Summer 2013 - Public Documents - NC AWWA-WEA

Member PortraitEdwards decided to participate in performingan exit survey in Bolivia, wherethe organization has a longstanding relationship.This was followed by a trip toIndia in 2012. “For the Bolivia and Indiatrips, the assignments were different,”notes Edwards.In Bolivia, the focus was on developingexit criteria to determine at what pointthe organization should move on to concentrateon another area. “Sustainabilityis important for us,” notes Edwards.“The people living in the area invest in theproject and construct the infrastructure.We provide managerial, technical andfinancial support. The Water For Peoplemodel ensures sustainability and that iswhat I love about the organization.”Water For People also has a monitoringprogram in which volunteers go backto check if projects are ready to becomefully independent. In fact, this is the natureof the work Edwards performed during hertrip to India (see p. 46 for a more detaileddescription of the project).She has also been involved with theorganization at the local level, servingon the North Carolina Water For PeopleCommittee as treasurer, vice chair and,this year, chair. Since joining the committee,she has enjoyed helping at the annualGolf Tournament and the 5K Fun Run.Edwards also serves on NC AWWA-WEA’s Membership Committee and iscontinuously encouraging her coworkersto get involved with the Association.“The great thing about theAssociation is making contacts andnetworking,” she explains, adding thatshe also enjoys the opportunity tolearn new concepts in the industry andstay current. “It is very valuable for ourprofession. Besides, there are so manydifferent committees, that there has tobe one that piques your interest. Thereis something for everyone.”When she first joined the Association,the Membership Committee’s motto thatyear was “Get Involved.” That she did, inno uncertain terms. Today, Edwards looksforward to embracing new challenges,possibly even the next Climb For Water.After all, why stop now? The opportunitiesare endless.“The people living in the area invest in the projectand construct the infrastructure. We providemanagerial, technical and financial support. TheWater For People model ensures sustainability andthat is what I love about the organization.”Click Hereto return to Table of Contentswww.ncsafewater.org 27