Welcome to GLIR4S Global Issues: Citizenship and Sustainability
Let's be global citizens together! This course is based on the principles of active democratic citizenship, ecological literacy, critical media literacy, and ethical decision-making, and consolidates learning across the disciplines to empower you to be agents of change for a sustainable and equitable future.
You will conduct inquiry into the social, political, environmental, and economic impact of contemporary and emerging global issues. Through your inquiry, you will focus on questions of quality of life locally, nationally and globally. As a mandatory component of the course, you will plan and prepare to implement a community-based Action-Research Project.
Global Issues is an optional course offered at the Specialized (S) level.
Students conduct inquiry into the social, political, environmental, and economic impacts of contemporary and emerging global issues. Through their inquiry, students focus on questions of quality of life locally, nationally and globally. This course is based on the principles of active democratic citizenship, ecological literacy, critical media literacy and ethical decision-making. This course brings together information and ideas from different disciplines, in order to empower students to be agents of change for a sustainable and equitable future.
Course Outline
dmci_grade_12_global_issues_course_outline_2023-2024.pdf | |
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Let's Connect on Social Media
Instagram: @msadennis
Twitter: @msadenniswpg
Hashtag: #dmciglobal
There are many great global issues organizations on twitter (I refuse to call it X). Follow them to keep on top of current topics and find out how you can get involved in projects that you are passionate about. Remember that we need to #bethechange
Twitter: @msadenniswpg
Hashtag: #dmciglobal
There are many great global issues organizations on twitter (I refuse to call it X). Follow them to keep on top of current topics and find out how you can get involved in projects that you are passionate about. Remember that we need to #bethechange
Global Citizenship
Global citizenship is the idea that everyone is part of a worldwide community. There are four parts of this citizenship, including civic responsibilities, cultural awareness, environment, and global economy. Global citizens look for how people of the world are both different and the same.
A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world - and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable.
Global citizenship is all about encouraging each and every one of us to develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to engage with the world. And it's about the belief that we can all make a difference.
Do you see yourself as a GLOBAL CITIZEN?
A global citizen is someone who is aware of and understands the wider world - and their place in it. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable.
Global citizenship is all about encouraging each and every one of us to develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to engage with the world. And it's about the belief that we can all make a difference.
Do you see yourself as a GLOBAL CITIZEN?
what_does_it_mean_to_be_a_global_citizen_learning_reflection.pdf | |
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Take some time to explore the Global Citizen website below and learn how individuals around the world are taking action and making an impact. Add to your Learning Reflection by discussing what you notice about the website, the positives and/or negatives, and what stories or causes are most meaningful to you.
Global Citizen Website
Global Citizen Website
SJR YOUth in LEADership Conference 2018
YOUth in LEADership is a conference run by youth from St. John's Ravenscourt for youth. The one day conference will feature two keynote speakers, a student speaker and 3 interactive break out sessions. The day will focus on equipping and inspiring youth to “make an impact” either on a small or large scale. You will meet like minded globally focused students from all over the province. The conference will take place on Monday, February 26, 2018 @ St. Johns Ravenscourt School , 400 South Drive.
Student permission forms are available in my classroom (Room 51) and all completed registration forms and $10 conference fees are due no late than Tuesday, February 20th
Youth in Leadership Website Registration and Information
Here are some bus options to get you there before 8:50 a.m.
Origin: 720 Alverstone Street
Destination: 400 South Drive
Arrive Before: 08:50, Mon, Feb 26, 2018
Copy and paste the large URL below into a browser window or use the Navigo trip planner link here.
http://winnipegtransit.com/en/help-text/trip-planner
Student permission forms are available in my classroom (Room 51) and all completed registration forms and $10 conference fees are due no late than Tuesday, February 20th
Youth in Leadership Website Registration and Information
Here are some bus options to get you there before 8:50 a.m.
Origin: 720 Alverstone Street
Destination: 400 South Drive
Arrive Before: 08:50, Mon, Feb 26, 2018
Copy and paste the large URL below into a browser window or use the Navigo trip planner link here.
http://winnipegtransit.com/en/help-text/trip-planner
Everybody Has The Right Conference: CMHR 2019
The Exploring our Journey conference took place on May 7, 2019 at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. It focused on Human Rights and included activities that students took part in during the morning and afternoon.
The agenda was as follows:
Tuesday, May 7th, 2019
Grades 7 – 12 Canadian Museum of Human Rights
9:30 Students arrive at CMHR and meet Ms. Dennis
10:00 – 11:45 Exploring the Land
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 The Story of the Journey
2:00 – 2:30 Debrief and Dismissal
The agenda was as follows:
Tuesday, May 7th, 2019
Grades 7 – 12 Canadian Museum of Human Rights
9:30 Students arrive at CMHR and meet Ms. Dennis
10:00 – 11:45 Exploring the Land
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 The Story of the Journey
2:00 – 2:30 Debrief and Dismissal
Borovoy Conference on Rights and Freedoms 2019
For over 20 years, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association/Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust's Borovoy Conferences have engaged youth in explorations of concepts that were of great importance to former CCLA General Counsel Alan Borovoy (see video links below) — rights, freedoms, and critical thinking. Each conference feature a diversity of speakers including legal and Charter of Rights and Freedoms experts, community leaders, and activists, and cover current and impactful civil liberties and equality issues.
Participating students come away with sound understandings of balancing competing rights, countering injustice, and advocacy strategies. They will have also met and spoken with the people making positive social change and highlighting the civil liberties barriers and injustice in their communities and across the country.
The CCLA website below outlines some current issues they have taken on as well as ways that you can get involved and take action.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Website
https://ccla.org/
Remembering the FLQ Crisis
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2672182695
Participating students come away with sound understandings of balancing competing rights, countering injustice, and advocacy strategies. They will have also met and spoken with the people making positive social change and highlighting the civil liberties barriers and injustice in their communities and across the country.
The CCLA website below outlines some current issues they have taken on as well as ways that you can get involved and take action.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association Website
https://ccla.org/
Remembering the FLQ Crisis
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2672182695
University of Manitoba Bus and Parking Information
Pay Stations in Park & Pay areas accept coin, VISA or MasterCard.
Single space meters accept *COIN ONLY and are noted below with an asterisk.
Payment by phone via the ParkMobile App is also available in lots with the exception of the University Parkade, Robson and Freedman Crescent single space metered areas.
$2.00 per hour: Lots AC, L, Q, U Please note: The parking lot closest Robson Hall is the L Lot
Parking Map: University of Manitoba: see link below
http://umanitoba.ca/campus/parking/media/Parking_Map_Web.pdf
Here are some bus options to get you there before 8:40 a.m.
Origin: 720 Alverstone Street (or your own home address)
Destination: 224 Dysart Road (University of Manitoba's Robson Hall)
Arrive Before: 08:35, Thursday, May 9, 2019
Note: you will need to walk for around 7 minutes from the Dafoe Station to Robson Hall.
Copy and paste the large URL below into a browser window or use the Navigo trip planner link here.
https://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo?busguide_redirect=no
Please note, meters do not provide change or refunds. Change for meters is available from the Welcome Centre.
The Learning Network - What's Going On In This Picture?
Periodically we will be looking at an "image of the day" and thinking critically about what we see in it. You will have opportunities to discuss your predictions with your table groups and if you wish, you can also blog your responses on the site.
After looking closely at the image think about these three questions:
• What is going on in this picture?
• What do you see that makes you say that?
• What more can you find?
Click on the link below to access the The New York Time's The Learning Network and scroll down to the bottom of the page to click on the yellow multimedia tab.
https://www.nytimes.com/column/learning-whats-going-on-in-this-picture
After looking closely at the image think about these three questions:
• What is going on in this picture?
• What do you see that makes you say that?
• What more can you find?
Click on the link below to access the The New York Time's The Learning Network and scroll down to the bottom of the page to click on the yellow multimedia tab.
https://www.nytimes.com/column/learning-whats-going-on-in-this-picture
What Three Degrees of Global Warming Looks Like
2020 A Decade of Action
Global Issues Target Areas and Areas of Inquiry
global_issues_areas_of_inquiry_and_sub_topics.pdf | |
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As you begin choosing your topics for the seminar sessions, you will likely want to explore one of the 10 focus areas listed below in some capacity or another. There are MANY sub topics listed in the PDF file below and the following website provides you with resources as well. The most important thing is that you choose an area of inquiry that YOU want to learn more about and that YOU want to share with others.
Media
Consumerism
Environment
Poverty, Wealth and Power
Indigenous Peoples
Peace and Conflict
Oppression and Genocide
Health and Biotechnology
Gender and Identity
Social Justice and Human Rights
Social, Political and Economic Issues That Affect Us All
The following websites present numerous global issues, aiming to show how they are inter-related.
http://www.globalissues.org/
https://takeactionmanitoba.org/areas-of-inquiry-2/
Learning Journals
Most of us know how important it is to reflect on what we experience or learn. keeping a learning log or journal helps us to make sense of our lives and process things in a deeper and more meaningful way. A learning journal is a collection of notes, observations, thoughts and other relevant materials built-up over a period of time and usually accompanies a period of study, a placement experience or fieldwork. In the Global Issues course, students will be expected to keep a record/refection of their learning with a journal. Click on the file below to read more about Learning Journals and how you can respond in a more meaningful way.
