President's Monthly Message
June 2008
ASCE and Engineers Without Borders-USA:
Reaching Out Together
Today, more than 6.5 billion people populate the globe, and for many, meeting the basic needs of life is a continuous challenge: 1.6 billion people do not have safe drinking water, adequate shelter or reliable power; 2.6 billion do not have basic sanitation; and 3.4 billion do not have adequate access to information or modern means of communications.
Our profession is committed to applying our knowledge and experience to help solve the biggest problems facing our world today. In 2002, when Bernard Amadei Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, established Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA), he was seeking to address these widespread problems at the local level by bringing together professionals, student engineers, and local residents.
Since last November, ASCE has affiliated with EWB-USA through a formal agreement adopted by our Board of Direction. This relationship offers great benefits to ASCE’s professional members and student members alike, affording them opportunities to participate in EWB-USA projects. ASCE’s relationship with EWB-USA is also a tremendous benefit to our profession. By providing engineering expertise and assistance through the participation of civil engineers and engineering students, ASCE and EWB-USA are both winners. Our two organizations support the common goals of making the world a better place, helping others, and improving the engineering profession. And both are dedicated to preparing civil engineers for practice in the global environment, enriching the civil engineering education experience, enhancing the public image of engineering, and expanding the diversity of the profession.
The link between ASCE and EWB creates a valuable channel through which our members can reach out to help needy communities, avail themselves of opportunities for hands-on service to others, and see firsthand the difference they are making in the daily lives of those who are less fortunate. For example, the University of Maryland has dispatched a team of students led by a professor and an engineer specializing in sustainable environmental engineering to Brazil to study water supply and sanitation. The group constructed a reinforced water tank with a pump system to provide sufficient pressure in distribution lines and a chlorination unit to provide drinking water.
It’s a natural fit for us to work together to further each other’s goals and activities to enhance the welfare of humanity. EWB-USA activities range from constructing sustainable systems that developing communities can own and operate without external assistance to enhancing the technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial abilities of residents in poorer communities. The projects are initiated and carried through to completion with the assistance of members of the host community, who work alongside members of EWB-USA project teams. Professionals, students, and residents work together to create economical engineering projects that conform to the principles of sustainable development.
As they work with faculty members and professional engineers, students have an opportunity to participate in successful engineering projects from beginning to end. In addition to solving technical problems and participating in discussions concerning planning and financing, they learn a thing or two about communication, in this case with people from a different culture. Professional members apply their years of experience to benefit others in ways that can improve the quality of life of people in poorer countries. Everyone gains knowledge that broadens his or her understanding of engineering practices.
In Indonesia, Duke University organized a group to help rebuild fish and shrimp hatcheries destroyed by the tsunami that ravaged the area in December 2004 with its 30 ft (9.1 m) wall of water. A local nongovernmental organization will organize the actual construction of the hatcheries. The Duke team designed mechanical aerators for the hatcheries, an energy source for the aerators, and mesh that will be placed along the shore to prevent further erosion.
A team from the University of California at San Diego spearheaded a project in El Salvador to find a way to fund and complete construction of a bridge sufficiently robust to withstand the rainy season and allow passage in an area where water ordinarily covers the road, blocking the movement of people and supplies. When the community asked the local government to make repairs to the road, the mayor supported the request but did not have sufficient funds for a bridge project.
The University of Tulsa is behind a plan to install a three-source sustainable energy system in northeastern China. Small-scale solar, wind and hydroelectric power systems are planned for a common power conversion and control unit. The power generation devices, designed by the EWB Tulsa chapter, will be built on-site from components that for the most part are available within the province. Because of the remoteness of the area, electricity has been neither reliable nor affordable.
ASCE is committed to providing its members with opportunities to apply their expertise and skill to make a difference. Students in particular are drawn to programs that serve others, and EWB-USA is an exciting motivator for young people planning a career in civil engineering. The partnership not only benefits developing communities by providing sustainable solutions to everyday problems but also gives students and professionals an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
This year, ASCE approved a donation of 20 percent of the Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) program’s sponsorship funds to EWB-USA. ASCE also helps to sponsor such EWB-USA programs as its annual international conference. Conversely, ASCE members receive a discount on their EWB-USA dues when they join as an ASCE member.
Through our agreement, ASCE is providing significant management assistance to EWB-USA. ASCE helps drive both organizations forward by providing legal, financial, administrative, technical, and membership support. ASCE works with EWB-USA on conference planning and international activities and also assists with the technical database created for the various development projects. ASCE has two seats on EWB-USA’s governing board and assists with governing documents and budgets.
Firms that employ engineers also benefit from these volunteer opportunities through the training and experience that young people acquire. For engineering firms, EWB-USA can be the path that can help them fulfill corporate social responsibility goals. Firms that specialize in building bridges can sponsor bridge projects. Companies that focus on renewable energy can offer funds and equipment for sun-powered lighting in poorer community. This commitment to improving conditions in other countries is valued by clients and employees. Engineers are proud to work for companies that support humanitarian efforts.
As ASCE focuses on preparing our profession for success in a global economy, our affiliation with EWB-USA contributes to the strength and stature of civil engineering. By encouraging each of our members to join and participate in EWB-USA, ASCE is better serving the needs of our membership.
-- David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE