I just returned from a two-week trip to Chile. The opportunity reminded me once again of how grateful I am to live in the United States. I am harkened to that privilege when I travel. At the same time, I become more adamant about being a global citizen. I do not believe this understanding is an “either/or” choice. My experience over time has reinforced how the two identities must co-exist.
Chilean Flag
Global citizenship is a form of transnationality. My identity transcends geography or political borders. My responsibilities and rights come from my beliefs in humanity. My nationality and global citizenship go hand in hand.
I am fascinated by other cultures. Recently I was sorting through grade school files that my mother sent to me years ago and discovered an illustrated report I wrote in fifth grade about Switzerland—even then other cultures, especially those connected with mountains, captivated me.
I extol the life-changing experience I had as an International 4-H Exchange (IFYE) participant to Türkiye 50 years ago. Living with 20 families from throughout the country over a six-month period, I learned the meaning of family ties and making the most with limited resources. I learned that all parents love their children with passion no matter whether they live in the US or elsewhere.
I have further articulated this global citizenship stance after meeting people from around the world both in their countries and as visitors to mine. I was on the Board of Directors of the World Leisure Organization and attended multiple conferences around the globe. Each time I visit a country, I meet people that are special. I hold them in my heart when I hear about disasters that occur such as earthquakes in Türkiye, wildfires in Greece, or tsunamis in Japan.
The International Camping Fellowship (ICF) uses the butterfly as its logo. The butterfly effect is the idea that small, trivial events may result in larger consequences. For instance, when a butterfly flaps its wings in India, that tiny change in air pressure could eventually cause a tornado in Iowa. Global citizens cannot ignore these complex issues. Isolating myself from caring about the world is impossible.
Global citizens are members of multiple, diverse, local, and non-local networks and not just isolated countries. My social responsibility is to act for the benefit of all societies, not just my own.