Is Engineers Without Borders (EWB) right for me?
Most people have a lot of questions when they are thinking about getting involved with EWB. This document is intended to answer some of those questions. If your question is not addressed, try the website of the national organization EWB-USA at www.ewb-usa.org or feel free to contact us. Please note that many of these answers are specific to the Chicagoland Professional Chapter and may not represent policies and procedures of other chapters.
Membership
What does it mean to become a member of EWB-USA?
Ideally, you are interested in becoming involved with and actively participating in an organization whose mission is “To change the world one community at a time.” It is important to recognize that there are many ways you can contribute. You can provide your time and talent to implementing the chapter’s projects, or simply your knowledge and skills to our members and our affiliated student chapters. Serve as an officer or committee member of the chapter. We have many needs beyond engineering, such as public health, language translation and interpretation, travel logistics, project management, fundraising, and grant writing. We need people to attract new members, organize local events, publicize our project work, make presentations to companies and other professional societies, network with other organizations, help start new chapters, and organize conferences. You can also contribute through your personal donations and in some cases, by just attending our meetings and providing your ideas and suggestions.
Can I come to a meeting if I’m not a member yet?
Yes, we welcome guests at our meetings, but we ask that if you decide to get involved you join as soon as possible.
What should I expect at a typical meeting?
We have general membership meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. Typically, we start off with a 20-30 minute presentation addressing a project, sustainable technology, or another topic of interest to our members. After this presentation our committee heads and project managers report on their activities, ask for volunteers for specific tasks, and if necessary bring up an item for vote. Afterwards, we order pizza, get to know each other, and coordinate the next steps for our chapter. Attending a meeting is the best way to start getting involved.
Your regular meetings are on Tuesdays and I can’t make them. Can I still get involved?
Yes! While our general membership meetings are on Tuesdays, our committees and project teams all have meetings outside of this venue and date. These smaller meetings are scheduled around the needs of those attending. Send us an email and we’ll get you in touch with the leaders of these groups and they’ll consider your schedule in planning their next meeting. Also, be on the look out for one of our social events, as these are terrific ways to meet people and learn what is going on within the chapter. We actively try to schedule these on various days of the week to meet our volunteers’ needs.
Do I have to be an engineer/university graduate to join?
No! The name of our organization—Engineers Without Borders—can make people without an engineering degree feel like this wouldn’t be the right place for them. We need people who are willing to take a hard look at a problem and help find solutions. The technologies we implement must be simple, sustainable and robust in order to be successful. Most engineers are not implementing these sustainable technologies at their day jobs—just like a non-engineer, they will have to dive in to learn about new technologies and face all the challenges of working overseas. If you aren’t confident working on designs, we need people to handle all the other tasks that are vitally important to our organization (see ‘What does it mean to be a member of EWB?’)
How many years work experience do I need to work on an EWB project?
We need people at all levels of experience to successfully implement our projects. One of the great benefits of volunteering for EWB is the opportunity to work with and learn from new people.
I’m a chemical/electrical/computer/etc. engineer. Can you still use my skills?
Yes! We do all sorts of engineering projects, limited only by the energy and skills of our volunteers. If you want to get involved in a project specific to your discipline, we can help you to find the right project. Everyone with a problem-solving interest and a desire to learn and implement appropriate technology is needed. Please be aware that we only implement sustainable solutions appropriate for the communities we work in.
Why do I have to pay dues/fundraise to volunteer my time?
We recognize that your time is valuable and that we could not do our work without it. However, in order to build a self-sustaining organization we need brochures and the website you are currently looking at, and to support those things we need money. We ask you to please understand that your dues and other donations directly support project work and all that we do. If you cannot contribute financially, you may still volunteer locally with the organization. However, you will not be able to travel or vote at meetings.
I would like to learn about appropriate technology, but I don’t know much right now. Can I still be useful to EWB? How do I learn?
