Lesson 4a - The Global Citizen

We are all passengers aboard the "Spaceship Earth". Some of us may even consider ourselves crew members - I believe that, like the crew of a real spaceship, the crew members will be the ones who are actively fighting for a greater, healthier, cleaner future, or "flightpath" for our spaceship. As a passenger or crew member aboard our spaceship, that also makes us a global citizen - we're all connected to each other in one way or another, and looking at a photo of the Earth just makes you realize how truly interdepent and close to everyone we actually are.

I believe that being a global citizen is different from being a citizen of the country in which you were born or currently live. Even though we live on the Earth, we don't have a passport or birth certificate that applies on a global level. I think that we can choose to become a true global citizen by taking action against some sort of global issue that can be responded to in our communities today.

By becoming a true global citizen, we are also responding to globalization to whatever extent we choose to take. By being aware of the issues around the world and considering our options on how to help the people who are directly affected by these issues, we are embracing the global citizen within, whether it be working towards a healthier environment with an environemntal organization within civil society, or supporting a governmental action against poverty. By making an effort, no matter how small, I believe that we are becoming a citizen of global proportions, as well as responding to the effects of globalization.