Frequently Asked Questions for EWB-USA CHPC:
Where can I learn more about the EWB-USA Central Houston Professional Chapter?
Chapter meetings are a great place to learn more about the organization and what we do. Our general meetings cater to newcomers and potential members. We also cover topics relevant to our active members as well.
Visit our meetings page to learn where to join our next meeting.
What are the dues to become a volunteer?
You can become a volunteer on the EWB-USA website. There you can create a volunteer account in Volunteer Village. If there are any issues concerning membership reach out to us at membership@ewbhouston.org. This will give you access to EWB-USA resources and the Volunteer Village platform.
If you attend one of our chapter meetings and decide to join a project team, the next step is becoming an official member. There are no chapter dues.
You can also visit our Chapter By-Laws and Constitution for additional information on our chapter rules and organization.
Do I have to travel to be a contributing member to the chapter?
While working in country is a vital piece of the work we do, much of our design, recruiting, fundraising, planning, training and procurement efforts take place in Houston. Not all of our members travel for projects and you can be a vital part of the team supporting in Houston as well.
If you do have the time and means to travel, it is a very worthwhile and meaningful opportunity for both the community and yourself.
Will my airfare and lodging be paid for if I travel for a project?
While the financial burden of international travel is not insignificant, payment of airfare and travel expenses can not be guaranteed nor should be expected at this time. Funding is very dynamic for the chapter, with an aggressive portfolio, there is always a balance in how to optimally use these funds.
Generally, in country project lodging, food, and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with EWB-USA policy are budgeted by each project team.
Coverage of airfare is more variable and may be covered fully, partially, or paid entirely out of pocket. Each project team manages their budget and fundraising efforts to support the success of the project and this is determined prior to authorizing team travel.
Do I need to be an engineer to join the chapter?
We need help from anyone and everyone. While it is necessary and crucial that we have licensed and experienced engineers for all technical aspects for the projects we take on, not every member is a Professional Engineer or an engineer at all.
It takes much more than a good design to have a sustainable project.
- We need to understand the communities we are trying to serve with translation assistance and folks that know the culture and social norms where we work.
- We need folks that know how to market to attract the necessary skill sets to execute this work as well donors to give these projects life.
- We need people that know how to teach others, whether that’s how the physical project works or items related to water, sanitation, hygiene, and basic health.
- We can always use folks that have gotten their hands dirty and built a thing or two.
Overall, in order for us to be a success we can not be a monolithic organization.
My employer has a giving program and supports this type of work. Is there someone I can contact?
Thank you for thinking about us! Please contact our fundraising chair at fundraising@ewbhouston.org. These projects do require financial investment and our corporate partners play a huge role in making this work possible.
Also, many companies already have volunteer hour or donation matching programs for non-profit 501(c)3 organizations. Those are also excellent programs to utilize as well. You can also search if your company has a matching program on the donation page.