Local "pumpkins" enjoy a Fair Trade Halloween
October 28, 2008
| Five-year-olds scanned the horizon for red cocoa pods, "climbed" trees to get to the fruit, wiggled their fingers to imitate the sun's rays drying beans. Cassie Jones, a student at Columbus Alternative High School, implored them to shovel the imaginary fragrant berries into bags to be loaded onto trucks. It was quite a workout, led by our youth group Council Fellows. These student leaders were doing educational outreach in October at two area recreation centers in celebration of Fair Trade month and Halloween. |
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Their activities, adapted from a Chocolate Explorers unit authored by TransFair, were designed to introduce many concepts to young children. They included: where chocolate comes from, how it gets from Africa and Latin America to their trick or treat bags, the effort involved in being a farmer, inequities in pay for many farmers in the developing world, the difference between "wants and needs," and the realization that not everyone gets their basic needs met despite their own hard work.
The unit ended with a positive message that there are solutions to this unfair reality with the help of community leaders of all ages everywhere in the world. One funny highlight of the day was when Council Fellows challenged the kids to reach into our box of Halloween attire to create their version of a farmer costume! While this didn't go exactly as planned (think feathers, beads, and fringe all over!) it was a funny way to end the visit. Council Fellows left the kids with images of farmers worldwide, which contrasted with their association of a Midwest US-style grower in overalls, John Deere hats, and Carhartt vests.
Online Discussion of Georgia/Russia Conflict
September 2008
Council Fellows Interview Linda Gradstein
September 18, 2008
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“Is it hard as a woman to be a journalist in the Middle East?” asked Munira Mire of Linda Gradstein.
Munira is a high school student, a member of our youth group Council Fellows. Most people upon meeting her are able to assess that she is Muslim (because of her attire). And, logic leads them to the understanding that she is likely Somali, and probably a refugee. These are fundamental (if not comprehensive) parts of her identity that she embraces. |
So, it is telling that the first question she asked during her interview with Gradstein (a broadcast journalist of NPR fame), had nothing to do with faith relations or regional stability. It had to do with how she, as a female, makes her way in the world.
“As a reporter, it is an advantage to be a woman,” said Gradstein, even on the border of Israel and Palestine where Gradstein lives and works. She explained that she officially has access to men’s society because of her press credentials, but she may also sit and relate with the women, a privilege not extended to men Islamic culture. “Women all over the world can have this instant connection that doesn’t always happen with men.”
This meeting between members of Council Fellows and Ms. Gradstein helped the students cement some concepts they were introduced to this summer in the Aayo Ifis summer journalism institute. It also rallied them around their collective goal of empowering women through “local actions to address global issues,” the group’s motto. She made them feel at ease, explaining that she is a mom of kids their age and that she could relate to their nervousness as cub reporters interviewing a public figure.
Gradstein was in Columbus to address the Columbus Jewish Federation (one of our partner organizations) and to mingle with CCWA’s young professionals network during an evening event at BoMA. It was very generous of her to allocate a portion of her time to meet with our students.
Visit to Main Street Free Press Museum
September 4, 2008
| Just as immigrants add flavor to the great "salad bowl" of US society, so too do other micro cultures. Five female graduates of CCWA's summer journalism program for mostly Somali high school students got a taste of small town life recently when they visited Fredericktown Ohio's Main Street Free Press Museum. Their evening started with a presentation by Marjorie McMahon, a reporter for the Knox County Citizen newspaper in the 1930s. The students were excited to meet a female role model in journalism. Ms. McMahon's recollections prompted our aspiring reporters to think about the question "what is news?" in the context of a small town (answer: a lot of personals and announcements!) and in an earlier era. |
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Traditional Somali culture encourages reverence for elders. From the girls' interaction with the speaker, it is clear that value has been transferred to the next generation, even as the diaspora struggles to balance old and new expectations in their adopted homes in Central Ohio.
The presentation coincided with Fredericktown's annual Tomato Show AND with Ramadan. That made the food stand fare seem even TASTIER when it came time for the girls to break their fasts (Muslim people refrain from eating or drinking during the day throughout the Holy Month). They sampled french fries, chicken sandwiches, and homemade desserts being sold as a fundraiser for different town congregations.
