It’s hard to believe that, even in 2017, this traveler’s suggestion still holds true for a large part of the world.

It’s a phrase, an idea really, that we’d like to eliminate. But it’s also so much more.

“Don’t drink the water” represents a distrust, or a double standard, in the way we look at the people we serve and what’s “good enough” for them. But it also betrays the way we look at ourselves. It represents a failure to think creatively – to dream with ambition. We’ve settled for “good enough” for far too long.

At ARC, we have a deep belief that we should only offer services – whether that be water, healthcare, or anything else – that anybody, anywhere, would be delighted to use. Why should what we offer to refugees be any different than what we accept for ourselves? We’re challenging that double standard, and advocating for dignity and world-class quality, instead.

“Don’t drink the water” is a rallying cry. To challenge the status quo. To get inspired – to simply do better. But we know that we can’t do this alone. It will take committed, like-minded individuals coming together to have conversations, and to work together generously, to change the narrative. Our dream – to fundamentally alter how we approach the people we serve.

Want to learn more? And better, want to join the conversation? Contact John at JohnG@ARCrelief.org. Let’s change this big blue marble, together, one glass of water at a time.