Building practical solutions through youth, volunteers, and community leadership.
At We Can Work It Out Inc., we believe communities thrive when people come together to solve real problems with creativity, compassion, and hands‑on collaboration. Our Community Innovation work brings youth, volunteers, and technical experts together to design and build solutions that strengthen families and neighborhoods. We'd love to have you on board!
We are actively developing the In-Wall Miniature Sewage Treatment System (IMSTS), an innovative and compact wastewater treatment unit tailored for new and existing homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and small residences (Tiny Homes). This system will revolutionize how we manage wastewater in residential settings.
A first‑of‑its‑kind, in‑wall wastewater treatment system supporting affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and youth workforce development.
The In‑Wall Miniature Sewage Treatment System (IMSTS) is a compact, point‑of‑use wastewater treatment unit designed to fit inside a standard wall cavity. It supports Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tiny homes, and small‑lot housing by reducing sewer capacity barriers and providing decentralized wastewater treatment.
The IMSTS project is led by Henry Hawthorne, Vietnam‑era veteran, inventor, and founder of We Can Work It Out Inc. (WCWIO). WCWIO coordinates the community, youth training, and volunteer engagement aspects of the project.
Volunteers contribute 2–10 hours per week, remotely or in person.
WCWIO integrates youth trainees into the project, offering hands‑on experience in:
Henry Hawthorne Founder, We Can Work It Out Inc. 📞 916‑705‑7421 📧 henry@yeswecanworkitout.org 🌐 www.yeswecanworkitout.org
We are seeking technical volunteer mentors to support the development of the first working prototype and to help guide youth trainees through hands‑on learning.
Supports construction of the housing, internal chambers, brackets, and structural components.
Guides wastewater flow path design, piping, seals, gaskets, and pressure testing.
Assists with sensor installation, low‑voltage wiring, microcontrollers, and data logging.
Advises on bio‑media, aeration, filtration, and treatment performance.
Helps integrate mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and environmental components into a complete unit.
Runs leak tests, flow tests, simulated wastewater cycles, and documents performance.
Supports installation of the prototype inside an ADU wall cavity and ensures safe, code‑aligned connections.
Flexible — 2 to 10 hours per week, remote or in‑person.
The IMSTS project provides a hands‑on, real‑world learning environment for youth and young adults in WCWIO programs. Through this initiative, youth gain exposure to green‑tech, fabrication, environmental systems, and teamwork.
This training supports WCWIO’s mission to prepare youth to become skilled, confident contributors to their families and communities.
Youth participants will:
Volunteers help youth by:
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