"One thing that stands out about this trip is how charmed the girls were with life in rural Ohio," says Stephanie Calondis Geiger, our youth programs director. "All of the sights and smells of the festival, the warmth of the church members who welcomed them to the meeting hall and to the museum, the extra effort that people made to clarify points and take advantage of so-called teachable moments, even the feeling of safety they felt being out at night in a small town... these are the things they are still talking about a couple of weeks later."
The Free Press Museum was founded to "foster freedom of the press under the First Amendment at the grass-roots level, celebrate the role of the small-town newspaper, demonstrate the craft of letterpress printing, and restore and preserve the museum's historic building and antique equipment" For our students, it was an excellentbridge between the summer journalism curriculum and their continued involvement with CCWA.
Participants in this excursion included: Munira Mire, Zam Zam Mire, Muslimo Mohammed, Habiba Amin, Fartun Amin, and Mike Lorz.
Special thanks to John Long of the Wall Street Journal (whose father founded the museum) and the congrgation at the First Baptist Church for welcoming our group.
The summer journalism program referenced was a partnership with HAND and Lorz Communications.
Culture Camp modules deliver summer fun
Summer 2008
| In partnership with the Thurber House, Short Stop Center, the Blue Green Alliance, and Columbus Parks and Recreation, CCWA youth programs staff infused existing summer camps/youth trainings with intercultural elements. This included simulations, writing exercises, a Silk Road music workshop, and a giant kickball game which brought together Somali teens with other local youth. This summer was the pilot year of this type of partnership opportunity and we plan to offer it again next year! |
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Literature Group Discusses "Infidel" by Aayan Hirsi Ali
August 29, 2008
Aayo Ifis means a BRIGHT FUTURE for Somali youth
July 2008
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After 5 weeks of intense instruction in the fundamentals of journalism, this year's edition of Aayo Ifis -- translated as "bright future" in Somali -- rolled off the presses to the great pride (and relief) of the students and staff who worked to make it possible.
Journalism is the perfect outlet for facilitating intercultural interaction, says Stephanie Calondis Geiger, which is why CCWA was willing to allocate so much of her time (as our Director of Youth Programs) toward making this program partnership a success. |
"Reporting gives students a reason to talk with people they never would have approached before because they have to interview them for a story assignment," she says. "In this particular case, it also gave non-Somali people an excuse to talk to kids in their community they may have wanted to connect with before but they perhaps felt intimidated or worried about making cultural mistakes and so they decided to essentially opt out of dialogue."
Calondis Geiger added that the program had many other positive implications for the young people who participated, beyond cultural exposure. To read her reflections on the program, including the goals and activities, please see her summer journal. This program impacted 60 Central Ohio students. Special thanks to the many volunteers who shared their expertise with students as guest speakers and guest instructors.
This program was delivered in partnership with Lorz Communications and Helping Africans in New Directions (HAND).
Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break (World Fair Trade Day)
May 10, 2008
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To help break the Guinness record for largest Fair Trade Coffee Break -- previously set at 5,000 people -- groups across the U.S. organized individual, simultaneous efforts in their communities. Council Fellows members arranged two fun gatherings in Central Ohio: one at The Andersons in Pickerington (employer of Council Fellows co-chair Dana Vanderkolk) and another at the home of Jessica Conroy (a member of the group who lives in Reynoldsburg). The students invited their friends, family, and coworkers to come learn about Fair Trade and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee in honor of the people who grow our food and make our products. Sixty five individuals participated in the break thanks to the students' hard work! Council Fellows wishes to thank Peace Coffee, Kroger in Reynoldsburg (where Jessica is employed) and The Andersons for their donations.
 Read the article in The Reynoldsburg News, featuring Council Fellows member Jessica Conroy!
Talk about it on our blog |
Council Fellows student leaders reach out to Ohio Senate minority
April 29, 2008
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In coalition with the organization SweatFree communities, CCWA's youth chair -- Dana Vanderkolk of Council Fellows -- helped to brief Senators and aides about the need to end government support of sweatshops. After connecting with Vicki Kaplan, regional organizer for SF Communities, Council Fellows was invited to provide representation at the briefing. This action was an important first step toward ending the use of taxpayer dollars for the purchase of apparel that does not meet U.S. standards for safe working conditions, fair wages in a local context, and environmental stewardship. |
This meeting was in the immediate wake of a success in Vermont, where the Governor signed into law legislation that ensured that sourcing of state apparel (such as police and fire uniforms and prisoner attire) is done with American values about human rights and labor laws in mind. The effort in Vermont was led by high school students. Two of Ohio's neighboring states -- Pennsylvania and Illinois -- have passed similar legislation. The briefing was a great learning opportunity for Dana to get insight into the political process. Council Fellows work to date has largely centered on consumer education. However, recent opportunities and partnerships have prompted discussion about the possibility of extending their work into the legislative sphere. Dana plans to consult with her peers and decide if they would like to pursue this route.