Global Issues - GLIR4S:
Here are some journal prompts which you may wish to use as you inquire, analyze, synthesize and reflect on your learning.
Learning Journal and Discussion Prompts
Include Title of Topic and Details
Global Issues - GLIR4S:
- Inquiry/Process Log/Journal 30% - Duo tang REQUIRED
- Each class ends with a few lines to one page of what you did during class. Journals will be checked weekly, and marks allotted for each entry completed. Here you share your thoughts and ideas about as well as reflections regarding topics being covered.
- Each class ends with a few lines to one page of what you did during class. Journals will be checked weekly, and marks allotted for each entry completed. Here you share your thoughts and ideas about as well as reflections regarding topics being covered.
Here are some journal prompts which you may wish to use as you inquire, analyze, synthesize and reflect on your learning.
Learning Journal and Discussion Prompts
Include Title of Topic and Details
- How do I think/feel about this?
- What do I still have questions about?
- What is something I will remember?
- Additional thoughts/comments…
- Is this a Global Issue? Why or why not?
learning_journal_guideline_pdf.pdf | |
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learning_log_rubric.docx | |
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Seminar Discussions
In this course you will be responsible for bringing topics to the discussion table and leading productive and worthwhile seminars within your table groupings. There are also times when you will be presenting to the entire class. The following documents will provide you with more information regarding the expectations, as well as tips you can use to get the conversation flowing. The following seminar assessment rubric will be used although supplementary assessments may take place as well.
seminar_discussion_outline.pdf | |
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seminar_presentation_rubric_global_issues.pdf | |
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What Should a Successful Student Led Seminar Look Like?
The Socrates Method of student-led discussion elicits student ownership, deep thinking, critical questioning (see PDF below), academic vocabulary usage and a rooted sense of community. Use the two PDFs below to ensure that you are hitting the key target areas of student-led discussion. The Checklist will be used my myself when I am observing the seminars as they are occurring.
seminar_checklist_revised.pdf | |
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how_to_ask_questions_that_prompt_critical_thinking.pdf | |
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Inquiry in the Classroom
"Inquiry" is defined as "a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge -- seeking information by questioning." Individuals carry on the process of inquiry from the time they are born until they die. This is true even though they might not reflect upon the process. Memorizing facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Facts change, and information is readily available -- what's needed is an understanding of how to get and make sense of the mass of data. (Source: thirteen/org/edonline) I have included two files below that show some basic inquiry starter questions. Feel free to use or to create your own.
individual_inquiry_starter_questions.pdf | |
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examples_of_syrian_inquiry_questions.pdf | |
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Still needing an idea for your seminar discussion?
The following link takes you to the 10 Areas of Inquiry. When you click on each one, you will be shown many sub topics related to that area of study. Remember that the seminar will only be about 20 minutes in length so choose a topic that is SPECIFIC and NARROW ENOUGH that you can fully dive into it. For exampe, if you were looking at health related issues, choose only ONE to focus your inquiry on (deadly childhood allergies).
takeactionmanitoba.org/areas-of-inquiry-2/:/
takeactionmanitoba.org/areas-of-inquiry-2/:/
Take Action!
We know that it is not enough to learn about local and/or global issues of importance. It is our duty as global citizens to take a step toward making positive changes. The following blog will assist students interested in taking action for a more just and sustainable world. Click on the link for ideas and inspiration.
https://takeactionmanitoba.org/
https://takeactionmanitoba.org/category/action-project-examples/
aMUSE Journey Take Action Project "Standing up Against Stereotypes" as it also outlines the key steps in taking action.
http://www.workshops4girls.com/amuse-journey-take-action-project.html
Taking it Global empowers youth to understand and act on some of the world's greatest challenges. Click on the following link for different grade based action projects.
http://www.tigweb.org/tiged/projects/index.html?page=2&page=1
Kids Go Global is a website for Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools to explore Global Issues and then work alone or with NGOs to take action locally and globally. Resources and links are geared for the different grade levels.
http://www.kidsgoglobal.net/the-issues
Previous DMCI Take Action Projects Videos and Links
The following video was used as a discussion starter by students implementing a workshop on discrimination and racism.
This next video was created by a DMCI Global Issues student who wanted to focus on hearing LGBTQ teen voices.
The following video was created to raise awareness for Clean Water Initiatives and to inspire others to get involved in a similar cause. They implemented a basketball tournament #keeptheballmoving to raise awareness and funds to donate to a clean water initiative.
One of our DMCI Global Issues students created a powerful video to highlight the issue of Human Trafficking in Canada. Click on this link Human Trafficking in Canada to access it.
Another DMCI Global Issues student used her passion for volleyball and connected it to the cause of mental health. She implemented a Volleyball fundraiser #embrAceyourMind to raise funds and awareness in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Two different DMCI Global groups focused on Animal Protection and Care. Each fundraising for different local shelters and charities.
One student chose to make a positive impact for newcomer students. She organized a mindfulness workshop where youth could learn strategies to de-stress and come together in a relaxed setting.
Take Action Presentations and Summative Reports
As part of your Take Action project, you will be asked to present your learning journey to your classmates. This can be done using a Powerpoint/Google Slide presentation similar to the one below. Please ensure that you adhere to the Presentation and Report Guidelines detailed in your Take Action Planning Booklet. See me if you have any questions regarding this aspect of the course.
take_action_project_embraceyourmind_2017.ppt | |
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International Development Week
Manitobans have long supported positive global change by committing their time, energy, and money to make a difference all around the world. This year's global theme is "Together for Gender Equality".
Chosen from a pool of young Manitoba applicants interested in learning about global gender equality and the art of spoken word, Sophia Abolore, Urooba Ahmed and Jay Webster worked with MCIC’s public engagement specialist, Keana Rellinger and professional spoken word artist, Steve Locke, to write and record this collaborative piece. These Fort Richmond Collegiate students created a spoken word poem about gender equality in places around the world, including Canada. It's titled "What We Teach". Click on the YouTube link below to view their powerful message.
Chosen from a pool of young Manitoba applicants interested in learning about global gender equality and the art of spoken word, Sophia Abolore, Urooba Ahmed and Jay Webster worked with MCIC’s public engagement specialist, Keana Rellinger and professional spoken word artist, Steve Locke, to write and record this collaborative piece. These Fort Richmond Collegiate students created a spoken word poem about gender equality in places around the world, including Canada. It's titled "What We Teach". Click on the YouTube link below to view their powerful message.
Earth Day: No Time to Waste
On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development.
In North America and around world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants.
Earth Day is now a global event each year, and we believe that more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
Source: earthday.org
In North America and around world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants.
Earth Day is now a global event each year, and we believe that more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
Source: earthday.org
Take Action Planning Booklet Term 3 Mark
Please complete the first FOUR tasks (Tasks 1-4) in your Take Action Planning Booklet as well as answering the 6 Take Action Project Planning Questions (on two pages) that follow those first FOUR tasks.
This will be due on TUESDAY March 31st by 3:30.
You will be given class time on Monday, March 30th to ensure that you have completed all of these tasks and to check over your work to see that is aligned with the rubric requirements.
This will be due on TUESDAY March 31st by 3:30.
You will be given class time on Monday, March 30th to ensure that you have completed all of these tasks and to check over your work to see that is aligned with the rubric requirements.
Human Rights in Canada
Since signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the Canadian government has attempted to make universal human rights a part of Canadian law. There are currently four key mechanisms in Canada to protect human rights: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and provincial human rights laws and commissions.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Canada
Watch the video below to learn more about the story of Human Rights...
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Canada
Watch the video below to learn more about the story of Human Rights...
Explore the World of Human Rights at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Click on the link below to access and explore exhibits, resources and blogs.
https://humanrights.ca/act/what-are-human-rights/explore-world-human-rights
On April 12, 2017, Malala Yousafzai called on Canada to play a leadership role in promoting education for girls and refugees around the world Wednesday after becoming an honorary Canadian citizen.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/malala-parliament-address-citizenship-1.4067088
Interactive Timeline of Malala's Story
http://poy.time.com/2012/12/19/interactive-timeline-malala-yousafzai/
https://humanrights.ca/act/what-are-human-rights/explore-world-human-rights
On April 12, 2017, Malala Yousafzai called on Canada to play a leadership role in promoting education for girls and refugees around the world Wednesday after becoming an honorary Canadian citizen.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/malala-parliament-address-citizenship-1.4067088
Interactive Timeline of Malala's Story
http://poy.time.com/2012/12/19/interactive-timeline-malala-yousafzai/
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Outbreak: The Coronavirus and it's Global Impact
activating_questions.pdf | |
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As the media continues to report on the spread of the global spread of the Coronavirus, let's take some time to look back on a similar outbreak and the effects here in Canada...SARS.
