How Drinking Coffee Can Help Others Drink Clean Water [Q&A]
This week, Goodnet speaks with Joseph Koenig, the founder of a coffee company with a cause.
Joseph Koenig is the Founder of Three Avocados
Three Avocados is part of a growing movement that promotes doing good with a simple staple – coffee. Some organizations combine coffee and storytelling to create community, while others use coffee to boost local businesses, or to donate to good causes. But Three Avocados uses coffee for one, clear aim– to provide clean water to those who need it.
The nonprofit hopes to achieve its lofty goal by selling coffee and donating the proceeds to clean water initiatives across Uganda. Since its founding in 2010, Three Avocados has built water filtration units in more than a dozen villages throughout the country.
In this week’s 10 Good Questions, Goodnet talks to Joseph Koenig, the founder of Three Avocados, to learn more about what drives him to do good.
1. What is your organization’s mission?
Three Avocados' mission is to use coffee as a vehicle to improve the lives of those living in poverty. Right now, that means using coffee to provide clean drinking water. Hopefully, in my lifetime, clean water won't be an issue and we'll have to choose another way to make an impact.
2. What makes you guys different from the rest?
We're organized as a non-profit and ‘giving’ is at the absolute core of everything we do.
3. What three words describe your organization?
Giving, Compassion, Coffee.
Three Avocados simple model reaffirms their motto: "Drink coffee, save lives"
4. What inspires you?
My first trip to Uganda in 2010 is my inspiration. It really opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and how I can use my gifts to help others.
5. Who's your favorite good doer figure?
Rich Stearns, the CEO of World Vision, an organization dedicated to lifting children and families out of poverty. He's a true advocate for those in need.
6. What is the best part about your job?
Being able to know that what you're doing is making a real difference.
7. How do you measure success within your organization?
By what we're able to give. The whole purpose of the organization is to give and fund projects. The more we give, the more successful we are.
Three Avocados has partnered with numerous organizations to bring clean water to more thna 20,010 people
9. What do you want Goodnet users to know about your organization?
We're passionate about giving and producing quality coffee. We're in it to make an impact and we hope they want to become a part of the story!
10. How can people get involved?
Drink our coffee! Seriously though, helping us get the word out to boutique shops, businesses, churches, and friends is completely invaluable.
