Resolutions and pledges

[Boyd Roberts]

New Year is the time for resolutions – when we set ourselves personal goals or targets, or ways in which we want to improve ourselves.

These are personal, and may often be private.

Pledges are more public, and sometimes involve committing to something devised collectively or by others.

I was wondering about the possible place for pledges within the IGC Award. The Award is intended to be a group and collective activity, as well as a journey for individual participants. Peer to peer reflection is encouraged, group activities may be involved and Influence and involvement with others is one of the four components of the Award. Involving participants in the process of deciding who of their fellow participants should receive the Award is also very much encouraged.

Has anyone devised or used a pledge in the context of the Award, or elsewhere within school? Please share any experiences by replying below.

Here are some pledges I have come across. The first group are specifically concerned with global citizenship, and the two following ones relate to a specific more limited area.

Would you be interested in using a pledge within the Award – possibly as a voluntary part of the concluding parts of the programme at each level, or perhaps at silver level and above?

It would be very interesting to get the views of participants.

Please share any views below.

Global Citizen pledges

The Pledge of a Global Citizen – Global Citizen Corps

I hereby pledge to live as a global citizen throughout my life from this day forward.

I will strive for a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and seek innovative means to address them.

I understand that my actions will have consequences that will have an impact on other parts of the world as well as future generations.

I take it upon myself to think critically about the social and environmental consequences of my actions.

I will make purchases carefully, taking into account the social and environmental factors of the creation and transport of all consumer goods.

I will minimise the waste I produce and make a positive impact on the environment.

I will build awareness of issues of social and environmental justice in any and all communities that I am part of.

In whatever field I find myself employed, I will do everything I can to ensure that it adheres to the utmost standards of social and environmental consideration.

I understand that the only way to truly achieve lasting change is

to further develop a globally connected mindset

and engage those around me to foster fair, equal and sustained partnerships with others in this world.

For this reason I, as a global citizen, will strive to reach a deeper understanding of issues relevant to global poverty, and acting with compassionate, acting as an advocate and activist for positive change in the world.

http://www.globalcitizencorps.org/pledge

 

ePALS global citizen pledge

(ePALS is a web-based educational community for students)

What is a global citizen? A global citizen is someone who:

• Wants to learn more about the global community to which we all belong.

• Understands the interconnectedness of the world (socially, culturally, politically, economically, and physically.)

• Believes in responsible stewardship of the environment.

• Has a respect for human rights and cares about injustice.

• Promotes peaceful conflict resolution.

• Is aware of global issues, takes responsibility for global issues, and takes action to make the world a better place.

Are you ready to take the ePals Global Citizen pledge? Click here.

I am a global citizen. I understand that I am connected to the wider world and that I can improve social, political, economic and physical aspects of the world in which I live.

I pledge to make a positive difference in the world...

                                   

...and I will try to do one of these activities today:

1. Play the Free Rice game and give rice to those who need it

2. Calculate your carbon footprint

3. Make a 2-minute video about what being a global citizen means to me

4. Post in the Global Citizens forum

http://en.community.epals.com/epals_cares/b/global_citizens_activities/archive/2012/05/10/global-citizens-pledge.aspx

 

The Orchid School, Pune, India

I pledge that I am a global citizen too.
Protecting the planet earth, promoting peaceful co-existence,
I will absorb the beauty and richness of other cultures
Show reverence to all religions, faith and traditions,
Treat people from all ethnic groups and races,
With same humility, dignity and respect,
That I would like them to show to me.
To myself and my country,
I pledge to be a locally rooted globally competent citizen.

http://www.theorchidschool.org/the-orchid-pledge.html

 

Other pledges

The Palm Oil Pledge, Rainforest Foundation US

As an educated and informed global citizen, I pledge for one week to not buy products containing palm oil.

I understand the devastating effects palm oil production and consumption has on the environment, the health and the livelihoods of both indigenous and local people throughout the world.

By choosing products that contain no palm oil, my actions will decrease the global demand for palm oil production and promote the health and rights of local communities.

http://www.rainforestfoundation.org/palm-oil-pledge

Pledge on eating fish in the UAE, American Community School in Abu Dhabi

http://www.greenprophet.com/2011/05/live-uae-school-children/

Peace Pledge - Peace Day Philly, Philadelphia, USA.

http://www.peacedayphilly.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Pledge-for-Peace2.pdf

 

Comments and reactions please.