Andrew Dunkle Asks What Makes a Good Global Citizen?

Andrew in Italy

So a lot of my day is actually spent off Go Overseas and on other websites and blogs. I really enjoy reading about and interacting with fellow travelers who are either teaching, studying, or volunteering abroad (this is actually the best part of my job). I recently came across a couple posts that were discussing 'what makes a good global citizen,' and why anyone should care. I personally think that there is no right answer that fits within everyones framework, but it is becoming an increasingly important concept to explore and discuss as more people seek out opportunities abroad. I spent an afternoon thinking about the issue and then decided to share my thoughts with the rest of the community.

In my mind a global citizen is someone who..

• ..is outraged by social injustice.
• ..respects and values diversity.
• ..has an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally.
• ..is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen.
• ..participates in, and contributes to, the community at a range of levels from the local to the global.
• ..is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place.
• ..takes responsibility for their actions.

Admittedly, as I thought about each of these points I became aware that while I strive to fulfill each of these goals, my actions don't always emulate what I truly believe in. I know this is something that a lot of people struggle with, whether they are aware of it or not, so I decided to take the extra step and physically print this list to put on my refrigerator. I have found that a daily reminder is all I need to reaffirm my desire to become a good global citizen.

Question of the Blog: What do you think makes a good global citizen?