To become a true ethical global citizen, awareness must be raised. Taking action is becoming more prevalent in today's society to combat global issues. In 2011, our world was faced with a numerous amount of conflicts and issues: the Arab-Spring, the European and Global Debt Crisis, the death of Kim Jong-Il, and many more. In addition to the events that occurred just in 2011, we are also constantly at war with reoccurring and ongoing problems: poverty, lack of education, lack of clean water, human rights violations, and world hunger, just to name a few.
In our Take Action textbook, we are introduced to a new concept of global citizenship, the C.A.R.E model standing for compassion, action, responsibility, and equality. These four qualities represent core values to being a true global citizen. This model can aid a citizen to become a true global citizen by implementing a foundation for ethical decision-making.
Compassion: "Show caring by being attentive to people's various needs, and by treating everyone with kindness, concern, and generosity, regardless of outcomes." (Take Action - pg. 66) Through this element, people can take interest and become compassionate about an issue.
Action: "Take initiative to act." (Take Action - pg. 66) This proves very helpful because people in dire need can be helped and change can be created through those who are compassionate and are willing to take action and create change!
Responsibility: "Be trustworthy and reliable; be accountable for all your actions and only make commitments that you can and will honour." (Take Action - pg. 66) Having integrity and taking responsibility for your actions can be extremely rewarding and very beneficial. Recognizing the need for responsibility is not only a step toward becoming a global citizen, it is a step in recognizing one's true self.
Equality: "Strive for fairness...Treat all people with honour, courtesy, dignity, civility, and esteem." (Take Action - pg. 66) Equality is still a very big problem in today's society, not just North America, but around the world. Inequality is very prevalent, even in our own schools. Acknowledging inequality and striving for equality is what becoming a global citizen is all about; treating everyone as equals both in your community, your nation, and our world!
Putting all four of these values together create a true ethical global citizen. Each of these values acknowledge a different aspect of being a global citizen. These will be the people who can change the world!
In my opinion, I feel that a mix between responsibility and equality are the most important values of the C.A.R.E Model. Inequality is an ongoing issue still today, and recognizing and improving this issues will make our world a better place. In addition, responsibility also plays a key and prominent role due to the fact that everyone needs to be responsible and accountable for their actions. Both of these values take into consideration the other values as well.
With this C.A.R.E Model, people will truly care and we will change the world!
