Anna's World of Opportunity

U of A chapter team, spring 2009

Friends, family, and colleagues –

As many of you know,I have been actively involved in Engineers Without Borders for several years, both as a chapter member and leader at the U of A, and as an intern at the National Office this past summer. EWB has been an incredible vehicle for my own personal growth and development, and I strongly believe that my involvement with this passionate, critical-thinking organization has pushed me to continually challenge myself and to think about what I want to contribute to the world.

So, as you may be able to tell, EWB spends a lot of time and effort on member development and building a community of engaged, active citizens here in Canada. This is something rather unique for an international development-focused organization, and I think it is what makes EWB powerful.

At the same time, EWB does incredible work overseas in rural communities in Malawi, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Ghana, where there are millions of hardworking and innovative people seeking the chance to improve their lives. Yet, all too often they are stuck - unable to move forward because they lack the same opportunities that you and I have here in Canada.

Something I really value about EWB's approach is that it is community-centric, focuses on the root causes of problems, promotes local ownership, and has a long-term focus. We are not about stop-gap solutions, about sending goats, food, or textbooks, or about becoming an increasingly large organization with an immense budget. We embrace the complexity and diversity of impoverished communities and reject the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution.

While I may have encouraged you to buy Fair Trade coffee and chocolate, given you an EWB calendar as a gift, or asked you to attend an EWB event, I have rarely asked you to donate to EWB. So this time, I ask you to consider helping me build opportunities for rural Africans, and specifically (the theme of this page) I am excited to keep supporting EWB's initiatives to raise public awareness and to influence Canadian government development policies and practices.

If you were planning to give me a Christmas gift this year, I would be delighted if you were to give a donation as your gift. I know many of you are cash-starved students, but even $5 is hugely appreciated. EWB is seeking to increase its impact – by doubling its volunteer capacity and flexibility to innovate. I know that they will use your donation effectively, and continue to make great things happen.You can learn more about EWB's in-Canada and overseas projects by clicking the links at the top of the page.

Thank you for your support!

Anna