25th Annual Global Issues Retreat
April 25-27, 2008
| Seventeen students representing seven countries and nine schools throughout Central Ohio met for a weekend of personal growth and discussion about Global Issues. Several "firsts" marked the experience: one student had never been away from home overnight, several had never hiked or had S'mores (ours were made with Fair Trade chocolate!), many had not previously interacted with peers of ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds different than their own. The agenda included a three hour outdoor initiatives course in the woods. This activity facilitated fast friendships, transforming strangers into team members with a common goal. After this and an intercultural simulation activity, the teens were primed for casual dialogue and a packed schedule of structured sessions led by volunteers and professionals. Topics this year included: Global Health and Malaria, Stereotypes in the Media, American Folk Songwriting, and Intro to Japanese Language and Culture. |
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Central Ohio youth leaders reach out to the City of Columbus to begin dialogue about becoming a Fair Trade City
April 24, 2008
As a step toward their goal of putting the city of Columbus on the record as a "Fair Trade City," Council Fellows members reached out to Director of Communications John Ivanic. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold: 1. brief him about the group's activities and goals, and 2. use his insights and knowledge of City Council to gauge the receptiveness of members of Council to this type of youth-led proposal. As a result of the meeting, Mr. Ivanic agreed to speak to two key city reps who he thought would be open to further engagement. He also invited Bailey Cleary-Foeller, one of the group's leaders, to appear on a public interest radio show that he hosts on 91.5 FM.
CCWA youth group ventures to Seattle for Green Festival
April 11 - April 14, 2008
Watch the video!
Group leaders traveled to Seattle, Washington to network with professionals in the areas of Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and activism. Council Fellows members wrote and submitted the grant proposal and engaged in other fundraising efforts to enable their participation. The festival highlighted best practices in community organizing. Featured speakers and sessions included:
- John Perkins, "The Secret History of the American Empire: What Next? How to Change It"
- Sharif Abdullah, "Creating a World That Works for All"
- Amory Lovins, "Profitable Solutions to Oil Dependence, Climate Change, and Proliferation"
- Mark Anielski, "The Economics of Happiness"
- Karen Deal and Dr. Leon K. Rowland, "Labor & Justice in the Green Marketplace"
On landing at the airport, the students' journey began with a ride in a hybrid taxi (driven by a Somali man excited to talk about sustainability and fair trade) and the festival's themes were further exemplified the rest of the weekend. The experience spawned many ideas, new partnerships, and applied learning.
Council Fellows thanks Kiwanis of Columbus for their financial support.
Council Fellows youth group partners with Short North Business Association for April Gallery Hop
Brings Fair Trade discussion into "Green" concept
April 5, 2008
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The shop windows were decorated with a "green theme," shop owners displayed their wares made from environmentally sustainable materials, and spring shoppers were anxious to shed wooly winter sweaters for new fashion finds. But one group of local teenagers, CCWA's Council Fellows wanted to be sure that Gallery Hoppers also kept their eyes (and wallets) open to products that take into account human rights. |
"We appreciate those businesses that go the extra mile to do the right thing. We want to support their effort to do what is fair and just", says Dana Vanderkolk, a Council Fellows student leader.
She notes several examples: Jeni's Ice Cream has created flavors that use fair trade certified ingredients, Substance carries product lines that are said to be sourced exclusively from "sweatshop free" manufacturers and even sews original pieces in their shop, Dr. MoJo carries denim labels bearing "Made in the USA" tags (which Vanderkolk notes can be a shortcut to ensuring that fair labor standards are met), and Global Gallery sells ONLY fair trade certified products from around the globe.
The students recently proposed the partnership with the Short North Business Association during a meeting with SNBA Executive Director, John Angelo at which they made their case to be added to the mix of voices.
