Welcome to our newest version of the WASHRAG Newsletter, where you will be receiving our latest information and updates thanks to our newest Ops Team member, Newsletter editor Justine Wienken. We look forward to hearing from all of you and encourage you to stay connected with us, as our goal is to network with all levels of experience in WASH, from the first timers to the professionals of WASH.
ANNOUNCING:
WASHRAG Establishes 2 Legacy Funds:
WASH-RAG has established two permanent Legacy Funds honoring Ron Denham and Anna Shepherd, two key leaders whose decades of service helped build and strengthen the organization. The Ron Denham Legacy Fund will support high-impact WASH programs, while the Anna Shepherd Legacy Donor Advised Fund will support WASH projects reviewed by WASH-RAG. Together, the funds create a lasting way to recognize their contributions while investing in sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives around the world. The announcement highlights WASH-RAG’s growth and impact, including support for WASH projects affecting hundreds of thousands of people, its annual educational summit, and a growing network of more than 130 WASH Ambassadors. Donations to either Legacy Fund provide an opportunity to honor Ron and Anna while helping carry their commitment to WASH into the future. Read More
District 5040 WASH Committee Holds Symposium - We are Invited:
On October 17, the District 5450 WASH Committee will be hosting a symposium on how the focus on Systems Thinking is transforming WASH around the world. The symposium was started by Steve Werner more than 18 years ago and has grown into an annual opportunity to bring together Rotarians and WASH professionals from around the world. Presenters include Jean-Phillippe Debus, Global Lead WASH & Environment, Catholic Relief Services; Jane Malumba, Country Director, IRC Uganda; and Seth Segal, Water Expert and Bestselling Author. You can attend the Symposium in person in Denver, Colorado, for $50 if registered before October 1, and $65 afterwards. You can also attend virtually for free. The plenary sessions will be live-streamed, and the breakout sessions will be recorded and posted on the District 5450 WASH Committee website and shared with WASH-RAG. Virtual participation is free for everyone, especially WASH-RAG Ambassadors and members. To register and find out more, visit the 2026 WASH Symposium. The District 5450 WASH Committee was formed in 2011 to bring together Rotarians and other professionals interested in WASH projects and programs. The WASH Committee meets monthly, shares ideas and resources, develops best practices, plans an annual symposium on WASH, and is involved in providing WASH projects.
Progress on WASH in Healthcare Facilities:
The WHO and UNICEF released their first joint report on the worldwide status of five WASH indicators in healthcare facilities. Globally, 85% of facilities have basic water services, and 72% have basic hand hygiene services. In least developed countries, only 64% have basic water services, and 11% have no water services. While we still have work to do, the good news is that since 2015, the number of healthcare facilities with basic water services has increased by 9%, and those with basic hygiene services by 17%. The study involved 84 countries in three SDG regions. A factor in interpreting the progress is that the database started with 65,000 healthcare facilities in 2015 and expanded to nearly 2 million facilities in 2025. Read the Report Here
What Would You Like To learn About WASH?
We want to make sure our WASH-RAG educational resources focus on what you actually want and need to know. Our Rotary community includes Club WASH Chairs, District WASH Committees, Ambassadors, and members with a wide range of experience. Rather than guessing what would be most useful, we’d like to hear from you.
Please reply and tell us:
- What are three areas of WASH information or knowledge you would most like to learn more about?
What questions come up most frequently?
- How would you like to learn? For example: webinars, short articles, videos, workshops, practical guides, Q&A sessions, or something else.
- What WASH topic would be most valuable to you right now?
Your answers will help us shape future newsletters, webinars, resources, and other educational opportunities around the needs of our Rotary audiences. Please send us your ideas. We want to listen—and build our educational program around what you tell us. Info@wash-rag.org
Links:
Why WASHRAG Membership Matters: Joining the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASH-RAG) empowers Rotarians, Rotaractors, and professionals with expert guidance, global partnerships, and practical resources to deliver sustainable, high-impact WASH projects. From strengthening Global Grant success and funding opportunities to improving long-term community health, education, and safety, WASH-RAG helps members move beyond infrastructure to lasting change. Read the full article to learn how WASH-RAG can amplify your impact worldwide. READ MORE
Link: wash-rag.org
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Your project submission will be reviewed by WASH Rotary Action Group. The posting of projects to this page are limited to members of WASH Rotary Action Group. This website is a WASH-RAG initiative and is not underwritten by The Rotary Foundation. Posting of projects to this site does not constitute indorsement by Rotary, The Rotary Foundation nor by WASH-RAG. The goal of this page is to facilitate communications between members looking for a project partner and/or financial support.
For more than a century, Rotary has transformed lives by addressing some of the world's greatest humanitarian challenges. Today, climate change has emerged as a threat that affects every one of Rotary's Areas of Focus, from peace and health to water, education, and economic development. Achieving Net Zero is not simply an environmental goal—it is a commitment to protecting communities, reducing climate risks, and creating a sustainable future. This journey invites every Rotary club to become a catalyst for change by measuring, reducing, and ultimately balancing its carbon footprint through practical, collective action. Read More