Joelle
Wyser-Pratte is renowned for charity work around
the world and likes to use the term “Global Citizen”. But she doesn’t preach lofty goals.
Being a good global citizen, and being truly charitable doesn’t require lofty
accomplishments, it just takes sincerity and an open heart. In “How to Raise
a Global Citizen, Wyser-Pratte gives ten
good suggestions of how we can make a difference right at home. “Global action”
usually makes us think of international conferences on global warming, we think
of United Nations food programs and so on. These types of actions are
important, but simple acts, done close to home are just as big a part of the
process and just as essential for success.
Nothing fancy, just a loving approach.
Connecting with other people in the world starts by connecting to those around you-it starts with
your family. The ultimate measure of acting locally mean connecting with those
right next to you who share your home and lives with you. No connection is more
powerful than family connection.
Little kids always ask “why?” So do
something that makes them ask-and then answer them. Joelle
Wyser-Pratte’s work abroad
is really no different than things we can do right here at home, she says.
Passing out food to needy people in Cincinnati is no different, and no less
significant than passing out food to the needy in Nairobi. So join the next
food drive at your local church or rescue mission, ad take your kids with you.
They will surely ask “Hey dad/mom, why are we doing this?” And then you get the
opportunity to tell them that there are needy people, and that doing charity
work is good and right.
Local efforts help the whole world. America may be a rich country, but if
it has even one poor person, that means less aid can go elsewhere. Every person
you help locally increases the chance that they will able, and willing, to help
others elsewhere later.
If you don’t have time to do actual
charity work, but have money to donate, tell you kids what you are doing and why. Joelle Wyser-Pratte suggests have the kids sit at the
table with you while you write the check or make the online donation. Show them
the website and the pictures of the people you are helping. All it takes is a
little local engagement, right around your table, to help your kids be good
global citizens who truly make a difference.