"The Short North provides a dynamic forum for community engagement," comments Angelo. "Visitors from across the city and throughout the region attend the monthly Gallery Hops. CCWA's program creates a tremendous opportunity for the next generation to tap that audience, interact with them, and impart their perspectives."
"Consumer Conversations" prepares youth advocates for outreach efforts on Fair Trade
April 5, 2008
| Peer partners of CCWA's youth group Council Fellows gathered to revisit the nuts and bolts of economics, brainstorm arguments in support of "Fair Trade," and learn skills for advocating their chosen cause to the greater public. The teens also participated in a scavenger hunt through the Short North, looking for examples of retail products and practices that support a fairer and more sustainable economy. Among the items they were challenged to collect: a cup from an establishment serving Fair Trade certified coffee, a photo of someone wearing a clothing item "Made in the USA," a menu from a restaurant serving dishes made from local produce, the business card from the manager of a store selling items that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. |
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Special thanks to Dr. Steven Miller, Karen Hansen, and Tara Brown for their contributions to student learning!
Global School Bus Volunteer Training
April 1, 2008 & February 6, 2008
The Global School Bus training was for community members with strong ties to other countries (those born outside the U.S., second-generation immigrants who identify strongly with another culture, etc.) who were interested in making cultural presentations at area schools. Participants heard from current educators, found out how U.S. schools are organized and funded, and learned about ideas for creating interactive presentations! Presented in partnership with the Office of International Affairs at OSU.
Intergenerational Great Decisions Discussion
March 27, 2008
The Great Decisions Discussion was for High School Students and Senior Residents at First Community Village in Upper Arlington.
Global Health Live Chat
March 10, 2008
CCWA youth programs staff and web content intern Jeff Tinley facilitated a live online chat between local high school students, college undergrads, a medical student at OSU, and three guest commentators. Participants included Whitney Welshimer of the International Women's Health Coalition, Cate Oswald of Partners in Health, and Sherri Williams, a reporter at the Columbus Dispatch who spent three weeks in December in South Africa on a National Association of Black Journalists fellowship reporting on the country's AIDS crisis. As Chapter President of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, Ms. Williams was instrumental in organizing a recent town hall meeting (in partnership with the Columbus AIDS Task Force) that allowed participants to discuss the impact that epidemic is having on the black community. The online discussion began with the question: Why invest in global health? Why not concentrate on poverty? There was agreement (among those who commented) that health was a precursor to any economic growth and that if people are not healthy, they cannot work and if they cannot work there will be no end to poverty. They also agreed that we should treat health as a human right.
Among the many strands that emerged after the first question was a discussion over the current exchange of doctors for oil between Cuba and Venezuela. In another strand, students inquired about the practical steps to combating the global health crisis. Dialogue ended with students "picking the brains" of guest commentators about possible career paths in the field of Global Health, and ideas for advocating for health solutions.
Black Gold Film Screening and Discussion
January 10, 2008
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Continuing their efforts to spread the word about fair trade, Council Fellows (CCWA's youth group) gathered at Global Gallery Coffee Shop to host a viewing of Black Gold, a documentary about the $80 billion coffee industry and the fair trade coffee movement. Scenes of Ethiopian farmers struggling to meet their most basic needs on a wage of less than $.50 a day played against Americans and Europeans drinking $3.00 cappuccinos and placed the two worlds in sharp contrast. After the film, participants were treated (courtesy of Global Gallery) to samples of the same Fair Trade Certified coffee grown by the Ethiopian cooperative featured in the film. The Council Fellows were delighted by the turnout of fourteen community members (expanding the total audience to 19)!
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Black Gold told the story of Tadesse Meskla, the President of the Oromo Coffee Farmers Co-op Union, and followed him from Ethiopian coffee farms to destinations around the world as he attempted to put more money in the hands of Ethiopian farmers. In the telling of this story the film traced a cup of coffee from the farm, to coffee buyer, to roasters, to retailers. Participants were shocked to know that on average just $.03 out of every cup went to farmers who picked the beans. Such information made the mundane event of a morning cup of coffee take on new significance.
