Responding to Issues

What are political, social, and environmental responses to the opportunities and challenges?

How have well-known citizens responded to issues in a globalizing world? 

Secretary-General Kofi Annan talks with singer Bob Geldof, organizer of the Live 8 Concert in London's Hyde Park. The concert was organized to focus on poverty in Africa.

The relationship between globalization and prosperity is an important understanding that motivates some citizens to take action. They acknowledge that the impacts of globalization have caused disparity in the prosperity of people in the world. Their actions reflect that they have taken on the responsibility to find solutions to the economic, political, social, and environmental issues.

Internet

Research the Internet to find out how well-known citizens have responded to global issues. Examine the actions of citizens such as the Dalai Lama, Naomi Klein, Bob Geldof, Bill Gates, Vandana Shiva, and Jesus "Chucho" Garcia. You may wish to research additional people who are well known for similar actions.

Write your own response to the final discussion question: Which individual’s response most reflects your ideal of citizenship in a globalizing world?

Why and how should we respond as global citizens?

We assume that most people will respond in emergencies. We often turn to our friends, family, and community to help us when we need them. In most situations the people around us quickly respond. What about global emergencies? Is a global response required from all citizens? If we choose to respond, how can we respond?



Research 
Responding to Global Events

Select three current global events from the digital or print archives of a newspaper that occurred in the last six months. What happened? Where did it happen? What can you do from where you live? How will you respond to the appeal for international aid?