Quiet Streets
In a region with over 11 million people, the streets below are eerily silent. Do you think these precautions will reduce the spread of the Coronavirus? Knowing what you do about the SARS outbreak, do you think that countries around the world are doing enough to stop the virus from further infecting people?
In a region with over 11 million people, the streets below are eerily silent. Do you think these precautions will reduce the spread of the Coronavirus? Knowing what you do about the SARS outbreak, do you think that countries around the world are doing enough to stop the virus from further infecting people?
Life in Quarantine
What is life like when you are in quarantine? Click on the link below to read and watch how Canadians are keeping busy while quarantined due to the Coronavirus.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/quarantine-cruise-coronavirus-1.5455933
What is life like when you are in quarantine? Click on the link below to read and watch how Canadians are keeping busy while quarantined due to the Coronavirus.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/quarantine-cruise-coronavirus-1.5455933
By now, you've likely been bombarded by multiple media reports around the topic of the Coronavirus. But what exactly is it and should we be fearful of it and it's global impact?
What effects will it have, if any, on the global economy?
Myths Debunked and Epidemiologists
What effects will it have, if any, on the global economy?
Myths Debunked and Epidemiologists
How the Virus is Spreading
Protesting Pipelines
pipeline_protests_learning_probes.pdf | |
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The RCMP began enforcing an injunction earlier this month that prevents interference with construction of a $6.6-billion natural gas pipeline in northern British Columbia.
Here is a Global News timeline of the dispute, along with rail disruptions by people showing solidarity with the hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs opposing the Coastal GasLink project:
Dec. 31, 2019 — The B.C. Supreme Court grants Coastal GasLink an injunction calling for the removal of any obstructions including cabins and gates on any roads, bridges or work sites the company has been authorized to use.
Jan. 1, 2020 — The Wet’suwet’en First Nation serves Coastal GasLink with an eviction notice, telling the company workers are “currently trespassing” on their unceded territory.
Jan. 27, 2020 — The British Columbia government appoints former New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen as a provincial liaison with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs in the LNG pipeline dispute.
Jan. 30, 2020 — The hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en agree to seven days of meetings with the province.
Feb. 5, 2020 — The talks that were intended to de-escalate the dispute fail after just two days.
Feb. 6, 2020 — Protesters outside of Belleville, Ont., east of Toronto, start holding up railway traffic.
Feb. 7, 2020 — Via Rail halts service along one of its busiest routes because of the Belleville-area blockade. All travel between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal is cancelled. Canadian National Railway obtains a court injunction to end a demonstration by members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory near Belleville. Protesters also begin disruptions at ports in Vancouver and Delta, B.C.
Feb. 8, 2020 — Protesters in Toronto disrupt Canadian Pacific Railway traffic moving through the downtown.
Feb. 9, 2020 — Kahnawake Mohawk community members south of Montreal erect a blockade on a CP rail line.
Feb. 10, 2020 — Demonstrators in the Montreal area disrupt commuter train service on the Exo Candiac line. A shuttle bus service is in effect for affected rail stations.
Feb. 11, 2020 — CN stops transport between Prince George, B.C., and Prince Rupert, B.C., because of a blockade near Hazelton, B.C. The company says it has halted more than 150 freight trains since blockades started on Feb. 6.
Feb. 12, 2020 — The Manitoba government says it may seek a court injunction to end a blockade on a rail line west of Winnipeg, but CN obtains its own court order. The RCMP also formally end enforcement operations in a region of northern B.C. that’s at the centre of the pipeline dispute. Two hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs start a constitutional challenge of fossil fuel projects, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls for demonstrators across the country to observe the rule of law.
Feb. 13, 2020 — CN shuts down its operations in Eastern Canada. The railway says blockades have ended in Manitoba and may come down soon in British Columbia, but the orders of a court in Ontario have yet to be enforced and continue to be ignored.
Feb. 14, 2020 — A rail blockade that halted train traffic to and from the Port of Prince Rupert is lifted as First Nations leaders agree to meet with federal and provincial politicians. A date for that sit-down is to be arranged. CN spokesman Jonathan Abecassis says the blockade was removed overnight.
Feb. 15, 2020 — Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says “modest progress” was made in talks with the Mohawk First Nation over a rail blockade that’s shut down train service across much of Eastern Canada. But Miller declined to say what progress was made after nine hours of meetings on Tyendinaga Mohawk territory near Belleville, Ont., saying he would deliver that message to Trudeau directly.
Feb. 16, 2020 — Trudeau cancels his planned trip to Barbados, less than 24 hours before his scheduled departure, so he can handle the protests in Canada. Meanwhile, protesters briefly shut down a busy Ontario border crossing.
Feb. 17, 2020— Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group, an emergency committee that meets in the event of a national crisis. Moments after, the Thousand Islands Bridge, which connects Canada to the U.S., was closed in response to a new blockade that was set up in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en protests taking place across the country. The bridge re-opened at around 3 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2020 — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Perry Bellegarde addressed the tensions over a British Columbia pipeline project, the Coastal GasLink, and the nationwide protests it spawned. During the address, Bellegarde responded to a question about who the responsibility over the infrastructure disruptions fell on, saying it "falls on everyone," from members of the government to hereditary chiefs, and called on all parties to start dialogue in a constructive way.
Feb. 19, 2020 — Via Rail announces that they are laying off close to 1000 rail employees due to protests and rail blockades.
Here is a Global News timeline of the dispute, along with rail disruptions by people showing solidarity with the hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs opposing the Coastal GasLink project:
Dec. 31, 2019 — The B.C. Supreme Court grants Coastal GasLink an injunction calling for the removal of any obstructions including cabins and gates on any roads, bridges or work sites the company has been authorized to use.
Jan. 1, 2020 — The Wet’suwet’en First Nation serves Coastal GasLink with an eviction notice, telling the company workers are “currently trespassing” on their unceded territory.
Jan. 27, 2020 — The British Columbia government appoints former New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen as a provincial liaison with Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs in the LNG pipeline dispute.
Jan. 30, 2020 — The hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en agree to seven days of meetings with the province.
Feb. 5, 2020 — The talks that were intended to de-escalate the dispute fail after just two days.
Feb. 6, 2020 — Protesters outside of Belleville, Ont., east of Toronto, start holding up railway traffic.
Feb. 7, 2020 — Via Rail halts service along one of its busiest routes because of the Belleville-area blockade. All travel between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal is cancelled. Canadian National Railway obtains a court injunction to end a demonstration by members of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory near Belleville. Protesters also begin disruptions at ports in Vancouver and Delta, B.C.
Feb. 8, 2020 — Protesters in Toronto disrupt Canadian Pacific Railway traffic moving through the downtown.
Feb. 9, 2020 — Kahnawake Mohawk community members south of Montreal erect a blockade on a CP rail line.
Feb. 10, 2020 — Demonstrators in the Montreal area disrupt commuter train service on the Exo Candiac line. A shuttle bus service is in effect for affected rail stations.
Feb. 11, 2020 — CN stops transport between Prince George, B.C., and Prince Rupert, B.C., because of a blockade near Hazelton, B.C. The company says it has halted more than 150 freight trains since blockades started on Feb. 6.
Feb. 12, 2020 — The Manitoba government says it may seek a court injunction to end a blockade on a rail line west of Winnipeg, but CN obtains its own court order. The RCMP also formally end enforcement operations in a region of northern B.C. that’s at the centre of the pipeline dispute. Two hereditary Wet’suwet’en chiefs start a constitutional challenge of fossil fuel projects, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls for demonstrators across the country to observe the rule of law.
Feb. 13, 2020 — CN shuts down its operations in Eastern Canada. The railway says blockades have ended in Manitoba and may come down soon in British Columbia, but the orders of a court in Ontario have yet to be enforced and continue to be ignored.
Feb. 14, 2020 — A rail blockade that halted train traffic to and from the Port of Prince Rupert is lifted as First Nations leaders agree to meet with federal and provincial politicians. A date for that sit-down is to be arranged. CN spokesman Jonathan Abecassis says the blockade was removed overnight.
Feb. 15, 2020 — Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says “modest progress” was made in talks with the Mohawk First Nation over a rail blockade that’s shut down train service across much of Eastern Canada. But Miller declined to say what progress was made after nine hours of meetings on Tyendinaga Mohawk territory near Belleville, Ont., saying he would deliver that message to Trudeau directly.
Feb. 16, 2020 — Trudeau cancels his planned trip to Barbados, less than 24 hours before his scheduled departure, so he can handle the protests in Canada. Meanwhile, protesters briefly shut down a busy Ontario border crossing.
Feb. 17, 2020— Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group, an emergency committee that meets in the event of a national crisis. Moments after, the Thousand Islands Bridge, which connects Canada to the U.S., was closed in response to a new blockade that was set up in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en protests taking place across the country. The bridge re-opened at around 3 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2020 — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Perry Bellegarde addressed the tensions over a British Columbia pipeline project, the Coastal GasLink, and the nationwide protests it spawned. During the address, Bellegarde responded to a question about who the responsibility over the infrastructure disruptions fell on, saying it "falls on everyone," from members of the government to hereditary chiefs, and called on all parties to start dialogue in a constructive way.
