen…and of course make a difference. (and connect with some folks who might not know about our little SXSW plan and get some more peeps on the bus).

Come on people…Who’s In?

I wanted to update everyone about my meeting with the Net2NO group. It was an excellent enthusiastic group of people. Granted I was crashing in on their own agenda but they were kind enough to let me mention our drive and efforts on a global scale. I have heard back from the organisers of this global event and it’s rocking! “There will be a tremendous amount of press happening over the next week and a lot of people will be searching for your event and what you are up to. Yesterday we had over 30,000 hits on the website alone.”  I am thrilled to be part of this and would love to give back as a city and a community.

HOW WE WORK

Drilling a well can cost from $4,000 - $ 12,000 and many living on less than $1 a day can not afford one in their community, even if the money is combined.  With the help of exemplary organizations on the ground, we can drill wells and provide people with this basic, essential need. charity: water partners with local organizations in each country where we work, choosing the partners based on expertise and the ability to impact real, sustainable change in the communities they benefit. For more information on how we select our partners, and who we work with, click here.

BUILDING WELLS

The local community is engaged in the well building process, carrying out small tasks for free to reduce labor costs. This also encourages community participation and ensures community ownership after the project is complete. When the well is built, a water committee is formed. It generally consists of 6-8 people, half of them female. In the case of hospitals, the committee will generally consist of nurses and hospital staff. In schools, the committee would likely be comprised of teachers. Since charity: was founded and began activity in August 2006, we have funded the construction of more than 1,247 wells that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to 650,000 people. We’re just getting started.

$2o can give a person in Africa clean, safe drinking water for 20 years.  100% goes to direct project costs.

Remember, being involved in a bigger cause than your own gives everyone hope and you a legacy!