Most of us have not had the benefit of training in appropriate sustainable technologies. Anyone who is willing to learn can get involved. We own the Village Earth AT Library, a set of CDs that contain hundreds of how-to texts for appropriate technologies. These are available to everyone working on our projects. Each of our monthly meetings has a presentation, often focusing on appropriate technology.
We also hold annual regional workshops and a national conference, which are great learning opportunities. We have formed a Research and Training committee to focus on learning about sustainable technologies and the resources available to all of us.
You can also check out the free courses available on MIT’s Online Course Web [http://ocw.mit.edu]. There are a few courses on development work that reference some standard books.
I have a physical handicap. Can I still get involved with EWB-USA?
Yes! Most of our work is done from Chicago and is located and scheduled to meet the needs of our volunteers. Each individual should carefully consider project location and conditions before traveling.
Project Organization
What sorts of projects do you do?
EWB-USA does every sort of engineering project you can imagine (and some that could also be classified as micro-business.) We build bridges, provide clean water and sanitation, do environmental cleanups, waste management, IT, various forms of power, etc. Our projects also include an educational component as we help the community learn how to use the technology we implement. (We also learn a great deal from them) We will tackle any engineering project we have the volunteers and resources to manage, so if there is a particular type of project you want to take on let us know.
Where are your projects located?
Our projects are located across the globe. Check the Projects page of our website to see information on current and past projects. We have even performed projects within the United States, typically on Native American reservations.
Please note we do not accept projects in locations where our volunteers would be placed at undue risk, although, under extenuating circumstances, we may consider designing for such a site without traveling. Our list of prohibited locations includes any countries where there are UN Peacekeeping forces, where Peace Corps volunteers have been recalled, or where EWB-USA national leadership otherwise feels the situation is unsafe.
What is a typical project like?
Once the chapter has agreed to adopt a project, a project team will do as much background work in Chicago as possible to define the scope of the project and identify the community and country contacts. This phase of the project will involve communication with the community and research on possible solutions. Next, a team will travel to the community for an Assessment Trip. This trip focuses heavily on communication, with the project team establishing a relationship with people in the community and fully understanding needs and desires. It is possible that after this trip the project will be called off. EWB-Chicagoland has developed a list of criteria that we use to evaluate projects—for example, there must be real long-term benefit to the community possible from an EWB project. Assuming the project checks out during the Assessment Trip, the team will also be able to gather information to support the design work. If necessary, additional assessment trips will be made. Constant communication between the project team in Chicago and the community is ongoing throughout the project. There is also continual quality control and senior review provided by EWB-USA. Once the design is finalized, the project team will work with the community to order materials and schedule labor. Finally, the project team will travel back to the community to work along side the community members to complete the project. This is the start of our relationship with each community, as we form long-term partnerships that bring us back to communities many times for many different projects.
How do you find your projects?
Our projects come from a variety of sources. Often they come through a serendipitous personal connection—one of our members will be aware of a potential project and will spearhead the effort to have it adopted by the chapter. It is also possible for communities to submit projects directly—or with the assistance of a non-governmental organization (NGO)—to EWB-USA. Applications received in this manner are reviewed by EWB-USA and posted on their website for review and adoption by the chapters.
What’s the procedure for adopting a project?
The first step in adopting a project is an evaluation by our Projects committee. If this committee decides the project is appropriate for the chapter, it will make a recommendation to the Executive committee and general membership. The chapter will then vote on whether or not to adopt the project. This decision is highly dependent on what other projects the chapter is already supporting.
For practical reasons a project will usually require at least one individual to take on initial leadership of a project. This initial leader position does not guarantee that a project will be adopted, but rather that there is at least one person leading to make the project concept a reality.
How do you decide which projects to accept?
Our Projects committee uses a decision science tool in order to evaluate potential projects. This tool evaluates projects against a long list of criteria the chapter has agreed are important to it. For more information on this tool, look at the Project Process information under the Projects tab on www.ewb-chicago.org.