Feb. 19, 2020 — Via Rail announces that they are laying off close to 1000 rail employees due to protests and rail blockades.
World Wealth Distribution
Income Equality Exercise
Click on the PDFs below to rate the countries around the world in terms of HOW equal they are are in terms of income equality.
Click on the PDFs below to rate the countries around the world in terms of HOW equal they are are in terms of income equality.
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Did you know?
“Women and girls are among those who benefit least from today’s economic system. They spend billions of hours cooking, cleaning and caring for children and the elderly. Unpaid care work is the ‘hidden engine’ that keeps the wheels of our economies, businesses and societies moving. It is driven by women who often have little time to get an education, earn a decent living or have a say in how our societies are run, and who are therefore trapped at the bottom of the economy,” states Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar.
Women do more than three-quarters of all unpaid care work. They often have to work reduced hours or drop out of the workforce because of their care workload. Across the globe, 42 percent of women of working age cannot get jobs because they are responsible for all the caregiving, compared to just six percent of men.
The report shows governments are massively under-taxing the wealthiest individuals and corporations and failing to collect revenues that could help lift the responsibility of care from women and tackle poverty and inequality.
At the same time, governments are under-funding vital public services and infrastructure that could help reduce women and girls’ workload. For example, investments in water and sanitation, electricity, childcare, healthcare could free up women’s time and improve their quality of life. For example, providing access to an improved water source could save women in parts of Zimbabwe up to four hours of work a day, or two months a year.
“Governments created the inequality crisis —they must act now to end it. They must ensure corporations and wealthy individuals pay their fair share of tax and increase investment in public services and infrastructure. They must pass laws to tackle the huge amount of care work done by women and girls, and ensure that people who do some of the most important jobs in our society —caring for our parents, our children and the most vulnerable— are paid a living wage. Governments must prioritize care as being as important as all other sectors in order to build more human economies that work for everyone, not just a fortunate few,” said Behar.
- The world’s 2,153 billionaires have more wealth than the 4.6 billion people who make up 60 percent of the planet’s population.
- The 22 richest men in the world have more wealth than all the women in Africa.
- Women and girls put in 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care work each and every day —a contribution to the global economy of at least $10.8 trillion a year, more than three times the size of the global tech industry.
- Getting the richest one percent to pay just 0.5 percent extra tax on their wealth over the next 10 years would equal the investment needed to create 117 million jobs in sectors such as elderly and childcare, education and health.
“Women and girls are among those who benefit least from today’s economic system. They spend billions of hours cooking, cleaning and caring for children and the elderly. Unpaid care work is the ‘hidden engine’ that keeps the wheels of our economies, businesses and societies moving. It is driven by women who often have little time to get an education, earn a decent living or have a say in how our societies are run, and who are therefore trapped at the bottom of the economy,” states Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar.
Women do more than three-quarters of all unpaid care work. They often have to work reduced hours or drop out of the workforce because of their care workload. Across the globe, 42 percent of women of working age cannot get jobs because they are responsible for all the caregiving, compared to just six percent of men.
The report shows governments are massively under-taxing the wealthiest individuals and corporations and failing to collect revenues that could help lift the responsibility of care from women and tackle poverty and inequality.
At the same time, governments are under-funding vital public services and infrastructure that could help reduce women and girls’ workload. For example, investments in water and sanitation, electricity, childcare, healthcare could free up women’s time and improve their quality of life. For example, providing access to an improved water source could save women in parts of Zimbabwe up to four hours of work a day, or two months a year.
“Governments created the inequality crisis —they must act now to end it. They must ensure corporations and wealthy individuals pay their fair share of tax and increase investment in public services and infrastructure. They must pass laws to tackle the huge amount of care work done by women and girls, and ensure that people who do some of the most important jobs in our society —caring for our parents, our children and the most vulnerable— are paid a living wage. Governments must prioritize care as being as important as all other sectors in order to build more human economies that work for everyone, not just a fortunate few,” said Behar.
Is Inequality On The Rise?
Income inequality has risen sharply since the 1970s in most advanced economies around the world, and has been blamed for increasingly polarised politics.
Click on the articles below for more information.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/sep/09/inequality-is-it-rising-and-can-we-reverse-it
https://www.oxfam.org/en/5-shocking-facts-about-extreme-global-inequality-and-how-even-it
Income inequality has risen sharply since the 1970s in most advanced economies around the world, and has been blamed for increasingly polarised politics.
Click on the articles below for more information.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/sep/09/inequality-is-it-rising-and-can-we-reverse-it
https://www.oxfam.org/en/5-shocking-facts-about-extreme-global-inequality-and-how-even-it
Student Mental Health
Why are so many students suffering from anxiety and depression? CBC's the Current talks to UBC president Santa Ono, who knows the issues both professionally and personally. This is an unfortunate and timely podcast as the University of Ottawa is left realing from five student deaths by suicide in just 10 months.
On Monday the university informed students of the weekend death of an unidentified student. By Tuesday afternoon, days before reading week when student stress is at a high, university president and vice-chancellor Jacques Frémont didn’t mince words at a press conference when he called the situation a “crisis” and pleaded with struggling students to seek support. This is just one example of a mental health crisis that is gripping students today.
Frémont, in a statement Tuesday, said he grieves “side-by-side” with the “student’s family, friends, and loved ones, and to everyone who knew them.”
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/15760841-student-mental-health-national-affairs-panel-on-pipeline-protests-hogans-alley-sexual-misconduct-in-running
On Monday the university informed students of the weekend death of an unidentified student. By Tuesday afternoon, days before reading week when student stress is at a high, university president and vice-chancellor Jacques Frémont didn’t mince words at a press conference when he called the situation a “crisis” and pleaded with struggling students to seek support. This is just one example of a mental health crisis that is gripping students today.
Frémont, in a statement Tuesday, said he grieves “side-by-side” with the “student’s family, friends, and loved ones, and to everyone who knew them.”
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/15760841-student-mental-health-national-affairs-panel-on-pipeline-protests-hogans-alley-sexual-misconduct-in-running
Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) isn't a new learning approach, however it's gained traction over the past few few years as students of all ages report increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Universities are starting to look at the importance of implementing SEL practices in their classrooms, especially in the first year courses where students feel particualrly overwhelmed and isolated.
The province of Ontario added SEL to their health and physical Education curriculum. Click on the link below to take a look at some of the outcomes from K to Grade 8.
https://www.ontario.ca/document/health-and-physical-education-grades-1-8/social-emotional-learning-sel-skills
The province of Ontario added SEL to their health and physical Education curriculum. Click on the link below to take a look at some of the outcomes from K to Grade 8.
https://www.ontario.ca/document/health-and-physical-education-grades-1-8/social-emotional-learning-sel-skills
Distance Learning Starts Now...
Lessons Learned from the Spanish Flu of 1918
More than one hundred years ago, when the world was recovering from WWI which had already killed approximately 20 million people, the world suddenly had to contend with something even more deadly: a flu outbreak. What lessons can we learn from a global pandemic that took place over a century ago? What are the comparisons between that flu outbreak and this one? These are just some of the topics we will be exploring in the coming days.
For more information, click on the link below to read more about the Spanish Flu.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200302-coronavirus-what-can-we-learn-from-the-spanish-flu
https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/29/health/1918-flu-history-partner/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200302-coronavirus-what-can-we-learn-from-the-spanish-flu
https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/29/health/1918-flu-history-partner/index.html
Staying Sane in a Pandemic
Throughout history there is plenty of research that connects periods of economic peril to a rise in mental-health disorders. The same can be said for global pandemics. When we looked back at the Sars Outbreak of 2003, some of the people who lived through it still struggled with mental health effects. Most of us are feeling on edge, unsure, angry, perhaps even fearful. These are all natural feelings during any time of uncertainly. The real question is what can we do about it? How can maintain important social connections while still abiding by the strict physical measures that have put in place to protect all of us?
I don't have any easy answer, however I felt that it would be worthwhile to dig a little deeper into what is happening in our brains during these times of crisis. Once we know what is going on, perhaps we can use different strategies to mitigate the effects and work on a proactive mental health approach.
I don't have any easy answer, however I felt that it would be worthwhile to dig a little deeper into what is happening in our brains during these times of crisis. Once we know what is going on, perhaps we can use different strategies to mitigate the effects and work on a proactive mental health approach.
The good news is that around the world mental health organizations and responding in full force. Changing their platforms to largely online formats in order to reach as many people as they can. Canada is no exception. With a quick internet search, I landed on several excellent websites which I will list below.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
Kids Help Phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Anxiety and Panic Support
https://anxietypanicsupport.com/
How Teenagers Can Protect Their Mental Health During Covid-19
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teenagers-can-protect-their-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
http://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19
Kids Help Phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Anxiety and Panic Support
https://anxietypanicsupport.com/
How Teenagers Can Protect Their Mental Health During Covid-19
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teenagers-can-protect-their-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Coping Strategies
The University of Regina released some excellent coping strategies to help us during this time. See how many of them are doable for YOU.
Acknowledge your feelings.
