Circle of Blue

Mission Statement

Circle of Blue is the international network of leading journalists, scientists and communications designers that reports and presents the information necessary to respond to the global fresh water crisis, one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. It is a nonprofit affiliate of the Pacific Institute, the prominent water, climate and policy think tank.

Brief History

Circle of Blue co-founders J. Carl and Eileen Ganter grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. For more than a decade, they have been at the forefront of online multimedia journalism. Their award-winning work has appeared in most major international news outlets, including Time, National Geographic and CBS Sunday Morning. Research shows that water is the axis issue that intersects the world's greatest challenges, from health, poverty and security to climate, immigration and the environment. In the United States, the emergence of severe drought in the southeast and California is part of an urgent water crisis that is draining the Great Lakes, reducing snow packs in the West, and producing new competition for water between farmers, industries and residents of the Midwest. Circle of Blue makes important, complex and long-term issues personal and relevant. The Ganters have developed a new journalistic model that integrates data management and communications design, engaging all the languages of the social dialogue. Circle of Blue's team includes top photojournalists, scholars, policy advisors, communicators, data managers, reporters, artists and designers from around the world. With an initial grant from the Ford Foundation, Circle of Blue premiered its pilot in Mexico City concurrent with the World Water Forum in 2006. J. Carl Ganter serves on the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars "Navigating Peace" initiative and has presented at the World Economic Forum, the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Clinton Global Initiative. Circle of Blue publishes WaterNews, the online source for daily water coverage. Referenced by National Geographic, Vanity Fair and the Christian Science Monitor, Circle of Blue's reporting is called a "must read" by the Council on Foreign Relations. From its headquarters in Traverse City, Circle of Blue has taken its place on the world stage, informing and inspiring the choices that define water's future for generations to come.

Volunteer Opportunities

Circle of Blue embraces professionals in journalism, editing, sponsor development, media, technology and design who are passionate about making a difference in a creative, diverse, international environment.

Giving Opportunities

Visit www.circleofblue.org to contribute online.

• Expanded Great Lakes coverage
• Data research and visualization
• Outreach and presentations at key international events
• Staff and intern positions for journalism, science and research, multimedia and design
• First global survey to define responses to the water crisis

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