Global Citizen

Historically human beings always have organized themselves into groups and communities based on shared identity. Such identity gets forged in response to a variety of human needs - economic, political, religious, and social. As group identities grow stronger, those who hold them organize into communities, articulate shared values, and build governance structures that reflect their beliefs.

global citizens:

1. Respect fellow humans, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or political views.
2. Appreciate diversity and the benefits it can offer any advanced society.
3. View no single society or culture as inherently superior to any other.
4. Cherish the natural world and respect the rights of all living things.
5. Practice and encourage sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
6. Work to eradicate poverty and inequality in all their forms.
7. Support economic institutions that act transparently and in the public good.
8. Strive to resolve conflicts without the use of violence.
9. Feel responsibility to help solve pressing global challenges in whatever way they can
10. Think globally, act locally

Although growing numbers of people are interested in making a positive impact, global citizenry still lives in the abstract in many circles. For example, while most people would say that they support human rights and environmental protection, they seem to view activists for these causes with a mix of scorn and indifference. This view stems from the public’s general lack of understanding of global issues and the role of activists in addressing them. Global citizenry is not about protest; although sometimes protest is necessary. Nor does it require extensive travel. Global citizenry requires awareness and action consistent with a broad understanding of humanity, the planet, and the impact of our decisions on both.

Attitudes take time to change, but change does come. It wasn't long ago that racism, sexism, and xenophobia were the norm in countries that are now considered progressive. The direction of history appears to be in favor of greater empathy and greater social consciousness. The dream of a fairer and more sustainable planet will be realized when we enact change in our everyday lives.