INTRODUCTION  TO  the  WATERKEEPER  ALLIANCE

By: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Steve Fleischli

From Waterkeeper Magazine - Summer 2004

The Waterkeeper movement began on New York’s Hudson River in 1966 when commercial and recreational fishermen untied to save the river from industrial polluters.  In 1983, they hired the first full-time Hudson Riverkeeper to patrol thee river, restore its once abundant fisheries and lead citizen-based enforcement of environmental laws.  The early successes of Hudson Riverkeeper spurred an explosive growth of similar grassroots programs across the globe.

Today, Waterkeeper Alliance is among the world’s fastest growing environmental movements, made up of 120 organizations, employing 301 full-time and 118 part-time environmental activists, attorneys and scientists.  In addition, over 23,000 individuals devote an inspiring 220,000 volunteer hours each year to support Waterkeeper advocacy and on-the-water efforts to protect 67,000 miles of rivers and shorelines throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia.

Waterkeeper Alliance’s proudest accomplishment is the depth and breadth of our member organizations and the unity of their vision.  Since our inception, the Alliance has worked diligently to promote the Waterkeeper model of environmental advocacy and draw wider attention to the serious threats facing the world’s water resources.

What sets us apart is that the men and women who comprise the Alliance take personal responsibility for the river, lake, stream, bay, or inlet they represent.  They are courageous and dedicated.  The range of their individual experiences and involvement give the Alliance a uniquely informed perspective, and because we see things happening before anyone else does, we’re the first to speak out and stand up against threats to the world’s water resources and the rights of people and communities to enjoy them.

Our global commons are under attack from big business and greedy politicians – fat cats who use political clout to escape the discipline of the free market.  Waterkeeper Alliance intends to change that.  Please join us as we fight for clean water and strong communities.  Or, volunteer with your local Waterkeeper (Black Warrior Riverkeeper).  Odds are there is one near you, and if there isn’t, consider starting your own.  Remember, it was local labor organizers who won the labor movement, local preachers who won the civil rights movement, and it will be grassroots organizers who will win our environmental rights.