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G L O B A L C I T I Z E N
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G L O B A L S O L I D A R I T Y
C A N A D A I N T H E W O R L D C O M M U N I T Y
W H O O R W H A T I S S U E S M A K E T H E N E W S
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C A N A D A ’ S C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N
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G L O B A L C O N C E R N S
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H O W C A N Y O U H E L P ?
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N G O S
A C T I V I S M P R O J E C T
People have different opinions about what it means to be a global citizen. For some, global citizenship means international trade and investment. For others, global citizenship means being responsible for our earth, its resources, and our fellow citizens.
They are concerned , for example, that technology and industry around the world threatens the environment of the earth as a whole. Still others, see global citizenship as the responsibility to ensure that all the peoples of the world can live in peace, enjoying an adequate quality of life.
Interconnected - Every action from every person affects the world. For example, our pollution in North America can have an effect on the Arctic or another part of the world. We are "connected" with each other.
Interdependent - We are "dependent" on each other. For example, we hope that other countries and continents control their pollution so that we can live in a stable environment.
This interconnectedness and interdependency results in a call for "SOLIDARITY", or, more importantly, a call for
"GLOBAL SOLIDARITY".
What is this image missing? (imagine this image is red , you need to know it!)
1. How can solidarity bind the rich to the poor?
2. How can you become aware of victims of tragedy and war?
3. Give an example of how you can stand up for the rights of the oppressed.
4. If we are all different how can we all be part of "one human family"?
5. Give two examples of weaker members in your society.
Most people would say that Canada is a nation interested in peacekeeping efforts around the world.
We are considered a kind and generous nation that continually aids others in the global community. We are also very much involved in fighting human rights violations and taking care of those who cannot help themselves
What are some international events that Canada has taken an active role in?
Being a global citizen involves an examination of many world issues.
Information about these issues is found in the media. We have grown up accustomed to watching news stories that grab the attention of an audience.
These news stories often deal with violence, destruction, and disaster and are developed in ways that attract attention. Usually the story is presented vaguely and the audience has to determine the cause of the issue. Determining the cause of an issue takes research and time because it always has deeper origins than the event itself.
These negative images develop a view in our head. This view is usually stereotypical. A stereotype is a snapshot view of a person, place or event. It does not portray the whole picture because it is only a glimpse of the story.
In reality, we have to move beyond these stereotypes and recognize that there is always another side to the story.
For example, poverty and unhappiness are always linked in the media. What if you link poverty and happiness? Does this look right? People in all nations are engaged in some positive growth, and there is happiness in a nation that is poverty stricken.
Being a global citizen involves examining the whole issue and looking at solutions that will benefit the common good.
Take 10 minutes and investigate Canada's current global participation. You are to find 3 examples of
Canada's global involvement (e.g., peacekeeping efforts such as Afghanistan, the Balkans, or Haiti, OR involvement in international organizations such as the International Court of Justice).
You can use the following website to find out more about peacekeeping efforts: http://www.canada.gc.ca/aboutcanadaausujetcanada/peace-paix/menu-eng.html
Be ready to share your results with the class.
There are many international issues that affect everyone.
The following are Global concerns, what are others that aren’t listed?
Child labour
Child poverty
AIDS in Africa
Health Care in Developing Countries
Everyone has come across a time in their life when they wished things had turned out differently. Believe it or not, this is a vital part of active citizenship. Active citizens believe that they can create change in many different ways before a problem becomes increasingly difficult.
Throughout history these active citizens have attempted to alter events that were affecting their human rights. What can we do as citizens? How can you stand up for Human Rights?
Human rights are essential to our growth as individuals and our growth as a community. We need to respect the dignity of every human being and find a way to promote the common good throughout the world. How can you help to ensure human rights are respected around the world?
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Keep informed about global concerns . Watch the news, read the newspaper, explore the
Internet. In this information age, we have access to an abundance of information.
Educate yourself about global issues . If you are interesting in learning more about a topic, take some time to look into it.
Make others aware of human rights violations . Promote awareness in your school or join an activist group.
Use the Methods of Non-Violent Action . You will find a list of these below.
Use your rights to foster the rights of others.
Methods of Non-Violent Action:
Write a letter
Create a petition
Join a local activist group
Create a song, art, children's book, computer game, a symbol with a message
Get involved!
Lobby a committee or group
Organize or participate in an awareness assembly
Organize or participate in a protest
Join an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
Found an NGO
Non-Governmental Organizations
There are many ways in which individuals or groups can act to support organizations and projects beyond the borders of their own countries. Some of these organizations and projects are undertaken directly by the government.
Others are a result of Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs). Most NGOs depend on a small amount of government assistance or none at all.
Instead, they receive contributions from private citizens and groups. These NGOs often focus on one-to-one contact with the local people that they are helping. Many NGOs prefer to be completely independent from government policies and priorities.
NGOs
Below is a list of NGOs that you may be familiar with. Do you know what any of these organizations do?
Amnesty International
Doctors Without Borders
Sierra Club
International Olympic Committee
World Bank
World Trade organization
Greenpeace
Goodwill Industries
Oxfam
Red Cross
Canadians Against Violence
From now until the end of the period on Thursday you will be completing an Activism Project
INDIVIDUALLY!
Please see the handout for the instructions.