Global Citizens: Changing The World
Often times, when asked about my nationality, or why I support certain causes, I tend to flounder as I try to ascertain how to identify myself to the person I’m speaking with. This happens often to us Third Culture Kids (TCK) and global citizens, as I’ve mentioned before.
I recently came across the following quote by Howard Zinn which reads, “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can change the world.” I couldn’t think of a more accurate description of how I feel about where I truly reside and why I strive to better the world that we all live in.
The age of the internet has, for many intents and purposes, erased borders and boundaries. For the most part, no matter where you live, you can find yourself easily abreast of situations anywhere across the globe. What may have gone unnoticed previously in pockets all over our world can now be projected to many thanks to social media.
Harnessing the power of the internet to create a global citizenship can be an incredible tool for the betterment of our generation and generations to come. It is so much easier to find information about causes that you care about and become active within them-and that is a wonderful thing.
Knowledge is power, and in that sense, each of us has the capacity to become more and more powerful by the infinite sources of learning that are offered thanks to technology and the internet.
Knowledge can also be wearying, as sometimes the ability to constantly be made aware of heartaches and sorrowful situations that need attention can drain you, quite literally, of energy, hope, etc. It’s a very fine line to balance your passions and advocating for change with your personal life and energies.
By defining myself as a global citizen, I have found myself gravitating toward awareness issues that I always have: education, poverty, the environment and healthful and spiritual living. Despite my fervent belief that my voice matters, I have found myself at times in need of a positive reminder that I can make a difference–as can you.
Each of us can now lend a hand to bettering society for the future-and I urge you, no matter where you physically abide, to take note of this ability and use it to assist others.
Truly, we are all global citizens, sharing the same earth, environment and atmosphere…and with our united efforts, surely we can make this world a better place.