What can we do to manage the stress and anxiety that may occur during this time of uncertainty? Plenty, starting with recognizing that it makes sense to feel stress or anxiety in these circumstances. There’s nothing weak or irrational about feeling stressed or anxious during this time of uncertainty.
In fact, accepting this is the first step towards managing your emotions. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling (without judgment). You can do this by writing your feelings and thoughts down in a journal, talking to trusted others, and/or expressing them through a creative activity.
Breathe.
When we are stressed or anxious, our breathing becomes more shallow and our lungs are not being filled with air from the bottom-up. This, in turn, promotes more stress.
Learning how to breathe “correctly” is important for all of us but especially when we are stressed and anxious. To do this, take a moment and exhale to empty your lungs then slowly breathe in picturing your breath going all the way down to your diaphragm and filling your lungs from the bottom to top (when doing this, picture your lungs like empty balloons being filled up with air). When your lungs are filled, there will be a natural pause, then exhale. Don’t rush this – you don’t want to get light-headed. Do this a few times then notice how your body feels more relaxed.
Pay attention to your thoughts.
Your body responds to what you think about, so if you are having a lot of worry thoughts, your body is going to be tense and you are going to experience emotional distress. Notice your thoughts and if they are not serving you well, change them. You can direct your thoughts once you begin paying attention to them.
One way to do this is to think about the things that are in your control (which is especially important when our thoughts are filled with all the things that are truly out of our control!). Another way to do this is through mindfulness, which is basically tuning into the present moment: what do you see, feel, hear, smell, taste? For example, if you are drinking a cup of coffee, notice the feel of the coffee when it touches your lips, smell the aroma of the coffee, the feel of the mug in your hands, the movement of your hands to your mouth, etc.
Be in the present moment rather than in the run-away worry thoughts.
Maintain healthy activities.
This includes mindful eating and movement. Try to keep nutrition in mind by eating healthy meals and snacks.
Healthy activities also include physical exercise like walking, running or stretching; getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule; and doing things you enjoy and give you energy.
Set limits around news and social media.
It’s understandable to want to keep informed, but it is necessary to take breaks from it. Set up boundaries that work for you that keep you informed while not taking up most of your time and energy, such as checking in on social media for 10 minutes every few hours. Set an alarm on your cell to help keep this boundary.
Coping Strategies 2 Stay connected to others.
Although we are keeping our physical distance from most people at this time, we can still give and receive support to/from each other with the use of technology. Connecting with supportive family and friends through video calls, texts, phone calls, etc. can bring a sense of comfort and stability.
Talking through our concerns, thoughts, and feelings with others can also help us dealing with a stressful situation.
Manage information sources and get the facts.
Looking for reliable fact-based sources and decreasing engagement with fear-based sources. It is helpful to adopt a more analytical approach as you follow news reports about the coronavirus. You will also want to verify information that you receive from family, friends or social media.
Acknowledge your feelings.
What can we do to manage the stress and anxiety that may occur during this time of uncertainty? Plenty, starting with recognizing that it makes sense to feel stress or anxiety in these circumstances. There’s nothing weak or irrational about feeling stressed or anxious during this time of uncertainty.
In fact, accepting this is the first step towards managing your emotions. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling (without judgment). You can do this by writing your feelings and thoughts down in a journal, talking to trusted others, and/or expressing them through a creative activity.
Breathe.
When we are stressed or anxious, our breathing becomes more shallow and our lungs are not being filled with air from the bottom-up. This, in turn, promotes more stress.
Learning how to breathe “correctly” is important for all of us but especially when we are stressed and anxious. To do this, take a moment and exhale to empty your lungs then slowly breathe in picturing your breath going all the way down to your diaphragm and filling your lungs from the bottom to top (when doing this, picture your lungs like empty balloons being filled up with air). When your lungs are filled, there will be a natural pause, then exhale. Don’t rush this – you don’t want to get light-headed. Do this a few times then notice how your body feels more relaxed.
Pay attention to your thoughts.
Your body responds to what you think about, so if you are having a lot of worry thoughts, your body is going to be tense and you are going to experience emotional distress. Notice your thoughts and if they are not serving you well, change them. You can direct your thoughts once you begin paying attention to them.
One way to do this is to think about the things that are in your control (which is especially important when our thoughts are filled with all the things that are truly out of our control!). Another way to do this is through mindfulness, which is basically tuning into the present moment: what do you see, feel, hear, smell, taste? For example, if you are drinking a cup of coffee, notice the feel of the coffee when it touches your lips, smell the aroma of the coffee, the feel of the mug in your hands, the movement of your hands to your mouth, etc.
Be in the present moment rather than in the run-away worry thoughts.
Maintain healthy activities.
This includes mindful eating and movement. Try to keep nutrition in mind by eating healthy meals and snacks.
Healthy activities also include physical exercise like walking, running or stretching; getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule; and doing things you enjoy and give you energy.
Set limits around news and social media.
It’s understandable to want to keep informed, but it is necessary to take breaks from it. Set up boundaries that work for you that keep you informed while not taking up most of your time and energy, such as checking in on social media for 10 minutes every few hours. Set an alarm on your cell to help keep this boundary.
Coping Strategies 2 Stay connected to others.
Although we are keeping our physical distance from most people at this time, we can still give and receive support to/from each other with the use of technology. Connecting with supportive family and friends through video calls, texts, phone calls, etc. can bring a sense of comfort and stability.
Talking through our concerns, thoughts, and feelings with others can also help us dealing with a stressful situation.
Manage information sources and get the facts.
Looking for reliable fact-based sources and decreasing engagement with fear-based sources. It is helpful to adopt a more analytical approach as you follow news reports about the coronavirus. You will also want to verify information that you receive from family, friends or social media.
International Day of Pink
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April 8, 2020 marks the International Day of Pink. It is a day where communities across the country, and across the world, can unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny (the negative attitudes, expressed through cultural hate, individual and state violence, and discrimination directed toward trans women and trans and gender non-conforming people on the feminine end of the gender spectrum), and all forms of bullying.
The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when 2 straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The 2 students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying.
The message was clear: anyone can bully, any can be victimized by bullying, but together we can stop it.
Where do things stand here in Canada?
Click on the link below to see how the International Day of Pink is being celebrated from a distance. Let's Distance Ourselves From Discrimination.
International Day of Pink Home Page
The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when 2 straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The 2 students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying.
The message was clear: anyone can bully, any can be victimized by bullying, but together we can stop it.
Where do things stand here in Canada?
Click on the link below to see how the International Day of Pink is being celebrated from a distance. Let's Distance Ourselves From Discrimination.
International Day of Pink Home Page
Equal Rights
Why is it important to learn about equality and human rights?
Young people need to understand equality and know their rights, to understand both how they should be treated, and how they should treat others. Teaching these topics creates a safe place for students to explore, discuss, challenge and form their own opinions and values.
The knowledge and respect of rights that students gain from this, combined with understanding, respect and tolerance for difference, can empower them to tackle prejudice, improve relationships and make the most of their lives. In our ever more diverse and challenging society, it becomes more important to foster these positive and open-minded attitudes.
Young people need to understand equality and know their rights, to understand both how they should be treated, and how they should treat others. Teaching these topics creates a safe place for students to explore, discuss, challenge and form their own opinions and values.
The knowledge and respect of rights that students gain from this, combined with understanding, respect and tolerance for difference, can empower them to tackle prejudice, improve relationships and make the most of their lives. In our ever more diverse and challenging society, it becomes more important to foster these positive and open-minded attitudes.
The Human Rights Campaign represents more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
http://www.hrc.org/
Peace and Conflict
Defining Conflict:
Activating Questions: Write your responses in your learning journal - you can be fairly brief in your responses to these if you choose.
Across all human societies, the existence of conflict is an inevitable and normal part of life. We encounter conflict at home, in school, at work, on the street. People often see conflict as something negative, something to avoid, a reason to fight, and less often as an opportunity to learn, change, and grow.
This is because most of us are never taught ways to deal with conflict constructively. Yet conflict in itself is neither negative nor positive; it is neutral. The people experiencing conflict are the ones who determine its value, and how they choose to interact determines whether it is constructive or destructive.
Conflict can occur on many levels. It can be personal, local, national, or international.
Source: buildingpeace.org
- Why do conflicts occur? Over what?
- Is a fight different than an argument?
- What is the difference between conflict and violence?
- Why do conflicts become violent?
- What are some of the similarities between conflicts at a personal, local, national, and international level?
- After watching the video by Crisis Watch - which world conflicts are you familiar with? Which ones do you w ant to learn more about?
- What are ways conflicts can be positive or have good endings?
- How do you feel when you have successfully resolved a conflict? What skills or strategies did you use to resolve it?
- Describe a conflict that helped you learn something about yourself or others?
Across all human societies, the existence of conflict is an inevitable and normal part of life. We encounter conflict at home, in school, at work, on the street. People often see conflict as something negative, something to avoid, a reason to fight, and less often as an opportunity to learn, change, and grow.
