FLOW: Field Level Operations Watch

FLOW is an on-site technology that broadcasts data instantaneously to the Water for People website/FLOW map providing important information about the operating status of WFP projects.

“Combining Android cell phone technology and Google Earth software, FLOW lets field workers, volunteers, our partners and others record data from tens of thousands of water points around the world. That information is then displayed on our online global map to signal whether a project is up and running, broken, or on the verge of disrepair and needs quick action.”

Accountability

Many organizations are working to find ways to show donors and supporters how their participation is transforming beneficiaries directly and as quickly as possible. With Water for People’s FLOW system, when they say a project is working, they can prove it to you! Just pick an area of the world and see for yourself!

I love to see projects that are focused on measuring and evaluating data about their work and progress. I love even more to see projects that make that data public so that everyone in the local community, in the organization, and around the world can measure and learn at the same time. I’m really excited to see what corollary projects or data sets can be incorporated into the FLOW system and map, too!

Sustainability

Two years ago, in Water for People’s strategic plan, they committed to at least ten years of post-project monitoring for every site to ensure that projects were successful and sustainable. “We will hold ourselves accountable for—and encourage our supporters and donors to hold us accountable for—making smart investments and data-driven decisions so that we can make a long-lasting impact.” I’m really encouraged about the potential to make life-saving and life-changing impact around the world when I see this kind of commitment from an organization, not just a philanthropic organization. Recognizing that as the direct service providers or project teams, we have the same level of responsibility to ensure our work actually works as we do to address issues in the first place is a major step in the right direction towards real change.

Read More

1. Check out the FLOW map: http://watermapmonitordev.appspot.com

2. Check out this great post from Water for People’s Senior Manager of Programmatic Data, Keri Kugler, on how they use FLOW to maintain accountability and allow communities to monitor their own water and sanitation published in National Geographic.

3. Visit the UN Water site for more information and resources about World Water Day, or see if there are events happening near you.

• winner joins a P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program expedition
• possibility to win $15,000 for your favorite charity that’s working in the front lines of the global water crisis
• every vote for your entry means P&G will donate a day’s worth of clean drinking water (2L) to a person in need in a developing country

The contest runs most of this month, so register your blog today and start rallying supporters to help get donated water to those in need, and join the Children’s Safe Drinking Water expedition!

Learn more about Clean Water Blogivation!

Have you signed up? If so, leave your blog URL below so we can be sure to check out your post and support you!