BE A WATA
WARRIOR
Join the Frontline of Impact! Travel, Connect, Fundraise, and join WATA.
WATA Warriors are everyday people who believe clean water is a right, and are ready to do something about it. Whether you’re joining a trip, raising funds in your community, or using your voice to spread awareness, WATA Warriors are the heartbeat of our global mission.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
What is A WATA WARRIOR?
The WATA Warrior Program is designed for travelers with purpose, people already headed to areas where clean water and essential resources are scarce, and who want to help make a difference along the way.
WATA Warriors are not just filter carriers, they’re connectors. They help us reach new communities, build local trust, and open doors for future WATA expansion. Whether you’re visiting a rural village, a coastal town, or a developing community, we’ll equip you with the tools to leave something meaningful behind.
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 2: Get Approved and Start Fundraising
If approved, we’ll help determine the best approach to supplying filters:
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We contact our distributors to get pricing and shipping options
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You begin fundraising for the filters and any other needed supplies
Note: In some cases, direct shipping may not be possible, and we’ll work with you to find a solution (e.g., carrying filters in luggage, using partner routes).
STEP 3: Receive Filters & Warriors Swag Packet
Once filters are secured, you’ll receive:
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Sawyer filters and accessories (based on need/funding)
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Access to training materials and setup instructions via Google Drive
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A WATA Warrior Swag Pack (if shipping allows), which includes stickers for buckets and passing out, film for camera if you want, and exclusive merch for your trip
STEP 4: Set Up Filters & Share Your Story
During your trip, you’ll:
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Set up filters and train families or leaders using our guides
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Take notes or photos (with consent) to help document your impact
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Complete a short Filter Setup Survey
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Share your journey on social media and tag us @wateraccesstoall. Your story could inspire the next Warrior!
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Training and Resources
Includes Sawyer filters, simple visual setup guides, educational cards, and exclusive WATA merch to share during your trip.
Connection to a Global Mission
You’ll be part of a growing network of travelers helping us expand clean water access and identify new communities in need.
Hands-On Training
Access our online materials and short training sessions to help you feel confident setting up filters and talking about our work.
Support from the WATA Team
We’ll guide you through the process, from planning to post-trip check-in, and be there to support your impact.
Recognition & Story Sharing
Your journey may be featured on our site, newsletter, or social media, because your story inspires others.
A Real Way to Give Back
You’ll return home knowing you left something behind that actually matters, clean water, connection, and potential.
WARRIOR GALLERY
FAQs
Who can become a WATA Warrior?
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Anyone with a passion for clean water and a willingness to take responsibility can become a W.A.T.A. Warrior. Warriors are travelers, students, surfers, backpackers, and advocates who want to make a real impact while on the move. If you’re curious, proactive, and committed to doing things the right way, we’d love to hear from you.
What does a W.A.T.A. Warrior do?
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W.A.T.A. Warriors help fundraise for water filters, distribute them responsibly, and work alongside local community members to ensure families are trained and supported. In many cases, Warriors help identify or train a local W.A.T.A. Ambassador who will continue follow-ups after the Warrior leaves.
How do I fundraise for my filters?
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Each Warrior receives a personalized fundraising page through Zeffy, along with a QR code they can share digitally or in person. Funds raised go directly toward water filters, supplies, and program support tied to your effort and location.
Where will I be traveling as a Warrior?
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Warriors often travel to places they were already planning to visit. W.A.T.A. can suggest communities or partner organizations in certain countries, but travel decisions are ultimately up to you. Our goal is to support responsible, well-coordinated impact, not spontaneous drop-offs.
What’s the time commitment for Warriors?
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There is no fixed time commitment. Warriors can fundraise and distribute filters at their own pace, depending on travel plans and capacity. As a guideline, many Warriors aim to support 10 or more filters per year, but impact matters more than numbers. We also encourage Warriors to document and share their experience so the work can inspire others.
What kind of support will I receive from WATA?
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W.A.T.A. provides training, guidance on responsible filter distribution, access to our survey system (Sparrow), and ongoing communication. We also help with filter ordering, planning, and connections to local partners when possible. In some cases, W.A.T.A. team members may join a trip or collaborate on the ground.
How are Warriors different from Ambassadors?
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W.A.T.A. Warriors are often travelers or external supporters who help initiate or support projects. W.A.T.A. Ambassadors are local leaders who live in the community and provide long-term follow-up, training, and data collection. Warriors and Ambassadors work together to ensure clean water access lasts beyond a single visit.
Featured WATA WARRIOR Partner:
Founded by Emily and Shawnee, two passionate travelers with a love for cycling, bikepacking, and building global connections, Water Cycle is the first official WATA Warrior team.
Since partnering nearly a year ago, we’ve supported their mission to bring clean water access to remote communities around the world. Together, we’ve set up filters in multiple countries and created a ripple of impact through grassroots travel and authentic outreach.
In November 2024, we met up with Emily and Shawnee during our trip to Vietnam and worked side by side to set up filters in both Hanoi and Dien Bien. Before parting ways, we equipped them with additional filters which they later installed in Cambodia, continuing their journey and extending WATA’s reach even further.
Water Cycle proves that with the right tools and a commitment to service, any traveler can be a changemaker.
DONATIONS
Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. Even a single dollar can contribute to vital programs and support those in need. Together, we can create change and uplift our community, one contribution at a time. Your support matters and helps us achieve our goals!
