8.3.2 Local Action

8.3.2 Local Action

How should I respond to globalization?

Have you heard the phrase, "think globally, act locally"? The phrase originated as a description of how to act with respect to the environment. The idea is that what we do to our local environment affects the global environment.

The same is true for human rights. If we are sure that human rights are respected in our own communities, then we can act as examples to other parts of the world. If we do not protect our rights in our own country, how can we advise others?

Today, actions in one part of the world can act as a ripple in a pond with far-reaching effects.

For example, when an Afghani family of refugees immigrates to Canada, the children, including sons and daughters, must attend school. These young girls now have freedom and an education. When they write to their friends back home, they communicate that these rights exist. Afghani women at home come to understand that greater rights are possible, and they can begin to lobby their husbands, fathers, brothers, and government for increased rights.

You can take many actions locally to support increased human rights by trying to understand and accept the perspectives of those around you. Canada is made of people with many worldviews. If you treat people of all races, religions, and genders fairly and as equals even when you do not agree with their points of view, you are doing your part to make the world a better place.

• Stay informed: Give attention to what is going on around you. Local issues are linked often to larger issues. If a corporation is logging the forests around you without respect for replanting, it is probably doing the same elsewhere. On the other hand, some reasons for its action may not be obvious at first. You can almost always find more information about any topic over the Internet or through other news sources. Your critical reading, viewing, and thinking skills will help you decide what to believe when an issue arises. 
  
  
• Speak up and speak out: When you learn about something that violates the rights of others, speak out through a personal statement, a letter to the person responsible, a letter to the press, a call to a talk show, a visit to a leader, an e-mail or comment on a blog, participation in a discussion forum, or response within a website. You can ensure that your local governments and authorities respect the rights of all by opposing injustice. If you find that your local police force refers to members of minorities by insulting and stereotypical names, or that a town counsellor discriminates against women, or that a school board member makes racist jokes, you can speak out. If your employer treats you without respect because of your age, know your rights and take action. 
  
  
• Dollar voting: Most people in Canada purchase their goods locally although their purchases are produced all over the world. If you find that the corporation that sells you food or other consumer goods is responsible for human rights or environmental abuses, you can avoid buying products from it. If you make that decision, let the seller know. He or she is probably part of a larger organization and may be able to exert some pressure on the larger corporation.