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Global Citizenship

1.3 billion people live on less than $1 a day. Another 2.5 billion live on less than $2 per day.  Half of the world’s population struggles daily on what many people in the United States spend typically on their morning cup of coffee. 

Today, we live in a "global village," inter-connected and interdependent with people who are tens of thousands of miles away. In the midst of all our technological advancement, there are still people who live in astonishing poverty. Have you ever thought about being part of the solution to end global poverty? If you answered “yes,” then keep reading. 

There are ways YOU can make a difference to create a safer and more equitable world for all children and families.  Read on.

We Are Global Citizens

Problems don’t stop at borders.  Take the environment, for example.  We all breathe the same air.  Water flows from one place to the next.  To succeed in a world without borders, we need to recognize that there is less and less distinction between “us” and “them.”  Millions suffering in poverty is a problem that does not stop at borders. It breeds illness and discontent, and keeps humankind from advancing.  The less suffering and strife there is in the world, the better off we all are.

Children of today are leaders of tomorrow. We are at a point in the history of humanity where it is not just enough for today’s youth to be academically challenged, physically fit and morally inspired.  Children of the 21st century have an opportunity and a responsibility to reach out beyond their neighborhood, school and community to the wider world and understand the connections that bind us together in our global village. 

Photographer: Jim Stawniak

Creating Hope And Opportunity

Our increasingly interdependence brings all citizens around the globe more closely connected through environmental concerns, communications, information technologies, trade, travel, public health, among other things.  Children of today need to be prepared to live in a world characterized by change. They need to be prepared to make informed judgments and work out solutions to adapt and thrive in a world characterized by change. In our interdependent world, we cannot ignore the poverty, hopelessness and despair that affect our fellow human beings.  As global citizens, it is in our best interest to do something, learn how we can help others and improve conditions for the less fortunate.  No one on this planet can truly live fully while anyone among us lives in want or despair. We are all connected as a human family. In a world gripped by conflict and strife, what happens in other countries does matter to the lives of Americans. There are solutions for reducing global poverty. There are ways you can get involved to learn how those solutions take place and what YOU can do to create hope and opportunity for many less fortunate children and families.  It can be a very rewarding experience that you and your peers will most surely find moving, powerful and inspiring.