This is because most of us are never taught ways to deal with conflict constructively. Yet conflict in itself is neither negative nor positive; it is neutral. The people experiencing conflict are the ones who determine its value, and how they choose to interact determines whether it is constructive or destructive.
Conflict can occur on many levels. It can be personal, local, national, or international.
Source: buildingpeace.org
Yemen, one of the Arab world's poorest countries, has been devastated by a civil war.
How did the war start?
The conflict has its roots in the failure of a political transition supposed to bring stability to Yemen following an Arab Spring uprising that forced its longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, in 2011.
The Houthi movement, which champions Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority and fought a series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took advantage of the new president's weakness by taking control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas.
Disillusioned with the transition, many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis - supported the Houthis and in late 2014 and early 2015, the rebels took over Sanaa. The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh - who is thought to have backed his enemies in a bid to regain power - then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Mr Hadi to flee abroad in March 2015.
Alarmed by the rise of a group they believed to be backed militarily by regional Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states began an air campaign aimed at restoring Mr Hadi's government.
At the start of the war Saudi officials forecast that the war would last only a few weeks. But four years of military stalemate have followed.
Coalition ground troops landed in the southern port city of Aden in August 2015 and helped drive the Houthis and their allies out of much of the south over the next few months. Mr Hadi's government has established a temporary home in Aden, but it struggles to provide basic services and security and the president remains in exile.
Source; https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
How did the war start?
The conflict has its roots in the failure of a political transition supposed to bring stability to Yemen following an Arab Spring uprising that forced its longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, in 2011.
The Houthi movement, which champions Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority and fought a series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took advantage of the new president's weakness by taking control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas.
Disillusioned with the transition, many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis - supported the Houthis and in late 2014 and early 2015, the rebels took over Sanaa. The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh - who is thought to have backed his enemies in a bid to regain power - then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Mr Hadi to flee abroad in March 2015.
Alarmed by the rise of a group they believed to be backed militarily by regional Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states began an air campaign aimed at restoring Mr Hadi's government.
At the start of the war Saudi officials forecast that the war would last only a few weeks. But four years of military stalemate have followed.
Coalition ground troops landed in the southern port city of Aden in August 2015 and helped drive the Houthis and their allies out of much of the south over the next few months. Mr Hadi's government has established a temporary home in Aden, but it struggles to provide basic services and security and the president remains in exile.
Source; https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
The Yemen Crisis
Syria: What Students Need to Know
More than 250,000 Syrians have lost their lives in five and a half years of armed conflict, which began with anti-government protests before escalating into a full-scale civil war. More than 11 million others have been forced from their homes as forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule battle each other - as well as jihadist militants from so-called Islamic State.
The Story of Conflict
This year may not yet be one of peace in Syria, but 2018 may be the last year of this brutal conflict. It has become clear that President Bashar al-Assad and his allies have won the war. For its part, the West, persuaded that the Assad camp does not have the means to rehabilitate Syria, is counting on leveraging reconstruction to influence a political transition. But just as it was mistaken on the military conflict, it is also mistaken on this issue.
What Lies Ahead
What do you think? As a student, do you feel moved to take action about the news regarding Syria and the global refugee crisis? Why or why not? Here’s one way that an individual responded. As a young leader, do you agree with how your country has responded to the conflict in Syria, and to the needs of refugees? Why or why not? What would you do if you were in charge of your country’s response?
The Story of Conflict
This year may not yet be one of peace in Syria, but 2018 may be the last year of this brutal conflict. It has become clear that President Bashar al-Assad and his allies have won the war. For its part, the West, persuaded that the Assad camp does not have the means to rehabilitate Syria, is counting on leveraging reconstruction to influence a political transition. But just as it was mistaken on the military conflict, it is also mistaken on this issue.
What Lies Ahead
What do you think? As a student, do you feel moved to take action about the news regarding Syria and the global refugee crisis? Why or why not? Here’s one way that an individual responded. As a young leader, do you agree with how your country has responded to the conflict in Syria, and to the needs of refugees? Why or why not? What would you do if you were in charge of your country’s response?
The Venezuelan Crisis
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According to Amnesty International, these are the 10 things you need to know about Venezuela’s human rights crisis:
18 February 2019 The human rights crisis that has engulfed Venezuela for the past few years has shattered the lives of millions of people. Here’s what you need to know...
1 - Excessive use of force
2 - Mass protests
3 - Repression escalating
4 - Children among detained
5 - Civilians tried in military courts
6 - Three million refugees and migrants
7 - Crackdown on free speech
8 - Economic meltdown
9 - Government in denial
10 - Damaging US sanctions
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/02/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-venezuelas-human-rights-crisis/
How did the political situation escalate?
Click on the following link and view the Vox video below.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36319877
18 February 2019 The human rights crisis that has engulfed Venezuela for the past few years has shattered the lives of millions of people. Here’s what you need to know...
1 - Excessive use of force
2 - Mass protests
3 - Repression escalating
4 - Children among detained
5 - Civilians tried in military courts
6 - Three million refugees and migrants
7 - Crackdown on free speech
8 - Economic meltdown
9 - Government in denial
10 - Damaging US sanctions
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/02/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-venezuelas-human-rights-crisis/
How did the political situation escalate?
Click on the following link and view the Vox video below.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36319877
What is the current situation in Venezuela today?
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/15/venezuelans-go-hungry-as-nicolas-maduro-continues-to-ignore-economic-crisis
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/15/venezuelans-go-hungry-as-nicolas-maduro-continues-to-ignore-economic-crisis
global_migration_learning_probes.pdf | |
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The Face of Global Migration
More than 159,000 migrants filed for asylum in the U.S. in fiscal year 2018, a 274% increase over 2008. Meanwhile, the total number of apprehensions along the southern border has decreased substantially—nearly 70% since fiscal year 2000. President Donald Trump has labeled the southern border a national crisis. Who are the faces behind this particular global migration and what are the other hotspots around the globe?
http://time.com/longform/migrants/
http://time.com/longform/migrants/
Climate Change: Reality Takes Hold
climate_change_learning_probes.pdf | |
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From flooding to fires, climate change wreaked havoc on people’s health and livelihoods around the globe in 2018. In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced within the next 12 years to stay within 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels and avert the worst impacts of climate change. While countries made progress late last year on the rules governing the Paris Agreement, global emissions continued to rise, making clear the need for enhanced climate action by 2020 – when countries need to restate or raise the ambition of their Paris Agreement pledges.
Short Answers to Hard Questions About Climate Change
The New Yorks Times published an article a year and a half ago that explored some of the tough questions that we have regarding climate change. I have added the link below as well as highlighted some of these key questions.
1. How much is the planet warming up?
2. How much trouble are we in?
3. Is there anything I can do about climate change?
4. What’s the optimistic case?
5. Will reducing meat in my diet really help the climate?
6. What’s the worst case?
7. Will a technology breakthrough help us?
8. How much will the seas rise?
9. Are the predictions reliable?
10. Why do people question the science of climate change?
11. Is crazy weather tied to climate change?
12. Will anyone benefit from global warming?
13. Is there any reason for hope?
14. How does agriculture affect climate change?
15. Will the seas rise evenly across the planet?
16. What are ‘carbon emissions?’
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/28/science/what-is-climate-change.html?_r=0&module=inline
Greta Thunberg- Climate Activist
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish schoolgirl who has inspired an international movement to fight climate change, has been nominated as a candidate to receive this year's 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. The school strikes that took place around the world on March 15th were inspired by the Fridays For The Future movement started by Ms. Thunberg under the hashtag #FridaysForFuture.
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish schoolgirl who has inspired an international movement to fight climate change, has been nominated as a candidate to receive this year's 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. The school strikes that took place around the world on March 15th were inspired by the Fridays For The Future movement started by Ms. Thunberg under the hashtag #FridaysForFuture.
My Carbon Footprint
carbon_tax_learning_probes.pdf | |
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Our Oceans
According to NGO Protect Planet Ocean, Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. They flow over nearly three-quarters of our planet, and hold 97% of the planet's water. They produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and absorb the most carbon from it.
No matter how far from the shore that you live, oceans still affect your life and the lives of your families and friends, classmates and colleagues.
The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported by the ocean.
About half of the world’s population lives within the coastal zone, and ocean-based businesses contribute more than $500 billion to the world’s economy. Historically, we thought that we could never take too much out of, or put too much waste into, the oceans. We were wrong.
I have included some additional links that look at the health of the Oceans in different ways.
What are animals thinking and feeling? TED Talk
http://www.ted.com/talks/carl_safina_what_are_animals_thinking_and_feeling
Save the Oceans Feed the World - TED
http://www.ted.com/talks/jackie_savitz_save_the_oceans_feed_the_world
Sylvia Earle My Wish to Protect Our Oceans
http://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_earle_s_ted_prize_wish_to_protect_our_oceans
National Geographic – Why the Ocean Matters
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/why-ocean-matters
No matter how far from the shore that you live, oceans still affect your life and the lives of your families and friends, classmates and colleagues.
The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported by the ocean.
About half of the world’s population lives within the coastal zone, and ocean-based businesses contribute more than $500 billion to the world’s economy. Historically, we thought that we could never take too much out of, or put too much waste into, the oceans. We were wrong.
