4 Minute Read, 7 minute Video
Endurance has been a gift in my life. Endurance can be a tool to lift others up out of a life of poverty, but also a tool to inspire others. Part of that gift of endurance is sharing it with others so that they can take the message and run. Or, weave.
Inspiration has the power to create change. Not just a feeling, but a force that can be channeled for good.
In 2011, I was invited to speak at the Chautauqua Institute. This summer resort is nestled within 2,070 acres on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, NY, with lectures, performing arts, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities. After sharing my presentation at the Hall of Philosophy, I met two lovely young ladies, Ella & Mabel.
Learning about the water crisis made me feel inspired to act, and now they were inspired, too.
Since 2012, these two compassionate, committed, artists and activists have created have formed Sisters4Water, where they are devoted to changing the world, one potholder at a time.
They use their hands and hearts to make potholders, all with donated materials so that 100% goes directly to H2O for Life. To date, they’re raised $14,000 to fund projects in Malawi, Kenya, India, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Ethiopia. They are currently raising funds for a water project right here in the states, Navajo Nation in New Mexico for 5 water storage tanks.
Meet the water warriors behind Sister4Water and their journey from inspiration to action in a short interview:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself:
We are artists and activists devoted to changing the world, one potholder at a time. This is our ELEVENTH year weaving potholders in support of water rights. All of our materials are donated, so every penny we make goes directly to H2O for Life. The potholders are 100% cotton, made from loops from Harrisville Designs, a mill in New Hampshire. Therefore, they are entirely made in the USA! This is Ella's eleventh year weaving potholders and Mabel's seventh. Last summer we raised $6,600 for the 1872 students and 18 teachers of Matsimbe Secondary School in Malawi. We have raised over $14,000 since 2016! Our current project is Navajo Nation in New Mexico, where our $1,800 pledge will provide 5 water storage tanks.
2. Why water? What was your turning point from idea to action?
You are really the reason we’ve chosen water! We still remember in your speech how a hamburger takes 650 gallons of water to make. Water is so integral to our survival. We need it for sanitation, cooking, drinking… everything! And during a pandemic, with all this constant hand washing, where would we be without it? Once we realized how important water is, it seemed obvious that water was what we wanted the center of our activism to be.
3. What was the biggest wave that came your way on your journey?
Our biggest wave was probably being invited to the 2018 Water Ball from H2O for Life. It was a challenge to articulate our story, but it was so powerful and moving to be able to inspire so many people that night through such a large platform.
4. What’s one fact about water that moves you the most?
The fact that the human body cannot survive three days without water really emphasizes the importance water has in our society and to our species. At the end of the day, it’s a humbling fact that reminds us that water impacts all of us, and motivates us to keep working to improve water access.
5. Tackling the water crisis is no small feat. What encourages you?
Whenever we finish project, getting photos of progress and completion is so gratifying and always encourages us. But on a day-to-day basis, we are so grateful to have a network of family and friends that are constant pillars of support.
I inspired them, but they continue to inspire me. Inspiration can be a two-way street!
Ella & Mabel have inspired me to learn a new skill and crochet and knit, myself.
Ella & Mabel have inspired me to continue to find creative ways to support water projects.
Ella & Mabel have inspired me to know that I am not alone in the fight for clean water for all. We are in this, together!
They have inspired me to craft for water by creating up-cycled nautical-themed “coastal coasters” and selling them at farmers markets to support water projects. When I can’t use my legs or arms with running or cycling or swimming or rowing, I can use my hands just like they do.
With the holidays right around the corner, you can give the gift of life by placing an order for their homemade potholders by emailing Ella & Mabel. See their work on IG or the selection of patterns and colors section on their website.
So if you can craft, craft. If you can’t craft, support those who do. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”
To learn more about Sister4Water, check out their Keynote Speech at the 2018 H2O for Life Water Ball.
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