As part of Columbia University’s Year of Water, this challenge invites you to use the tools of human-centered design to explore how communities and individuals can take action by working on interdisciplinary teams.
Globally, many communities face preventable long-term illnesses due to contaminated water systems and do not have the resources to find solutions, causing them to feel stuck and disenfranchised. In particular, the current lead contamination crisis in Newark, New Jersey — which may be worse than Flint, Michigan’s water crisis in 2014 — serves as the impetus of this year’s design challenge.
The overall objective is for all participants gain experience in using the tools of design thinking to help collaborate on solving a real-world problem. Over 1.5 days, you will be organized into teams of four alongside community partners to understand how organizations and individuals are taking action to deal with the lead contamination crisis in Newark, NJ. You will gain insights on the opportunities and obstacles they face daily. Then, you will brainstorm and innovate on ideas and prototypes alongside these community partners to work towards water justice.
In your teams, you will present your insights and ideas to a panel of judges. While the top team walks away with a cash prize of $1,500, everyone has the privilege of helping to solve real-life challenges, gaining new problem solving skills, and expanding community.
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This event in support of Columbia University’s Year of Water. Join us for upcoming events around awareness, sustainability investing, and entrepreneurship that address global and local water injustice. These events are open to all students across Columbia University, including Barnard, Teachers College, and Union Theological Seminary. Additional events below:
WATER BUCKET CHALLENGE
Operation Water: Walking in Their Shoes
Wednesday, March 25 | 11 AM–2 PM
South Field, West Walkway (in front of Butler Library)
535 W 114th St., New York, NY 10027
RSVP: http://bit.ly/39foRYQ
DINNER PANEL
Operation Water Panel: Finance to Impact
Wednesday, March 25 | 6–8 PM
Columbia Journalism School
World Room, 3rd Floor
2950 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
RSVP: http://bit.ly/2UCfZsd