At the end of film, Council Fellows lead a discussion with community members. Attendees commented on both the hilarity of the World Barrista Competition (an intense completion for cappuccino “artists”) and the sadness they felt viewing the scenes of starvation at an Ethiopian nourishment center. Members noted that the film helped them to understand issues of trade that are often too complex to be digested in other forms. In particular, they were floored by the fact that a 1% increase in the percentage of world trade would bring $70 billon to Ethiopia; five times what Ethiopia currently receives in aid! They were also moved by the dedication of Tadesse Meskla to his fellow countrymen and heartened to know that Ethiopian coffee farmers have such a strong advocate.
The evening ended on an optimistic note. Participants were reminded that their everyday actions, such as paying a few more cents for a cup of Fair Trade Certified coffee, could help the 15 million people in Ethiopia have dignity, keep their people from growing the narcotic khat, enable the construction of schools and sufficient housing, and have a meal to eat everyday.
Currently, Council Fellows are planning a fair trade tour and fashion showcase in the Short North. The tour would feature local businesses that adhere to standards of sustainability and justice. We hope to see you there! |
Turkish Dinner and Cultural Showcase
December 19, 2007
| Participants sampled the culinary and artistic traditions of Turkey at Cafe Shish Kebab. The evening included fun interactive activities and entertainment, delicious food and casual conversation. Representatives of the local Turkish community, as well as teachers from our summer study tour were in attendance. |
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Campaign for a Fair Trade Halloween
October 31, 2007
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An initiative by Council Fellows (CCWA's youth group) which provided community members the opportunity to distribute Fair Trade Certified chocolate coins and colorful pirate-themed activity cards for trick-or-treat night! Figuring that families would be giving out candy no matter what, our students wanted to add this fun and educational element to the night. They created an ad for their school PA system and set up a table to sell packets the week prior to Halloween. They also spread the word via online social networking and collected orders through email. For $5, customers got a bag of milk chocolate Fair Trade certified coins (there were 16-18 perbag, depending on the size of the coins) plus 17 double-sided, full-color fun activity cards for kids, designed by the student chair of Council Fellows (a student at Pickerington North High School).
With only this guidance -- "make it interactive, like the back of a kids' cereal box!" -- Dana was able to design a great card which included a maze, a word scramble, and info on where chocolate comes from. There were even tips for parents on incorporating Fair Trade Certified items into everyday shopping. On beggar's night, families were instructed to deposit one coin and one activity card in each kid's bag. Over 1400 children learned about Fair Trade thanks to this program, which sparked curiosity and conversation in participating neighborhoods! |
Turkey Study Tour
July 25 – August 10, 2007
Mobile Youth Forum on Climate Change: Energy Policy and Innovations
May 25, 2007
Youth Forum for high school students and teachers.
Global
Issues Retreat
April 27-29, 2007
Spontaneous discussion about a proposed “universal language” is just one illustration of the success of the Columbus Council on World Affairs flagship Global Issues Retreat program. Twenty students from throughout Ohio and the world came together in April as strangers and left as friends. They felt safe enough over the 3 day experience to share their views on economics, hegemony, and culture. They also enjoyed down-time together just “hanging out” in a supportive environment. While the event has occurred annually since the 1980s, in 2007 youth programs staff added a second session to the yearly roster based on past input from students and teachers. This second session attracted high school students from Ukraine, Switzerland, Czech Republic, China, Brazil and the United States. Participants came from public, private, and community schools and lived in rural, urban, and suburban locales. The agenda included the following activities:
- Heelotia cultural simulation;
- Outdoor teambuilding initiatives;
- A storytelling session, including pre-writing meditation in the form of Tai Chi;
- “Groups pushed to the fringe,” a session which featured deaf culture as a case study, prompting discussion about other groups worldwide considered to be minority cultures;
- An “Introduction to Somali Language” mini-lesson led by OSU teaching staff;
- and much more!
If you know a high school student who would benefit from participation in future events, please visit the Global Issues Retreat web page for details or sign up for our monthly enewsletter to keep updated on other exciting programs by sending a message info@columbusworldaffairs.org. |
The Turkic World
April 28, 2007
Teachers learned the latest scholarship on the Turkic world, which can be applied in their classrooms. Turkic languages, the Silk Road, Turkic history and culture occupied an important part in the economy of the workshop.
Samples of books and other resources for adults and children were be available, and continental breakfast and a lunch featuring Turkish cuisine were provided. This event is co-sponsored and organized by The Ohio State University Middle East Studies Center and Office of International Affairs. A more extensive Portrait of Turkey series will occur in the fall.
