The Global Water Crisis & Scott Harrison’s Mission to Solve It

October 08, 2024

Scott Harrison

Founder and CEO of charity: water

Scott Harrison’s journey from nightclub promoter to humanitarian founder of Charity: Water is an inspiring tale of transformation and dedication. His efforts have brought clean water to millions of people around the world. This article outlines his path, the mission of Charity: Water, and the impact that visual storytelling and community engagement can have in addressing global issues such as water scarcity.

The Water Crisis

Water is a basic human need, yet 771 million people around the world still lack access to clean drinking water. These people are forced to drink unsafe, contaminated water, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases and preventable deaths. Water poverty is a widespread issue, particularly in developing countries, where people don’t have the infrastructure necessary to secure clean water. The consequences of this crisis are far-reaching, affecting education, health, and the overall quality of life in affected communities.

Scott Harrison’s Background

Before founding Charity: Water, Scott Harrison led a very different life. He grew up in a conservative Christian household and initially sought to rebel against that by moving to New York City and becoming a nightclub promoter. This lifestyle, filled with parties, wealth, and excess, left him feeling unfulfilled despite the material success he had achieved. At the age of 28, he realized that his life lacked meaning and purpose. This realization drove him to return to his faith and seek a path of service.

The Pivot: From Nightclubs to Humanitarian Work

In an effort to radically change his life, Scott volunteered to work as a photojournalist in post-war Liberia, the world’s poorest country at the time. The experience was a profound one. He saw firsthand how people in these communities lived without clean water, and how contaminated water was killing children and adults alike. These experiences laid the foundation for Charity: Water, which was born from Scott’s desire to make a meaningful impact on the world by solving a problem that was solvable—lack of access to clean water.

The Mission of Charity: Water

Charity: Water was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to bring clean and safe drinking water to everyone on the planet. Since its inception, the organization has worked in 29 countries, drilling wells and building sustainable water systems for communities in need. One of the unique aspects of Charity: Water is its approach to funding. Instead of relying on government grants or corporate money, Scott focused on mobilizing everyday people. The organization emphasizes transparency, ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly to funding water projects.

Visual Storytelling and Fundraising

Scott’s background in nightclub promotion and his skill in storytelling became essential tools in growing Charity: Water. By leveraging the power of visual storytelling—through photography and videos—Scott was able to show people the stark reality of water poverty and the impact clean water can have on a community. This approach helped to engage individuals emotionally, turning them into donors who felt personally connected to the cause.

One of the most famous stories associated with Charity: Water is that of a 9-year-old girl named Rachel, who donated her birthday to raise money for clean water. Though she tragically passed away in a car accident shortly after her campaign began, her story spread worldwide, inspiring over 60,000 people to donate and raising over $1.4 million in her name.

Impact and Future Vision

Charity: Water has raised hundreds of millions of dollars and provided clean water to over 15 million people. The work is far from over, but the organization’s innovative model of transparency, community engagement, and storytelling has proven successful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Charity: Water continued its mission by providing clean water to health clinics in underserved regions, emphasizing the vital role clean water plays in maintaining global health.

Scott Harrison’s transformation from a life of self-indulgence to one of service has made a tangible difference in the world. Through Charity: Water, he has built a global movement that shows how individuals and communities can come together to solve even the most daunting problems. His story highlights the power of purpose, the importance of visual storytelling, and the difference that clean water can make in the lives of millions.