At TheBlueArchitect.org we want to inspire people to action, by asking, “What can we do to improve water security? How can we make the situation better for everyone?” We have a long list of projects that we think would be a good start, and are currently pursuing funding to get them off the paper and into action.
Our first grant funding will go to continuously maintaining the link directory. Second to that, we have a list of over two dozen engaging and impactful projects that we can’t wait to launch. We will be delighted to pursue them in any order as soon as we have the financial resources to do so. Please take a look at some of our ideas below and see which ventures ring your bell, and bestow us with a contribution earmarked to a specific project (or projects if you are having a difficult time choosing).
Thank you and we look forward to working with you!
Projects we are excited to obtain grants and funding for:
- After school program that develops communication skills by encouraging children through different mediums (painting, film, acting, singing, photography, etc.) to engage the community on water issues. Potential projects include a street parade theatre rain dance, or acting out myths/stories about water, making costumes out of the trash that is found in water sheds and the ocean.
- Innovative water project design competition for various age groups. Design a water project that saves water, reuses water, or conserves water on an individual or global scale. TheBlueArchitect.org will source judges from a panel of different experts and the winners will have their project featured and maybe even prototyped!
- Design a comic strip or graphic story that educates the public about a water issue. We will publish it on our website and who knows….maybe you’ll be the next Stephanie McMillan.
- Demonstration draught-tolerant or Xeriscape garden in a public space to beautify as well as educate the community. Partnering with local landscape architects and nurseries, the workshop would educate participants about different drought tolerant and native species, irrigation and water catchment systems, and edible landscaping that could be applied to their homes or other spaces. Video documentation of the workshop could be transformed into a tutorial video and shared on TheBlueArchitect.org.
- A monthly or bi-monthly or even weekly, “Blue Salon” featuring guest lecturers and serving as a platform for discussion, support, and inspiration.
- Design a pilot of a mini occupant habitat that has all water infrastructure: rainwater collection, potable drinking filters, greywater collection, storm water collection, wastewater treatment, reclamation of wastewater for irrigation for growing food
- a) Register the pilot project with Creative Commons (http://creativecommons.org/) to make the information available to the general public so that it can be replicated.
- Blue Art with a message! Art competitions for all age groups: nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, junior college, university, adults, parents, seniors, professional artists. Collaborate with local museums and galleries to participate in First Friday art walks, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Google foundation to sponsor an online exhibition version, as well as show originals at city and county offices.
- Training for those re-entering the work force (collaborate with Van Jones, http://vanjones.net/), tenants, low-opportunity youth, to build skills in water system installation and maintenance so that they can reduce utility bills and obtain desirable job skills.
- Water Hero Blog. Sponsor a student intern to travel and interview the Water Heroes who are making a difference in improving access to water, conservation, science, developing innovative technologies, etc. The interviews and experience will be documented using photography and video and their experience showcased on TheBlueArchitect.org.