Global
Issues Retreat
March 23-25, 2007
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A weekend retreat in Ohio’s
Hocking Hills presented a chance for international
exchange students and local youth to discover
each others’ values and beliefs in
a peaceful atmosphere. For more details,
visit the Global
Issues Retreat page of our site.
This session included an African Drumming workshop, an Introduction to Swahili lesson, a session about the fascinating country of Turkey, among other interactive activities. Students in attendance hailed from Brazil, Japan, Venezuela, the Republic of Georgia, and the U.S. Some comments from student participants at the 23rd Annual Global Issues Retreat March session (excerpted from anonymous survey):
On getting acquainted with peers from other schools: “It’s great to meet cool new people from your city because even if you never do anything with them again, you'll have a special bond with someone else from your city that no one else will understand.”
<less> On getting acquainted with peers from other countries: “I liked how no matter what we were doing, the exchange students could tell us how they did it differently at home. Each one had a totally different life from me and its fun to hear about them.”
On having a forum for self-expression: “I found I could actually express myself better with near strangers than with some of my friends!”
General reaction to the experience: “All in all, the GIR was really the most fun I've had all year. I really think it’s helped me to become a better person, and more understanding of the various cultures around me.” |
Global
School Bus Training
January 10, 2007
| The Global School Bus program
sends presenters to classrooms to teach kids about different
countries and countries through hands-on activities, photograph
slideshows, artifact show and tell, and much more! CCWA
partners with the Office of International Affairs at OSU to offer training sessions to new volunteers. |
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Jubilee
USA Network Tour
Charity Musamba & Romulo Torres
October 30-31, 2006
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As part of their Jubilee USA network tour, these passionate speakers connected with the Columbus Council on World Affairs to visit students at both Columbus Africentric High School and Columbus Alternative High School. The tour focused on debt cancellation, one year after the historic G8 agreement, with a specific focus on the UN Millennium Development Goals. Ms. Musamba and Mr. Torres highlighted the connection between debt, economic justice and women's issues. The opportunity was well-received by the 45 participating youth and their teachers, who had never examined debt in this way. It was also an opportunity for Spanish students to hear a native speaker.
As part of their Columbus tour stop, the Jubilee delegation also mingled with CCWA Young Professionals at The Burgundy Room in Columbus’ historic Short North Arts district.
<less> Charity Musamba (Zambia) has served as National Coordinator for the Debt Cancellation and Trade Justice Project of Jubilee Zambia and as Research and Communications Officer for the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection in Lusaka, Zambia.
She participated in the Zambian government’s Civil Society consultation during the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Poverty Reduction Strategy processes. Charity has presented at many international conferences, including a meeting of debt campaigners from around the world at the 2005 G8 meeting in Scotland.
Romulo Torres (Peru) is the Coordinator the Latin American Network on Debt and Development (LATINDADD).
He is a member of Jubilee Peru and a consultant for the Episcopal Commission for Social Action which has a strong popular education and grassroots focus. Romulo has also participated in many international conferences, including at the 2005 G8 meeting in Scotland.
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Ukrainian Delegation
October 26, 2006
World Beat Journalism Conference
September 15, 2006
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This event was designed for high school students interested in journalism and/or those seeking to be better consumers of news. What’s that got to do with the price of rice in China? Everything! The aim of this conference was to introduce students to the concept of “glocal” journalism. As defined by the event keynote, Doug McGill, this means:
1. Journalism that illuminates the invisible strands of mutual influence connecting every town and city to the rest of the world. Glocal journalism exposes the local effects of global causes, the local reactions to global actions, the local opportunities of global trends, the local threats of global dangers, and the love of local and global neighbors.
2. Journalism that uses freedom of the press in the U.S. to help people elsewhere in the world who don't have it. Journalists in the U.S. can often write better stories about the politics and society of foreign countries, simply because they don't fear a knock on the door at night. At the same time, thanks to the Internet, these stories can be extremely useful in those countries because they will be read and exchanged and widely distributed.
3. Journalism that defines the largest relevant and useful context for every local story. In a globalized world that context is usually global whether the story is the weather, a flu outbreak, fishing in the Mississippi, or the insanely low price of sneakers at Wal-Mart.
