Citizenship & Activism
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-Margaret Mead
After the extended Memorial Day weekend, and reflecting on the impact so many brave American armed-service men and women (relatives, friends, and strangers) have had on all of us and our country, I wanted to impress upon students how each of us can individually contribute to making our school, community, and world a better place too. After a brief video on Citizenship in the Community - we then shifted into our three mentor texts (depicted above).
We learned that some engaged citizens go above and beyond, and maintain an active involvement in various ways in their local community and around the world. Many students were surprised that "American ideals and values" are not shared in each community, or state, around the world. Malala: A Brave Girl From Pakistan certainly opened our eyes about how lucky we are to live in a free nation that provides a public education to all of it's citizens (grades k-12). Malala's unwavering courage and resolve to bring change to her community in Swat Valley, despite violent threats and eventual physical harm, serve as an inspiration that we are all capable of making our voices heard. As she proclaimed in a famous speech to world leaders on her 16th birthday, "They thought that bullets would silence us, but they failed... One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world."
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