Where Can an Educated Chemist with a Passion for Clean Water Do the Most Good?

The question of how an elderly man educated in chemistry, with a distinguished career as an engineering firm President and a passion for clean water, can contribute is a compelling one. Given the numerous opportunities and the significant impact one can make, there are various paths this individual can take. This article explores some of these paths, including volunteering with the Peace Corps, focusing on arsenic contamination in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, and providing mentorship to promising clean water startups.

Volunteering with the Peace Corps

If you are a US citizen, the Peace Corps offers a unique platform for individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills. The Peace Corps has no upper age limit, making it an ideal opportunity for someone with your experience. Here, you can leverage your expertise as a chemistry educator, tutor, or mentor, particularly in underserved communities. The Peace Corps provides opportunities to work in almost every developing nation on the planet, ensuring that your skills are put to the best use.

Consider what energizes you most – whether it's teaching, mentoring, or direct community engagement. You can then find a matching organization that needs what you have to offer. For instance, teaching chemistry or water treatment science to local schools or community centers can significantly impact future generations. Mentoring local professionals or starting small community projects can also make a substantial difference.

Addressing Arsenic Contamination in South Asia

Another critical area where your expertise and passion can make a profound impact is in addressing the arsenic contamination in well water in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people are dying prematurely due to arsenic poisoning through drinking water. While known solutions exist, their implementation often faces challenges in remote or under-resourced areas.

By going to these nations, you can help devise solutions and provide expertise to implement these solutions. Collaborating with local organizations, government bodies, and NGOs, you can work on finding sustainable and practical water treatment methods. Your background in chemistry and engineering, along with your passion for clean water, can be instrumental in developing and scaling up these initiatives.

Mentoring Promising Clean Water Startups

A third avenue to consider is mentorship or advisory roles within clean water startups. Startups in the clean water sector often face numerous challenges, including cultural factors, poor management, and lack of market fit. As a former engineering firm President and someone deeply passionate about clean water, you can provide invaluable guidance and support to these companies.

Mentorship and advisory roles offer the best time/effort-to-results ratio for someone in your position. The guidance provided can help a startup overcome initial obstacles, such as market research, product development, and management processes. By helping a collection of highly ambitious people succeed, you can have a lasting impact on the sector as a whole and on the communities that rely on clean water.

Several organizations and foundations focus on clean water initiatives and could benefit from your expertise. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, has programs that address water issues in developing nations. Identifying such organizations and offering your services can be a fulfilling way to continue making a difference.

Finding International and Overseas Volunteer Opportunities

There are literally gazillions of organizations that utilize the skills and talents of individuals like you. Here are a couple of lists to get you started:

Finding International or Overseas Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Abroad for Seniors Projects Abroad's Middle East Programs

These resources can help you narrow down your options and find the right fit for your skills and interests. Whether you choose to work with the Peace Corps, focus on providing solutions to arsenic contamination, or mentor startups, the impact you can make is significant. Your unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of those in need, making the world a cleaner and healthier place.