<less> McGill’s keynote address cited examples with great local relevance, including:
- Ohio’s soy crop being in high demand by the Asian countries which consume this product,
- Ohio farmers impact on world politics via the potential of ethanol and corn-based polymers to replace petroleum in many applications,
- Local Honda workers being part of a company designing and manufacturing hybrid vehicles, and
- Ohio’s place as home to the second largest Somali community in the U.S.
Following the address, students were split up into smaller groups for interactive break-out sessions led by:
Venise Wagner, a journalism professor and freelance reporter who conducted a module on:
“Covering Diverse Communities.” She is a trainer for the Society for Professional Journalists. In her session, participants were asked to look at and describe an object from where they sat in the room. The challenge was to be accurate and unbiased, yet interesting. Students were also asked to think about the ways they define themselves and others and how their perspective is clouded by “cultural lenses.” The group looked at a case study derived from an actual local news item which illustrated the challenge of covering diverse communities and were asked to engage in role-playing aimed at putting them in the shoes of a reporter, a local Somali leader, and community stakeholders.
Sherri Williams of the Columbus Dispatch provided an insiders view of the news story on which this activity was based. She also offered to serve as a mentor and general resource to students as they proceeded in their roles as news producers and consumers.
Darrin Mortenson, who joined the Mershon Center at The Ohio State University in August as Journalist in Residence shared his experience as an imbedded reporter. He spent three with Marines in Iraq. His second tour took place in 2004 with the first Marine battalion in Fallujah, where he saw the violence leading up to the brutal slaying of four American contractors. During his time at Mershon, Mortenson plans to finish a book analyzing the 2004 events in Fallujah. He argues that 11 months of occupation by U.S. Army troops preceded the contractors' slayings, and that Marines attacked the town as early as March after losing troops of their own. In completing his book, Mortenson hopes to expand access to primary military documents on the war in Iraq. At the conference, he showed images from Iraq, and answered student questions about such issues as: the perceived conflict of interest for an unbiased reporter to be embedded with a group upon which s/he depends for personal survival, the accuracy and value of the war reporting that most Americans are receiving, etc.
In addition to the above, the conference included an opportunity for students to get out “on the beat” to observe their community and look for evidence of global influence. Practically, these ideas could be applied in the context of their school newspapers and more theoretically to analyze local media efforts at doing “glocal journalism.”
This conference was designed as a pre-cursor to extension activities designed and administered by Stephanie Calondis, Director of Youth Programs. These outreach projects were conceived with input from each classroom teacher with whom she worked for 1-3 months. |
Project
Somali Voter
Columbus
Dispatch Content Analysis Project
Global Scholar Leadership Development for Council Fellows Co-Chairs
July 2 - July 15, 2006
The Council, with assistance from the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, funded two scholarships for an intensive Global Scholar two-week summer enrichment program that offers rising juniors and seniors in high school the chance to immerse themselves in college-level coursework on international relations. The seminar took place at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Students Jordan Whisler and Malavika Tampi learned valuable leadership skills during their two weeks, which they utilized in their role as co-chairs of the youth group Council Fellows.
Great Decisions Teacher Institute 2006
June 2006
The Great Decisions Teacher's Institute brings together high school educators from around the country to gain a greater perspective on international affairs and to help them acquire tools for teaching about the world. Participants in the Teacher's Institute receive background briefings from influential policymakers and experts on U.S. foreign policy in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. They also become familiar with materials that will help their students better understand the world, including the Great Decisions briefing book, Teacher's Guide and other Great Decisions resources.
Read about Teacher David Fawcett's experience
Reads and Deeds - Pilot at Worthington Middle School
May & June 2006
| Students had book club-style discussions throughout the months of May and June 2006. These discussions, facilitated by CCWA staff, occurred during the last period of the school day (a study hall-type period) and after school. During meetings, members of the group noted the many social issues illustrated in the well-known book The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. After doing further research into these issues, they designed and executed educational outreach to other community members. They achieved a good level of understanding about such topics as immigration, consumer and worker rights, predatory lending, and human trafficking. This resulted in the production of a Citizens Guide, which students distributed and discussed with peers, parents, and neighbors during one of the weekly farmer’s market events in Worthington. Students also called their government representatives and distributed bookmarks to students on the last day of school. These bookmarks listed the names and numbers of their U.S. Congressional representatives so as to encourage action on issues which they may learn about while reading. A similar outreach model can be replicated at various schools in Central Ohio on request. |
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Global
Issues Retreat 2006
April 7-9, 2006
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At this annual Retreat in scenic Hocking Hills, youth explored the following topics:
- Agriculture, food systems and the environment in a globalized reality
- Comparison of homosexuality across cultures
- Islam 101 (a dialogue with peers who practice Islam, in partnership with the Council for American Islamic Relations)
- Introduction to Zen Meditation
- One China
- The use of cultural stereotypes in comedy.