Do you do projects in the USA?
Yes we do. Typically, we have worked on Native American reservations, but there are exceptions (for example after Hurricane Katrina). Project within the US in other areas are still a possibility, but are not done frequently.
I know of a project I’d like EWB to take on. How can I get it considered?
There are two ways you can submit a project to us. Please note extensive community input is needed for both. The first is to go to www.ewb-usa.org and fill out an application for a new project. The other way is to talk to the Chicago Professional Chapter directly. We have a committee especially formed to evaluate new projects as they come in the door. Send us an email or attend one of our meetings and we’ll start talking to you about the process.
Is there any technical review of projects?
Yes. All projects are reviewed several times by a committee of volunteers who are experienced in development work. If you have experience in this arena, we’d be pleased to have you involved with this committee. Volunteers review project submittals and participate in monthly conference calls. For this volunteer opportunity, there is a two-month trial period followed by a minimum one-year commitment. Please get in touch with us if you’d like more information on this.
Travel
Do all of your volunteers travel?
No. Whether or not you travel depends on many things, including current project needs, your level of involvement with a project, the capacity or desire of the host community for guests, and personal desire. Many of our members do not travel with us even though they are heavily involved. On average, less than one-third of CPC members have opted to travel – the remaining two-thirds provide domestic support to our international projects and the student chapters we support.
What are living conditions like on a trip?
Conditions are very basic when we travel. Volunteers may camp, be put up in homes in the host community, sleep in a local school or community center, or stay in a very basic hotel if there is one in the community. This is project dependent. Food is generally cooked by local families and is whatever the community commonly eats.
We are often many hours away from medical attention, stores, etc. There are inherent risks and discomforts involved in traveling on our trips, and many people choose not to travel because of this. Please consider these factors carefully when deciding if you want to travel with us or not—and remember you can still get involved if you don’t travel.
How long are trips?
While this is project dependent, trips are typically between 4-20 days. Often project teams have several groups that are phased to extend the time in the community.
Does EWB have insurance?
EWB-USA maintains Errors and Omissions insurance. Travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory of all members traveling on our projects.
What if I’m a vegetarian/have dietary restrictions?
It is important to realize that many of the communities we work in have never accommodated dietary restrictions. For them, eating each day is challenge enough. It is possible that an alternative meal is not available. Additionally, refusing food may offend people who do not understand such restrictions. While we do not restrict people from traveling with special dietary needs, they should understand that cultural sensitivity is a vital part of all projects. At the very least, you should not expect any special accommodations for such restrictions in the prepared food.
How do volunteers get away from day jobs to travel on your projects?
Most employers have been very supportive of employees participating in our projects. While it is true that travel on an EWB project may mean an employee is gone for several weeks, most companies recognize the benefits of EWB. These include recruiting, marketing, and training of their engineers. Support from employers has ranged from donations towards material expenses, supporting employee time, and allowing use of computers, meeting space, and other office necessities. Sometimes employers will pay employee salary while they are traveling; other times they will permit time off without pay. Our volunteers often end up using vacation time for at least a portion of their time while traveling for EWB-USA. If it will help you gain support, one of our experienced volunteers can make a presentation to your office to help explain the organization to your employer.
Funding
How do you fund your projects?
Projects are funded from a variety of sources. Funding for materials comes from companies, individuals, fundraising events, and organizations like Rotary International. Currently, the Chicago Professional Chapter requires all traveling members to fund airfare themselves. Room and board in country are usually donated by the host community and are very basic. The Chapter will pay for medical and evacuation insurance, and remaining in-country travel expenses as possible. Most members assist with fundraising.
If I make a donation, how will my money be used?
You may designate a donation however you choose. This could target a donation for a specific project, or specify that funds can only be spent on construction materials (as opposed to chapter operating expenses, volunteer travel or insurance). If at all possible we ask that you donate to the Chicagoland Chapter general fund without designating to a specific project. Donations must be returned if not spent for the designated purpose, and if a project comes in under budget we’d like to be able to reallocate the remaining portion of your donation to another project. Donors are recognized on our website and in various other ways.
