WHAT'S THE ISSUE?

Since 1990 over 1.9 billion people have gained access to toilets! Still, a third of the world’s population lives without safe access to basic sanitation. The World Bank estimates that such lack of adequate sanitation may be responsible for nearly 80% of malnutrition and stunting worldwide, dramatically reducing a child's chance of a healthy and productive life!

Congress has an amazing opportunity to increase access to water, toilets and hygiene education globally to some of the world's poorest people without spending any additional taxpayer dollars. This is about doing more with what we already have.

This year, Rep. Poe and Rep. Blumenauer have co-sponsored the Water for the World Act. This bill will help to increase access to water, toilets and sanitation for people in countries and communities most in need. Over 40 members of Congress, from both sides of politics, have joined in as co-sponsors of this game-changing legislation. But Rep. Poe and Rep. Blumenauer need help from Global Citizens to ensure that this important bill will pass in the House.

HOW DID GLOBAL CITIZENS RESPOND?

Over 11,000 Global Citizens have signed petitions supporting access to water, toilets and safe sanitation. On March 13 Michael Sheldrick and I shared your voice with leaders in Congress. Along with our partners at Water Aid, WASH Advocates, and Toilet Hackers, we met with staffers in several Congressional offices.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Staff from the Offices of Rep. Kennedy, Rep. Bishop, Rep. Maffei, Rep. Weber, and Rep. Williams were happy to receive a copy of the Global Citizen Water for the World Act petition and eagerly looked through the stack of 11,000 names to find people in their district.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The team from the Office of Rep. Williams, a leader who represents the Austin, TX area, appeared very excited to hear about how the Global Citizen Nights event in Austin had built up a community of people who support access to water and safe sanitation!