Scott Pivoted His Nightclub Skills to Promote Drinking Water

Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of charity: water, a venture dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Before founding charity: water in 2006, Scott spent a decade as a successful nightclub promoter in New York City. Seeking a profound change, he volunteered as a photojournalist for Mercy Ships, a hospital ship providing free healthcare to developing countries. During his time in Liberia, Harrison witnessed the devastating effects of unclean water firsthand, which inspired him to establish charity: water upon his return to New York City.

The Problem

In many developing countries, access to clean and safe drinking water is a significant challenge. Contaminated water sources lead to waterborne diseases, high mortality rates, and hinder economic development. As of 2006, approximately 1.1 billion people lacked access to clean water, a situation that has persisted for decades. The lack of infrastructure, funding, and awareness has perpetuated this crisis, leaving millions without a basic human necessity.

The Solution

Charity: water addresses this issue by funding sustainable water projects in developing countries. The organization collaborates with local partners to implement solutions such as wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and BioSand filters. A unique aspect of charity: water's approach is its commitment to transparency; 100% of public donations go directly to water projects, with operating costs covered by private donors. This model ensures that every dollar donated contributes directly to providing clean water.

The Motivation

Scott always had a knack for promoting drinking. He started as a successful nightclub promoter in New York and transformed into a social entrepreneur in the most remote parts of Liberia. After a decade of indulgence in the nightlife industry, he felt the deep emptiness of his outward success, and felt the deeper call of redemption and significance. Volunteering with Mercy Ships exposed him to the harsh realities of life without clean water, igniting a passion to address this global issue. His entrepreneurial background equipped him with the skills to build a successful venture, while his personal journey fueled his commitment to transparency and efficiency in charitable work.

The Lessons

Scott's journey with charity: water offers valuable lessons in social entrepreneurship. It demonstrates the power of personal transformation in driving social change. His commitment to transparency and efficiency sets a standard for trust in non-profit organizations. Additionally, his ability to leverage personal experiences and skills to address a global issue highlights the impact of combining passion with purpose.

Conclusion

Scott Harrison's establishment of charity: water exemplifies how personal redemption can lead to global impact. Through innovative approaches to fundraising and a steadfast commitment to transparency, he has mobilized millions to provide clean water to those in need. His story continues to inspire individuals and organizations to pursue meaningful change, demonstrating that with vision and dedication, significant challenges can be addressed.