I have included some additional links that look at the health of the Oceans in different ways.
What are animals thinking and feeling? TED Talk
http://www.ted.com/talks/carl_safina_what_are_animals_thinking_and_feeling
Save the Oceans Feed the World - TED
http://www.ted.com/talks/jackie_savitz_save_the_oceans_feed_the_world
Sylvia Earle My Wish to Protect Our Oceans
http://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_earle_s_ted_prize_wish_to_protect_our_oceans
National Geographic – Why the Ocean Matters
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/why-ocean-matters
Inside North Korea
Genocide
gen·o·cide/ˈjenəˌsīd/
noun
noun
- the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation.
"a campaign of genocide" - synonyms: racial killing, massacre, wholesale slaughter, mass slaughter, wholesale killing, indiscriminate killing.
The term "genocide" did not exist before 1944. It is a very specific term, referring to violent crimes committed against groups with the intent to destroy the existence of the group. Human rights, as laid out in the US Bill of Rights or the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, concern the rights of individuals. Source: Holocaust Encyclopedia
Some scientists have even gone so far as to assert that genocide led to the extinction of Neanderthal man. Here are ten of the most heinous incidents in human history:
https://listverse.com/2013/05/03/10-atrocious-genocides-in-human-history/
Some scientists have even gone so far as to assert that genocide led to the extinction of Neanderthal man. Here are ten of the most heinous incidents in human history:
https://listverse.com/2013/05/03/10-atrocious-genocides-in-human-history/
Human Trafficking
pre-viewing_learning_journal_prompt_human_trafficking.pdf | |
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hu·man traf·fick·ing
noun
noun: human trafficking
the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labour or commercial sexual exploitation.
Human Trafficking as Modern Day Slavery
The exploitation of human beings for profit can take many forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, child trafficking and domestic servitude. The efforts of many world governments to tackle the causes and effects of slavery have been met with limited success. The fluidity of trafficking networks, which are quick to adapt to changing circumstances and the internet create a complicated web that is hard to break free from. Limited public understanding of the issue compounds the problem: people are slow to recognize instances of trafficking in their midst and reluctant to report these to the police. Source: humantraffickingfoundation.org
The websites below are Canadian and UK based charity organizations. Their websites includes resources and powerful case studies. There are many other resources links available at http://www.joysmithfoundation.com
http://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/whats-issue
http://www.faceitcanada.ca/
http://salvationist.ca/action-support/human-trafficking/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
noun
noun: human trafficking
the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labour or commercial sexual exploitation.
Human Trafficking as Modern Day Slavery
The exploitation of human beings for profit can take many forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, child trafficking and domestic servitude. The efforts of many world governments to tackle the causes and effects of slavery have been met with limited success. The fluidity of trafficking networks, which are quick to adapt to changing circumstances and the internet create a complicated web that is hard to break free from. Limited public understanding of the issue compounds the problem: people are slow to recognize instances of trafficking in their midst and reluctant to report these to the police. Source: humantraffickingfoundation.org
The websites below are Canadian and UK based charity organizations. Their websites includes resources and powerful case studies. There are many other resources links available at http://www.joysmithfoundation.com
http://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/whats-issue
http://www.faceitcanada.ca/
http://salvationist.ca/action-support/human-trafficking/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
The Trafficked: The Globe and Mail Investigates
Indigenous women and girls in Canada are being exploited by gangs and other predators. In some cases, it is costing these women their lives. The Globe and mail investigates...
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-trafficked-sexual-exploitation-is-costing-canadian-women-their-lives/article28700849/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-trafficked-sexual-exploitation-is-costing-canadian-women-their-lives/article28700849/
The Joy Smith Foundation
Joy Smith has committed herself to the fight against Human Trafficking. She started her work to raise awareness and rescue victims, when she discovered a tragedy that parents of trafficking victims know all too well—Canada was considered a haven for predators. By taking action and working to change this, Mrs. Smith entered the political arena, and became a Member of Parliament in 2004. She became the only Member of Parliament in Canadian history to have amended the Criminal Code twice as a Private Member, both times in order to better protect victims from Human Trafficking. The foundation she spearheaded is a registered charity. Please take time to click on the link below and learn more.
http://www.joysmithfoundation.com/#
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/order-of-manitoba-1.5133112
Joy Smith has committed herself to the fight against Human Trafficking. She started her work to raise awareness and rescue victims, when she discovered a tragedy that parents of trafficking victims know all too well—Canada was considered a haven for predators. By taking action and working to change this, Mrs. Smith entered the political arena, and became a Member of Parliament in 2004. She became the only Member of Parliament in Canadian history to have amended the Criminal Code twice as a Private Member, both times in order to better protect victims from Human Trafficking. The foundation she spearheaded is a registered charity. Please take time to click on the link below and learn more.
http://www.joysmithfoundation.com/#
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/order-of-manitoba-1.5133112
List of Recommendations Missing From Final Winnipeg Report
An important research report aimed at stemming sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and youth in Winnipeg took three years for the Manitoba government to complete, however CBC News has learned that sometime between the draft version and final publication, a list of 48 recommendations were not included. Please click on the following news article for further details.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tracia-trust-sexual-exploitation-manitoba-report-1.5143826
An important research report aimed at stemming sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and youth in Winnipeg took three years for the Manitoba government to complete, however CBC News has learned that sometime between the draft version and final publication, a list of 48 recommendations were not included. Please click on the following news article for further details.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/tracia-trust-sexual-exploitation-manitoba-report-1.5143826
Ashton Kutcher delivers a powerful speech at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Ashton Kutcher delivers his opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on ending modern slavery and human trafficking.
Ashton Kutcher delivers his opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on ending modern slavery and human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Post Learning Journal Prompts
post-learning_journal_prompt_human_trafficking.pdf | |
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Born into Brothels Documentary
Born Into Brothels is a documentary about the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in marginalized communities. In 1998, New York-based photographer Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She eventually developed a relationship with their children, who were fascinated by her equipment.
post-viewing_learning_journal_prompt_human_trafficking_student_copy.pdf | |
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Health
Fast Facts about Mental Illness
Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental Health Resources
Jack.org is the only national network of young leaders transforming the way we think about mental health. With initiatives and programs designed for young people, by young people, we will end stigma in our generation. There are several chapters here in Winnipeg.
https://www.jack.org/
@jackdotorg
Canadian Mental Health Association offers a variety of services. Our services are informed by CMHA’s Framework for Support and the recovery model as basis for working with people with mental health illnesses and challenges. CMHA recognizes the negative impact of stigma and offer community and workplace educational workshops, mental health promotion initiatives, and stigma awareness programs.
http://mbwpg.cmha.ca/
Family Navigator provides information and resources, relating to Mental Health services, available to families.
http://www.familynavigator.ca/index.php/resources/mental_health_-_winnipeg_-_adult
Too Damn Young is an online community focusing on helping teenagers cope with grief and loss. Too Damn Young was founded with the sole purpose of letting any grieving teenager know they are not alone.
The site includes expert articles, personal accounts, fiction, poems, and other creative outlets are all intended to be relatable to young people.
http://toodamnyoung.com/
- Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
- 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
- Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.
- Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.
- About 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder (or “manic depression”).
Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental Health Resources
Jack.org is the only national network of young leaders transforming the way we think about mental health. With initiatives and programs designed for young people, by young people, we will end stigma in our generation. There are several chapters here in Winnipeg.
https://www.jack.org/
@jackdotorg
Canadian Mental Health Association offers a variety of services. Our services are informed by CMHA’s Framework for Support and the recovery model as basis for working with people with mental health illnesses and challenges. CMHA recognizes the negative impact of stigma and offer community and workplace educational workshops, mental health promotion initiatives, and stigma awareness programs.
http://mbwpg.cmha.ca/
Family Navigator provides information and resources, relating to Mental Health services, available to families.
http://www.familynavigator.ca/index.php/resources/mental_health_-_winnipeg_-_adult
Too Damn Young is an online community focusing on helping teenagers cope with grief and loss. Too Damn Young was founded with the sole purpose of letting any grieving teenager know they are not alone.
The site includes expert articles, personal accounts, fiction, poems, and other creative outlets are all intended to be relatable to young people.
http://toodamnyoung.com/
Consumerism and the Culture of Excess
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The consumption of goods and services in excess of one’s basic needs, usually in greater and greater quantities is not a new phenomenon, and early examples of consumerism can be traced back to the fist human civilizations. In the 1950s, factories and labour, which were used to produce weapons, planes and ships during the war, became idle, and needed to be employed. The strategy thus became to bring people out of the conserver habits they had gotten into and induce them to consume. One of the architects of the consumer society was the retail analyst Victor Lebow, who remarked in 1955 that “Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfactions, our ego satisfactions, in consumption. [..] We need things consumed, burned up, worn out, replaced, and discarded at an ever increasing pace.”
This line of thinking launched the consumer society and the growing conspicuous consumption of the United States (and Canada) that still prevails today.
