Lesson 6.2
Lesson Summary, Section Challenge and Summary
Lesson Summary
There are multiple perspectives on how individuals respond and how effective these responses are. Global citizenship places responsibility on individuals to engage in global issues and to act to ensure prosperity for all. The choice to act can be dependent on how realistic and feasible it is for an individual to respond in a globalizing world. Non-action is easy, but it is a less-popular choice because of the increasing connection to the rest of the world and the interdependence of citizens on each other for support.
Section 2 Challenge—Taking Responsible Action
What’s my plan of action?
What can you do? What issues have made you more globally aware of the interdependence of citizens of the world? What responsibilities do you feel you have as a global citizen who has been able to enjoy a relatively good quality of life? What realistic and meaningful actions can you take to help others in the world?
Research
This is a required activity to support the inquiry.
Gather background on the issue and the people affected by it. Use the following list to guide your research:
- Identify the causes of the issue.
- Identify how the issue might impact quality of life.
- Research the region or country and its quality of life or standard of living indicators (for example, personal satisfaction indexes, life expectancy, infant mortality rate, literacy rate, gross domestic income per person, Genuine Progress Indicator, Gross National Health, sense of hope, emotional stability).
Section 2 Summary
Being a global citizen is more than engaging in the process of globalization. The interdependence of communities, economies, and peoples calls upon individuals to respond to the issues that affect others. The prosperity and sustainability of a fair quality of life requires that individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments respond with effective and meaningful action. To be responsible and active global citizens, each individual needs to determine her or his own level of response.
Assignment
Please complete the Challenge: Taking Responsible Action Assignment Assignment at this point.
Section 2 Glossary
civic responsibility: being accountable as a citizen to your community or country
consumer activism: use of your individual purchasing power to influence the decisions and actions of a business
corporate responsibility: the accountability of a business for its actions and decisions
environmental degradation: the process of damaging the land, resources, and climate
feasible: having the potential of being done
interdependence: the condition of relying on or being influenced by another
non-governmental organization: an organization that acts without representation or support from government
standard of living: an indicator of how well citizens can access the basic material necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter