I have often struggled with the question of social sustainability in the IT industry.  We can work diligently to reduce the environmental impact of the equipment and electricity we use in IT and we can measure this impact in CO2 emission reductions, kWh and against best practices.  In the area or social sustainability, it is much more difficult to see the impact.  We can make sure that we are purchasing equipment from responsible manufacturers who are not polluting water sources where they operate, we can look at the social impact of technology such as web 2.0 and the building of community and potentially the democratization of information. 

This is all good work AND I want us to do more. 

What has had the most impact on me recently is the abundance of fresh, clean water we have in North America.  We take luxurious showers in drinkable water and we use drinkable water in our toilets.  So we decided to launch a campaign to support water development projects.  Because we believe strongly in supporting social enterprises, I believe that mycharity: water is a great fit for us.  This is an organization maximizing the use of technology to engage people like yourselves in helping to build a better future through developing capabilities and infrastructure in developing nations.  Please help us to reach our goal of funding one water development project ($5000) by February 10, 2010.  Your donation of $20 can provide one person with clean water for 20 years!