Membership of AWS

AWS is a global membership collaboration comprising businesses, NGOs and the public sector. Members contribute to the sustainability of local water-resources through adoption of the AWS Standard.

Members grow and strengthen the stewardship community of practice by advocating the need for a common, independently verifiable, multi-stakeholder inclusive approach to water stewardship.

Who is involved?

Our members comprise businesses facing water risks relating to operations, supply chains, local stakeholders and end of line consumers; public sector organizations working in water-relevant policy; investors and financial service providers seeking to enhance risk management processes; development agencies and NGOs with water-related programmes; sustainability service providers who support the implementation or assessment of standards and CSR programmes.

Why should my organisation join?

AWS Membership serves as a platform to exchange learning and as a vehicle to advance water-related goals. Through AWS organisations connect with and draw upon experience from peers, multi-disciplinary water experts, water-relevant sustainability initiatives and standard systems pursuing compatible objectives. Knowledge acquired through AWS helps Members to refine and improve their water stewardship practices. In survey’s our members tell us that participation in AWS provides them with:

1. Unique knowledge and network building opportunities
2. Access to global expertise in water stewardship
3. First sight of innovations in water stewardship as they emerge
4. Access to AWS tools and guidance as they come on stream

How will my organisation benefit?

AWS members tell us that their participation in AWS helps to strengthen the performance of their organisation in regard to water use, engagement with external stakeholders and sustainability reporting and brand communications.

Operations are enhanced through:

1. An improved understanding on water use, risk and mitigating actions
2. Increased awareness of on-site and catchment level dependencies
3. New connections to local and global stakeholders through AWS networks
4. The strengthening of local and global social license to operate

Engagement with external stakeholders is strengthened through:

1. Participation in a balanced multi-stakeholder collaboration
2. Improved understanding on the varied constituencies impacted by water challenges and responses
3. Advice on strategies for engaging with stakeholders in an open, transparent manner
4. Connections to key individuals and organisations through AWS networks

Brand and communications are strengthened through

1. Demonstrating adherence to a multi-stakeholder endorsed definition of good water stewardship
2. Advice on internal and external communications on water stewardship, strategy and sustainability
3. Access to AWS branding for use on owned media, at business sites and on site-certified products
4. Support for outreach via events, marketing and public relations

What influence do I have as an AWS member?

Members of AWS own and shape the system. As the only stewardship initiative giving equal representation to all sectors we ensure that the diverse constituencies impacted by water-related challenges and responses are equally represented. Members evolve the Alliance for Water Stewardship through:

1. Consultations on the strategic development of the organisation
2. Multi-stakeholder collaborations over the evolution of the AWS Standard and System
3. Being elected to and voting on nominations to the AWS Board or Technical Committee
4. Voting in the AWS AGM, participating in the AWS Forum and in Member working group

Why is being a member organisation important?

Our members tell us that it is the multi-stakeholder nature of our system that provides them with the confidence that they are following the correct path. The different constituencies of AWS – private sector, NGO, public sector and academics – continually challenge each other, and the system, to respond to water-related issues in a way that is transparent, equitable, sustainable and effective.

The ultimate strength of the AWS system lies in the diversity of experience that the members bring to it, and from the group sharing of hard won, locally acquired knowledge on how stewardship can tackle water-related challenges. It is this shared insight, born from the multi-stakeholder nature of AWS governance that gives us, and our members a strong, credible voice on water use and stewardship.

How do I get involved?

Join AWS as a member via the form on the page ‘Apply for AWS Membership’. Membership is open to all organisations motivated to tackling water-related challenges collectively. Membership is open to organisations of any size and in every location. If you have any further questions on whether AWS membership is right for your organisation please arrange a one to one discussion by contacting us on membership@a4ws.org