Reinventing Direct Action 4 April 2009, University of Oregon

Two premises

the Whitman Direct Action team, January 2008

dedicated to helping marginalised people by promoting economically, environmentally, and culturally sustainable community development

whitmandirectaction.org/projects

Past WDA projects

Build-A-House, Summer 2005 Central American Biodiesel Project, Summer 2005

Sadhana Clean Water Project

“Safe water is vital to the health and well-being of rural India where 65% of the population lives. Resources of drinking water are shrinking by the day and contamination is rampant. The pity of it all is that awareness of safety of drinking water has yet to sink into popular consciousness” - Vasant Deshpande, Sadhana Village

Safe and Sustainable Water Conference

Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai19 March 2008

WDA Water Book

Compilation of ten case studies from a diverse range of NGOs

whitmandirectaction.org/cleanwater/book

Appropriate Technology Study Group

What are the socio-political constraints to clean water access in the Kolwan Valley?

Kolwan Valley Courtesy Google Maps

Methods

Background Research

Survey of the Valley

Focus Groups

Water Manager Interviews

Water Quality Assessment

Focus groups Ashwin of Gomukh speaking to a water manager

D.O monitoring in BernerkarwadiWater Testing

Results ATSG

Women collecting water from a dug well

Water Collection and Availability

Doctor asks, “Do you boil the water for the children?”Mother responds, “Yes.”“Do you know how to boil the water?”“Yes.”“How do you know the water is boiling?”“We put our fingers in it.”

The BDO OfficerGovernance and

Management

Takeaways SCWP

Oregon Direct Action

Water for San Pablo oregondirectaction.org/sanpablo

What Direct Action education might look like

Thank you.

danielbachhuber@gmail.com+1 971 998 5407danielbachhuber.com