Student in attendance hailed from Italy, Japan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the U.S. For more details,
visit the Global
Issues Retreat page of our site. |
Global
Columbus Student Art Exhibit
March 4, 2006
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This exhibition, presented with support from Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., debuted at the March 4, 2006 Gallery Hop. Student artists were challenged to consider the many links between Central Ohio and the rest of the world and to create a piece highlighting one such connection. The resulting show contained paintings, a sculpture, and photography. |
Global
Health Summit
Steve Wagner & Melinda Diaz, Ohio Department of Health;
Matt Clary, OSU and Ride for World Health
March 3, 2006
Steve Wagner (Ohio Department of Health) is responsible for developing and guiding the strategy for Public Health and Health Care Preparedness. He is the Principal Investigator on the CDC cooperative agreement for Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response and the HRSA Hospital Bioterrorism Preparedness Program.
Melinda Diaz (Ohio Department of Health) is a registered nurse working as an Infections Disease Control Consultant in the Bureau of Infectious Diseases. She holds a masters degree in education.
Matt Clary (OSU and Ride for World Health): Having transitioned from the business world to medical school, he has found an outlet to apply his business skills, perseverance, and interests in cycling to make a difference in the state of global health: he co-founded Ride for World Health. |
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WMD:
60 Years After Hiroshima
Diana Roose, Oberlin College
February 3, 2006
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For the past 25 years, she has interviewed and worked with survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. |
Immigration
and Achieving Social Change
Dolores Huerta, The Dolores Huerta Foundation
December 8, 2005
| A legendary civil rights leader, whose contemporaries include Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She now spends her time educating young people about community organizing and activism, as well as immigration issues. |
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China
in the World Economy
Lisa Han,
Schottenstein, Zox and Dunn
October 12, 2005
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Lisa Han is a Partner in the Health Law and International Practice Areas. She has spoken about business and China at many community events. |
Global
Issues Retreat 2005
April 8-10, 2005
| A weekend retreat in Ohio’s
Hocking Hills presented a chance for international
exchange students and local youth to discover
each others’ values and beliefs in
a peaceful atmosphere. Camp Oty’ Okwa,
South Bloomington,
OH. For more details,
visit the Global
Issues Retreat page of our site. |
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Academic
World Quest
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Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) is a flagship program of the world affairs council system. It is a team game testing competitors knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, & culture. The Columbus team in 2005 consisted of three high school students from Gahanna-Lincoln High School and one from Mount Vernon High School: Jazaray Bryant, Andrew Conte, Margaret McBride, and Danielle Ross. They prepared by reading the
New York Times and dividing up specific subjects according to their interests, so as to have an “expert” in every area.
Comments from our Student Participants
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“ I think the competition opened our eyes to the globally connected state of the world, and where we fit into it…”
“The highlight was seeing The Capitol Steps [political satire group]. They were so hilarious! I can’t wait until they come to
Columbus – I’m so there!”
“The high point was seeing Washington. Being near all that history. It is amazing. It really made all that dry history I learned in dusty old books become real and important.” |
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How Academic World Quest Works
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Teams compete by answering rounds of questions projected by PowerPoint onto a screen. The questions test their knowledge of current affairs, world leaders, geography, recent history, flags, international organizations, countries, regions, the world economy, culture, religion, and more. A full competition is 100 questions, 10 rounds of 10 questions per round. The 3-hour competition is embedded in a long weekend of activities in Washington. Friday night is a dinner and open-floor discussion with a prominent Washingtonian, for example a famous ambassador, an Assistant Secretary of State, or a member of Congress. The weekend includes tours of the Mall, the White House, the Organization of American States, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian, and the monuments. Saturday lunch is for an open-floor discussion with a member of the media, particularly someone from the television news. The competition is followed by prizes, a pizza dinner, and a session with Capitol Steps, Washington’s favorite political satire group.
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The
Save Awards