If you make an undesignated donation to the Chicagoland Professional Chapter, 40% is reserved for projects undertaken by our student chapters. These funds are allocated via a grant process. . The remaining 60% is designated for chapter projects. Our chapter does not spend any undesignated funds on chapter operating expenses (brochures, website hosting, etc.) but we do permit these funds to be spent on volunteer insurance and reasonable in-country travel expenses (see ‘How Do You Fund Your Trips?’ and ‘What Are Conditions Like On A Trip?’)
5% of all donations are reserved by EWB-USA for operating expenses.
Is EWB-USA a registered non-profit?
Yes, EWB-USA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation created under the laws of the State of Colorado, USA.
Are EWB-USA expenditures tax-exempt?
At this time, we are not. Tax-exempt status is tricky to achieve and difficult to standardize nationwide. Most student chapters have tax-exempt status through the university.
If you happen to be knowledgeable about tax law and are looking for some pro bono work you can really feel good about, please contact us!
EWB-USA Organization
How is EWB organized?
EWB-USA is a national non-profit. EWB-USA provides general management and technical review services to its chapters. EWB-USA is further divided into regions. The Chicagoland Professional Chapter is a member of the Great Lakes region (www.ewb-greatlakes.org.) The Great Lakes region currently has about 30 chapters in it. Many of these chapters are University chapters, with students leading projects.
Professional chapters, like this one, have a dual purpose of performing our own projects and supporting nearby student chapters technically and financially
What student chapters does the Chicagoland Professional Chapter support?
The Chicagoland Professional Chapter supports 6 student chapters, at Valparaiso, UIUC, UIC, Rose-Hulman, Purdue, and IIT. We are open to supporting and helping to start other student and professional chapters.
We support student chapters by assigning an EWB-CPC member as a liaison to the student chapter. The liaison attends student meetings when possible, provides guidance in chapter organization, project management, fundraising, and other areas. The liaison helps the student chapter connect with resources (knowledge and funding) in the professional chapter
Do you have any paid employees?
EWB-USA has a few paid employees in Denver. These are the people who maintain our non-profit status, manage the accounting, guide projects, etc. There are no paid employees in the Chicago chapter.
Can I apply for a job at EWB?
Job openings are posted at www.ewb-usa.org. There are no international paid positions at this time. There are not any internships available at this time either, however, students are encouraged to volunteer with EWB.
Does EWB-USA have any long-term overseas volunteer positions?
Not at this time. There is not a limit, however, in the number of projects that a volunteer is involved in.
I have not been involved in any of your projects, but I’d like to travel with you. Is this possible?
Probably not. We almost always require extensive involvement with project development in order to travel with us. Part of our philosophy is building long-term relationships with communities, and long-term commitment to our projects is part of that (though of course project teams fluctuate over time.) However, in some cases we do permit new individuals to travel with us. The most common reason for this is to expose someone starting his or her own chapter or project to the full extent of the work.
Are there any women engineers in your chapter?
Yes. EWB-USA is proud of the large percentage of women involved in engineering, leading, and supporting our projects. We value diversity of all types in our membership.
I have a technology/issue I’d like you to be aware of. How can I let you know about it?
We have speakers at our regular monthly meetings and organize workshops and other events additionally. Typically speakers at our meetings are allocated 20-30 minutes. If you would like to present to us, please contact us. We do limit our presenters to issues relevant to our work and sustainable technologies. Past presentations have included anthropologists, professional fundraisers, inventors, student chapters, development workers, and others.
I am interested in mentoring a university student chapter. How do I do that?
The easiest way is to contact either our chapter or the regional leadership. There are a variety of existing relationships that can help you get involved to teach undergraduate to become truly global engineers.
