Building on Hope

As we begin a new year—AWWA's 140th, by the way—I cannot help but feel hopeful. Even though there isn't true bright line between years and still need to wear masks protect each other's health (at least as 2021 begins), I hope. From time have been known say, “The world is run those who show up.” The last publicly used that phrase was at Young Professionals Summit February. point make with this if you want change for better, must engage in solution—you up. number of tweets, it appears concept resonate young professional audience. That, too, provides Almost seven ago, AWWA, Engineers Without Borders USA, American Society Civil banded together create Community Engineering Corps (CECorps). CECorps’ noble mission bring underserved communities volunteers advance local engineering solutions. Learn about www.CommunityEngineeringCorps.org. Every year, CECorps “shows up” better. While technical support critical, magic power hope its they serve. Two recent examples how helped water infrastructure Culver Lake Water Company—despite implication name—depends on single well (not lake) supply. situated 1910 concrete structure. system challenged meeting New Jersey regulatory standards, company lacked necessary analysis funding address issues until small team from AWWA's Section stepped help. Today, equipped detailed report team, Company has clear path financing improving system. In Seattle, educational opportunities Nathan Hale High School include commercial-sized greenhouse half-acre school garden—known Urban Farm. idea provide students hands-on experiences connect them earth, food eat, their community. With program's introduction came increased demand better solution. provided preliminary design rainwater collection supply garden water. were part grant application which, along additional assistance successfully led finished project school. core values require go beyond projects, knowledge-sharing, providing these groups. members also are committed addressing challenges socially responsible way. This includes promoting solutions improve equity access public infrastructure, considering needs diverse populations, engaging reflect CECorps. 2020, advancing social responsibility, entered into cooperative agreement National Black (NSBE). NSBE 45-year-old, student-governed, nonprofit organization. Cementing collaboration fact NSBE's envisions world. increase culturally engineers excel academically, succeed professionally, positive impact great partners like NSBE, may not solve all communities; will stop us showing up, hope, solving what can where can. Steve Barr, leads work, puts way: “Solving sometimes seems pushing big boulder uphill, through see passion AWWA most. up that. It gives me hope.” so you'd become volunteer CECorps, contact Barr [email protected] learn or your section get involved.