Source: takeactionmanitoba.org
Zero Waste Canada (ZWC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes solid waste solutions that eliminate the use of landfills and waste-to-energy plants. ZWC advocates at all levels of government for responsible resource management and policies, legislation and initiatives that eliminate waste and support continuous reuse of resources. ZWC provides resource management demonstration projects and education, and is a reliable go-to resource that collaboratively promotes social, environmental and economic well-being.
http://zerowastecanada.ca/
Activating Questions: Consumerism and the Culture of Excess
activating_questions_consumerism_student_copy.pdf | |
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Taking Action on Waste Reduction
activating_questions_zero_waste.pdf | |
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Trash is for Tossers Blog
Trash is for Tossers is will document Lauren Singer's Zero Waste journey and show that leading a Zero Waste lifestyle is simple, cost-effective, timely, fun, & entirely possible for everyone and anyone.
http://trashisfortossers.com/
Tiny Trash Can Blog
Tiny Trash Can Blog is a blog created by Tippi Thole, who has developed an incurable condition: she is allergic to plastic. Like many Canadians, she thought she was doing everything she could to protect the planet. She recycled, composted, drove a hybrid car and bought organic food. She realized she needed to do MORE. Here's how she is able to create only a handful of "trash" each and every week.
https://tinytrashcan.com/about/
Zero Waste Home Blog
Zero Waste home is a blog devoted to the Zero Waste global movement, inspiring thousands of people throughout the world to live simply and take a stance against needless waste.
Follow Bea's simple guideline, 5R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (and only in that order).
https://zerowastehome.com/
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste
What if every time you opened your wallet, a third of your cash fell out – and you did nothing about it? Would you even let it happen?
Consider the fact that one-third of the food grown annually for human consumption is never eaten – for one reason or another, it ends up in the garbage.
In the United States, that’s $218 billion – or 1.3 billion tons – of food annually. Yet at the same time, 800 million people around the globe are starving. It’s a problem – but one with no shortage of solutions.
CBC's the Passionate Eye looks deeper at this growing problem and addresses why we need to act now!
https://www.cbc.ca/passionateeye/episodes/wasted-the-story-of-food-waste
Consider the fact that one-third of the food grown annually for human consumption is never eaten – for one reason or another, it ends up in the garbage.
In the United States, that’s $218 billion – or 1.3 billion tons – of food annually. Yet at the same time, 800 million people around the globe are starving. It’s a problem – but one with no shortage of solutions.
CBC's the Passionate Eye looks deeper at this growing problem and addresses why we need to act now!
https://www.cbc.ca/passionateeye/episodes/wasted-the-story-of-food-waste
Breaking up with Plastics
CBC Radio's The Current is a meeting place of perspectives with a fresh take on issues that affect Canadians today. On May 30, 2019, they talked about the plastic problem in our country. Click on the link below to listen to the segment.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1529779267537
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-may-30-2019-1.5154620/little-by-little-how-this-woman-is-saying-goodbye-to-single-use-plastics-1.5154625
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1529779267537
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-may-30-2019-1.5154620/little-by-little-how-this-woman-is-saying-goodbye-to-single-use-plastics-1.5154625
Philippines keeps telling Canada to pick up its trash — why is it still there?
Canadian garbage has been sitting in the Philippines for about six years — and the country’s president is now threatening war over it.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who is known to make controversial statements, told local media on Tuesday he will “declare war” against Canada if the situation isn’t dealt with in the coming week.
“I want a boat prepared. I’ll give a warning to Canada maybe next week that they better pull that thing out or I will set sail to Canada and dump their garbage there,” Duterte said.
“Celebrate because your garbage is coming home,” he added. “Eat it if you want to.”
Why is Canadian waste sitting on the other side of the world?
CBC's The Current explored this topic on April 25, 2019. Click on the link below to listen to the podcast.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/15692443-duterte-on-garbage-affordable-housing-preston-manning
President Rodrigo Duterte, who is known to make controversial statements, told local media on Tuesday he will “declare war” against Canada if the situation isn’t dealt with in the coming week.
“I want a boat prepared. I’ll give a warning to Canada maybe next week that they better pull that thing out or I will set sail to Canada and dump their garbage there,” Duterte said.
“Celebrate because your garbage is coming home,” he added. “Eat it if you want to.”
Why is Canadian waste sitting on the other side of the world?
CBC's The Current explored this topic on April 25, 2019. Click on the link below to listen to the podcast.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/15692443-duterte-on-garbage-affordable-housing-preston-manning
Student Reflections
As we explore our understanding of The Big Ideas, Global Issues students have opportunities to reflect on their learning. One of our GI students crafted a poem which expresses her thoughts on Consumerism and the world we are creating. She has kindly permitted me to share it with you.
May 12, 2017
Cheryl Calitis,
Silver forests.
Forests,
And forests,
Of big,
High,
Skyscrapers.
Buildings being built
To keep cities.
Alive,
The cities are alive.
But we are under the hypnosis,
Of materialism.
We are being put to sleep
By the air that we breathe
That gives life to industrialization,
But death to mankind.
A world where oxygen is almost non-existent
Where city lights,
Illuminate our planet,
Rather than the stars in the galaxy.
We buy,
Only to consume what will remain on the earth
Rather than what will return to the earth.
The mountainous piles of waste
Disguise themselves as the beautiful, cold, white hills.
Upon us?
Success, we believe.
But we are constantly foretelling our own dark fate.
The truth that the intoxication of the Mother,
Will only bring death to mankind.
Silver Forests.
May 12, 2017
Cheryl Calitis,
Silver forests.
Forests,
And forests,
Of big,
High,
Skyscrapers.
Buildings being built
To keep cities.
Alive,
The cities are alive.
But we are under the hypnosis,
Of materialism.
We are being put to sleep
By the air that we breathe
That gives life to industrialization,
But death to mankind.
A world where oxygen is almost non-existent
Where city lights,
Illuminate our planet,
Rather than the stars in the galaxy.
We buy,
Only to consume what will remain on the earth
Rather than what will return to the earth.
The mountainous piles of waste
Disguise themselves as the beautiful, cold, white hills.
Upon us?
Success, we believe.
But we are constantly foretelling our own dark fate.
The truth that the intoxication of the Mother,
Will only bring death to mankind.
Silver Forests.
Media and Marketing
Technology has changed the game. Consumers can ignore advertising and marketing at will. To break through the clutter, brands need to tell remarkable stories worth listening to and become the media in the process.
The Story of Content: Rise of the New Marketing, a new documentary by the Content Marketing Institute, is the first comprehensive film of its kind for the industry. It explores the evolution of content marketing through the eyes of the world’s biggest leading brands such as Red Bull, Kraft and Marriott. Featuring case studies from early pioneers to today’s marketing innovators, you’ll learn how content marketing has been–and will continue– to change business and media forever.
The Story of Content: Rise of the New Marketing, a new documentary by the Content Marketing Institute, is the first comprehensive film of its kind for the industry. It explores the evolution of content marketing through the eyes of the world’s biggest leading brands such as Red Bull, Kraft and Marriott. Featuring case studies from early pioneers to today’s marketing innovators, you’ll learn how content marketing has been–and will continue– to change business and media forever.
The Four Horseman: Flipping Economics
The Water Crisis and World Hunger
March 22 is World Water Day—a time to recognize one of the most precious resources on our planet.
Food and water are inseparably linked in the fight to end global hunger. An adequate supply of water is essential for growing the crops that feed the planet. When it comes to preventing hunger and malnutrition, clean drinking water is just as important as food. Many of the thousands of children who get sick or even die from malnutrition every year are victims of diseases (such as diarrhea) that are transmitted by drinking unclean water. These diseases prevent the body from absorbing and using vital nutrients even if adequate food is available.
Food assistance programs such as those supported by the United Nations World Food Programme address the shortages of both food and water that cause hunger, particularly in drought-prone areas of the developing world.
What will happen if a country runs out of water?
Click on the following links to delve deeper into this global issue...
What will happen if the world runs out of water?
Capetown is about to become the first major city in the world to run out of water
Food and water are inseparably linked in the fight to end global hunger. An adequate supply of water is essential for growing the crops that feed the planet. When it comes to preventing hunger and malnutrition, clean drinking water is just as important as food. Many of the thousands of children who get sick or even die from malnutrition every year are victims of diseases (such as diarrhea) that are transmitted by drinking unclean water. These diseases prevent the body from absorbing and using vital nutrients even if adequate food is available.
Food assistance programs such as those supported by the United Nations World Food Programme address the shortages of both food and water that cause hunger, particularly in drought-prone areas of the developing world.
What will happen if a country runs out of water?
Click on the following links to delve deeper into this global issue...
What will happen if the world runs out of water?
Capetown is about to become the first major city in the world to run out of water
Why Some Countries Prosper
Change Starts When You Care
I Am a Global Citizen
It has been an absolute honour to be able to travel through the troubling, the baffling and the inspiring issues that we've covered this semester. It is also my sincere hope that if you didn't fully understand your value and place on this planet before you walked through my classroom door, that you do so now. You ARE a Global Citizen.
Keep making positive changes for all of us.
Keep making positive changes for all of us.