World Water Day

Today is March 22nd, World Water Day. The day we commit to bring safe drinking water to those in need around the world. The "day" was established in 1993 by The United Nations. Although the organization has made tremendous progress, one out of eight people in the world still do not have access to clean water. Hard to believe.

So the fight just has to spread. This year, the organization is getting social by asking supporters to post status updates on Facebook and Twitter to generate donations. You give them your Facebook and Twitter access and they post for you. Spreading the word around the world using the vast networks of supporters -- although started in 1993, it's very 2011.

Even restaurants are getting into the act. Around the country, participating restaurants are accepting $1.00 donations for tap water and giving it all to World Water Day via UNICEF and Project Tap. Brilliant.

And then there's Groupon. An anonymous donor in Chicago is matching $15 donations in support of World Water Day. Now there's a way to use social couponing on the local level to raise money for charity!

All to teach us that we shouldn't take it all for granted, even something we are used to getting in abundance for free. Certainly making me think twice, particularly as we watch tragedy and suffering around the world.

What's your experience? Jim.