WASH Rotary Action Group
About Us
The WASH Rotary Action Group was formed in 2007 by a group of Rotarians, recognized by Rotary International, and focused on WASH projects. Since then it has facilitated many hundreds of projects – helping clubs find partners, ensuring sustainability, stressing the importance of a needs-driven approach, and developing best practices. We encourage a holistic, integrated approach in which water is not the end in itself, but is rather the means to a better life and livelihood in the community. Most importantly, WASH Rotary Action Group links water and sanitation to improved hygiene, better health, and empowerment of the community – especially women, irrigation and agriculture, education and literacy and, ultimately, child mortality.
Vision Statement
Together, we envision a healthier world where everyone can access basic human rights of safe water, sustainable sanitation, and hygiene standards, thereby transforming lives and fostering community resilience.
Mission Statement
We support the community-driven development of WASH programs by mobilizing the resources and expertise of Rotary and its partners to implement sustainable programs and projects, empower communities, and advocate for WASH policies.
WASH Rotary Action Group Goals:
- Sustainability of WASH Projects and Programs
- Increase the Impact of WASH Rotary Action Group
- Expand our Reach
- Enhance Participant Engagement
- Increase our Ability to Adapt
Board of Directors
Patricia Merryweather-Arges
Chair- District 6450, USA
Brian Hall
Vice-Chair, District 6840, USA
Mike Colasurdo
Treasurer, District 7505, USA
Bruce Clemens
Secretary, District 4250, Guatemala
Chris Etienne
D-6290 – USA
Ron Denham
District 7070, Canada
Patrisio N. Njiru
District 9212, Kenya
Kundleswar Panigrahi
District 3261, India
Mary Beth Growney Selene
District 6250, USA
Patrick Karney
D4250 – Belize
S.N. Srikanth
(D-3230 – India)
Calling all WASH Supporters
As a Rotary Action Group, WASH invites all WASH supporters from around the world to join us and engage in the battle to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all. Any person interested in supporting us can get involved with our activities and be linked to global WASH assistance efforts.
Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water.
Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary’s strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects. Read more about these activities in the Rotary Action Groups annual report.
Anyone who wants to share their expertise to make a positive difference can join an action group. Only Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows can serve in leadership roles.
WASH Rotary Action Group Operations Team
The WASH-RAG Ops Team manages the operations of our action group. The team is led by the chair and is subdivided into various committees with specific responsibilities.
If you are interested in supporting any of the Ops Team chairs, please contact the chair below and let them know.
OPS Team
| Wade Nomura - Chair Operations Team | Carolyn Meub Vice Chair Ambassador Program | Patrick Coleman Membership | Lisa Talley Marketing |
| Michael Brown Technology Support | Michael Fernando World Water Summit | Monica Louie Professional Services | Richard Churchman Technical Officer / Cadre |
| Abdul Rashid Alhassan Rotaract Outreach | Open Sponsorships | Ian Rumbles Administrator | |
Current Reports
Older Reports
- Annual Membership Meeting Minutes 12 June 2021
- Operations Team Report 2021
- June2020 Chairs Report AGM Final
- Annual General Meeting Report – Hamburg Germany – May 31, 2019
- Annual General Meeting Report – Toronto, ON, Canada – June 22, 2018
- Annual General Meeting Report – Atlanta, GA, USA – June 9, 2017
WASH RAG
501(c)(4) 20-8656760
Tax Filings
I believe the strength of Rotary is the advocacy role it offers, that can influence decision-makers with making real systemic changes in the role of governments. Rotarians are in a unique position, as they have great and extensive networks. Rotarians have changed national agendas.
