Fall 2009 - Global Citizenship
Welcome to the CCEL Spotlight for fall 2009! Here you'll find information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunties that tie into our specific theme. This fall, CCEL will be focusing on the idea of global citizenship and what it really means to be a responsible, ethical and engaged global citizen. There's no better time than now to get informed and involved — break out of the campus bubble and challenge yourself to be engaged in both local and international affairs!
Image courtesy of Oxfam Education
WHAT IS GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP?
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a citizen is defined as "a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it." In a legal sense, the concept of a global citizen is an inherent contradiction. How can a person become a global citizen if there is no international sovereign body that asks allegience from or provides protection to its people? On the other hand, no doubt remains that we live in an increasingly interdependent world where the actions of one nation directly affect the lives and wellbeing of people in other nations. In economic, political, cultural and environmental terms, we are all connected. According to Oxfam Education, Global Citizenship is "the acknowledgement of our responsibilities both to each other and to the Earth itself." A global citizen is defined as someone who:
- Is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen
- Respects and values diversity
- Has an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally
- Is outraged by social injustice
- Participates in and contributes to the community at a range of levels from local to global
- Is willing to act to make the world a more sustainable place; takes responsibility for their actions.
(Oxfam 1997)
Through our fall 2009 Spotlight, we will highlight special events that relate to Oxfam's definition of global citizenship while also spotlighting organizations and people that prove themselves models of "global citizenship" through their actions and efforts in both the local and international commununity.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Global Opportunities: Serve, Learn and Earn
Interested in learning a different language, immersing yourself in a different culture, or just broadening your understanding of the world around you? Attend the Global Opportunities Panel and learn about short-term and long-term possibilities for studying, volunteering and even working abroad. This event will take place on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the 1914 Lounge in Thwing Center.
Previous Events
Fall 2009 Convocation: Greg Mortenson
What difference can one person make? Find out on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 when Greg Mortenson, founder of the Central Asia Institute and co-author of the best-selling book "Three Cup of Tea" comes to Severance Hall to speak about his mission to build schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Learn about his journey to bring education to some of the most remote and politically conflicted regions of the world. This event takes place at 4:30 p.m. on August 26 and is free and open to the public. Please register online by August 24, 2009 to reserve seating.
Break out of the Bubble! Community Service Fair
Join CCEL on Friday, September 4, 2009 for an open house highlighting programs, events and volunteer opportunities that will allow you to connect with the greater Cleveland community. Talk with representatives from University Circle institutions and network with coordinators of student organizations, area hospitals, local non-profit agencies and post graduate programs to find ways to get involved both on a local and international level! The event will take place from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. in the Thwing Center Ballroom.
2009 Inamori Ethics Prize: Mary Robinson
The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University has named global human rights, health care, sustainability and corporate responsibility advocate Mary Robinson the recipient of the 2009 Inamori Ethics Prize. "Mary Robinson embodies the ideal of global ethical leadership," said Shannon French, director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, which oversees the award’s selection process. "She is widely recognized as one of the most eloquent and passionate defenders of human rights in the world." The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. in Severance Hall. Immediately following, Mary Robinson will give a public lecture on "New Challenges to Human Rights in the 21st Century."
Annisfield-Wolf/SAGES Lecture: Jamaica Kincaid
As part of their "Cultures of Green" Humanities Week, the Baker Nord Center for Humanities will host Jamaica Kincaid on Tuesday, September 22 in Amasa Stone Chapel at 4:30 p.m.. Internationally acclaimed author Jamaica Kincaid, winner of the 1997 Annisfield-Wolf Book Award, speaks about writing and her works, which explore sense of place, the colonial past and post-colonial present, and tragic familial relationships. Registration is required.
Ohio Fair Trade Exposition
The Ohio Fair Trade Expo will take place at John Carroll University on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.. This event will bring together fair trade advocates, supporters, students, and entrepreneurs from across Ohio who are interested in fair trade. The expo is intended to be an educational event that will empower students, members of faith communities, and consumers to become advocates for fair trade. In addition to speakers and workshops, the day will feature a Fair Trade market, bringing together 20+ vendors from across Ohio with a variety of fair trade gifts, clothing, and food & drink products. CCEL will provide transportation to members of the campus community interested in attending the event. For more information, visit our online registration page.
Beside the Golden Door: Immigration and the American Experience
The Maltz Museum of Jewish History will be sponsoring a panel discussion of immigration specialists to discuss whether America still opens it arms to those seeking freedom and opportunity here. This event is part of the Maltz Museum’s special exhibit on the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and the cultural heritage of the city and will take place on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Maltz Museum. Cost is $10/$8 (members).
Ethics and Climate Change: Andrew Light
The Baker Nord Center for Humanities will bring Andrew Light to campus as the keynote speaker for the 2009 "Cultures of Green" Humanities Week. Andrew Light is director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University and associate professor of philosophy and environmental policy, as well as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. He is an international expert on climate change policy and will address the relationship between ethics and climate change in his keynote address. The event will on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in Amasa Stone Chapel. Registration is required.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP IN CLEVELAND
October Spotlighted Organizations
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage opened in 2005 as a living testament to the courage and achievements of Cleveland’s Jewish community. From October 1-31, 2009, the Maltz Museum will be celebrating Cleveland's cultural heritage with an exhibition on the Cleveland Cultural Gardens; artifacts, costumes and items from various cultures and traditions; and events, activities, food and performances throughout the month. This exhibit demonstrates the international heritage and cultural diversity of Cleveland communities.
September Spotlighted Organizations:
Global Medical Initiative (GMI) is a USG recognized student group at Case Western Reserve University with a mission to "to send medical supplies to developing countries, advocate global health issues on campus, and develop leadership qualities in those who want to become involved in global health ." To this end, they have organized numerous benefit dinners that raise money towards international relief efforts. GMI works closely with Cleveland-based non-profit, MedWish International.