Global Citizenship Means Caring in 2022 and Beyond

Dear Educator,

Civics and government studies the relationship between a nation and its citizens. In the U.S., citizens have rights to speak freely, practice their desired religion, and numerous other rights that are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. We also have responsibilities—to vote, to be educated about candidates and issues, and to volunteer our time, to name a few. We are also citizens of the world, of Earth, and we are Earth’s stewards. As global citizens, we must also educate ourselves to do what is right to continue living on a healthy and prosperous planet. In other words, we must teach students to care about their world. This week, we take a look at citizenship in its many forms. Encourage your students, regardless of the subject area in which you teach, to focus on being better citizens in the world.

Women too were denied the right to vote until the era of women’s suffrage in the 1800s and the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment. This Lesson Map explores this topic in depth. Make sure students who turn voting age, which is 18, are registered to vote and participate. Many people have fought to ensure they are able to vote. Voting is one of the major rights that distinguishes a democracy from other forms of government. Let’s get out and do it!

Around the world, as women have established voting rights, earned educations, and entered society as important and contributing members, many have made huge strides and become leaders or have distinguished themselves in their field. This map identifies many of these women around the globe.

How we take care of one another helps form the basis of a cooperative, healthy society. By the 1800s, many people realized that social reforms were needed to make life fairer for those with little to no political power, such as children, who cannot vote. This exclusive Lesson Map explores the important topics of this era and those who took a deep look at our society and tried to make amends.

Citizenship does not only apply to one’s country. We are also citizens of Earth. Our interaction with our physical environment has an impact on the planet on which we live. Climate change, in particular, is an issue that affects us today and will affect generations to come. This Field Trip explores the issues surrounding climate change. Like an educated citizen of the U.S., a global citizen must learn about the world in which they live, in order to institute the policies and create the changes needed to sustain us.

Fortunately, many of the world’s major powers agreed that climate is an issue that must be tackled on a global scale. This article explains the Paris Climate Agreement—a document signed by the leaders of these countries that requires each country to address the issues causing climate change head-on.

Lastly this week, we want to remind students that there are things they can do. For our youngest readers, this GNN Junior article explains the trend known as plogging. While out walking or running, ploggers carry garbage bags and gloves to clean their routes. If able, have students plog around your school to keep the environment clean. Make sure to remind them to wear gloves, however, and be careful of anything sharp or dangerous. Have students suggest other ways they can contribute to making Earth a better place!