DANBURY, CONN. — Even though our very existence depends on water, we don’t think much about it as we turn on the tap at the kitchen sink. But there are many places throughout the world that don’t have easy access to clean water. So what can members of the local community do about making sure that everyone has clean, fresh, available water?

On Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, WestConn and Roots & Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute, will host a symposium on the international water crisis that will address water conservation, sanitation and access. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ives Concert Hall, White Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White Street, Danbury.

“Most environmental issues in the world can be tied to water,” said Shawn Sweeney, Roots & Shoots program coordinator for the university program and youth leadership issues, a title he’s held since August. Founded by Goodall, Roots & Shoots is a program that promotes positive environmental change.

“Many communities are unaware of these looming threats to our environment, and even less aware of how to have an impact,” Sweeney said. “The purpose of the symposium will be to discuss how to effect change and what we can do as a community and as individuals to help curb these threats.”

The panel speaking on water issues — from pollution of water sources to remediation and clean-up — will include Goodall and Dr. Chris Kukk, associate professor of political science and director of the honors program at WestConn, who will address privatization of water resources as a worldwide issue.

Kukk will highlight the debate about whether water should be treated as an economic commodity or a human right. “The proponents for treating water as a commodity are winning the debate in many parts of the world,” Kukk said.

Sweeney said some of the local impact can be as individual as food choices we make. For instance, making people aware of how much water it takes to grow produce abroad versus locally. “Our action can have impact abroad,” Sweeney said.

“The symposium is supposed to build awareness and highlight the fact this is a global issue,” said Sweeney. “We’ll talk about global and local issues, and we’ll offer solutions so that we can make changes in our everyday lives.”

For questions regarding this event, contact Shawn Sweeney in the Roots & Shoots College and University Programs Office at WCSU at ssweeney@janegoodall.org, (203) 837-3260.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.