Water Champion Stories Wanted. Tell us yours today.

NEWEA launched the first two Water for Life “Water Champion” ads at the 2016 Annual Conference, and now we are looking to you for story ideas to help build the campaign. Share your industry success story that supports Storm Preparedness, The Value of Infrastructure or Community Awareness, and it may be featured in an upcoming ad.

Stories must be located in New England and submitted in 150 words or less using the online submission form.


Storm Preparedness Ad

THE ASSIGNMENT: Submit a story that focuses on the important safety role utility and/or stormwater systems play in managing water during New England weather events

THE SINGLE-MINDED PROPOSITION:
“No one knows what water professionals do.”
This story emphasizes how stormwater and utility management systems offer protection when planning for severe weather, sea level rise and climate change

THE AUDIENCE:
Primary: New England
Secondary: Home- and Business-Owners, Community Leaders
What do we want them to do?
This story should inspire the audience to:
• Recognize how water can adversely affect quality of life
• Understand the protective benefits of properly planned utility and stormwater management systems
• Learn more about what property owners can do to manage stormwater at newea.org
Why will they respond?
• The reader may remember recent storms (Irene/Sandy/Winter 2014 – 2015) and want to take preventative measures
How will they respond?
• Engage with NEWEA online at newea.org, and on social media channels
• Take action to be prepared in their own home/community

THE WATER CHAMPIONS:
Suggest potential participants for this story
• NEWEA Member
• Celebrity spokesperson:
– Meteorologist
– Scientist/Environmentalist
– First Responder
– Community Leader

The Value of Infrastructure Ad

THE ASSIGNMENT: Submit a story that focuses on collaborative industry/community partnerships that provide high quality water services/resources to New Englanders

THE SINGLE-MINDED PROPOSITION:
Showcase the partnership between water treatment facilities and the public. This story emphasizes how each entity plays a role in ensuring high-quality water services/resources in our New England communities

THE AUDIENCE:
Primary: New England
Secondary: Students, New Professionals, Home- and Business-Owners, Community Leaders, Outdoor Enthusiasts
What do we want them to do?
This story should inspire the audience to:
• Realize that wastewater, stormwater and drinking water are different systems, and that each is critical to a healthy environment
• Understand how water infrastructure is vital to the economic health of the community
• Recognize water infrastructure includes wastewater, stormwater and drinking water
• Support infrastructure because it supplies sanitary, safety, and drinking water benefits daily
• Support infrastructure because it is essential to maintaining quality of life
Why will they respond?
• Everyone needs water, it is imperative to maintaining public health. Collaboration to support infrastructure by every one of us ensures continued water access, safety, and quality
How will they respond?
• Engage with NEWEA online at newea.org or at water-related local event
• Talk to their families, friends and neighbors
• Talk to their local politicians

THE WATER CHAMPIONS:
Suggest potential participants for this story
• NEWEA Member
• Celebrity spokesperson:
– Community Leader/Politician
– Business Leader
– Professional Athlete
– Health Expert

Community Awareness Ad

THE ASSIGNMENT: Submit a story that focuses on water quality industry career opportunities — career benefits include training/growth potential, long-term career stability, and personal gratification

THE SINGLE-MINDED PROPOSITION:
Profile a water quality professional with deep ties to the industry who reaps the benefits of his/her work through water-related recreational activities. This story profiles an individual and their unique challenges/rewards faced in their water quality career

THE AUDIENCE:
Primary: New England
Secondary: Students, Young Adults, Educators, Parents, Community Leaders, Outdoor Enthusiasts
What do we want them to do?
This story should inspire the audience to:
• Realize that “future use” goes beyond potable water to leisure activities involving high quality water (surfing, fishing, all water sports, etc.)
• Consider an in-demand, long-term, rewarding career in the water quality industry
• Investigate job opportunities at newea.org/careers
Why will they respond?
• The reader may be interested in career opportunities, education/training, job security
• The reader values water-related recreational pursuits and can/will participate in keeping their local waters clean
How will they respond?
• Look into careers/job postings at newea.org
• Become NEWEA member
• Engage with NEWEA online at newea.org or at water-related local event

THE WATER CHAMPIONS:
Suggest potential participants for this story
• NEWEA Member
• Celebrity spokesperson:
– Outdoor Enthusiast
– Environmentalist
– Utility Leader