When people hear the name of our school, the Academy for Global Citizenship, there are two standard reactions; “that is a long name” and “that is a lofty name.” As to the length, we have found a compromise, AGC. As to the essence of our name, what we are hoping to foster amongst our students, families and staff, there is no such compromise, but there are questions. What does it mean to be a Global Citizen? What does that mean for us as adults? For our students? How does Global Citizenship fit into an educational structure where we first must learn about our surroundings and ourselves before we can grasp concepts of the world?
At AGC, we have defined the skills and traits of what it means to be a Global Citizen. Some of them are, being an inquirer, being respectful, and understanding how our actions affect the world and how the actions of those around the globe can affect our everyday life.
While the adults in our community work to figure out how to create an environment in which these concepts are salient Continue reading 'What is a Global Citizen?'»
The time to finish holiday shopping is running out, and if you still don’t know what to get for a relative or friend, think green. Everyone can feel good about receiving a gift that helps save the environment.
Uncommon Goods, a web-based retailer and catalogue, has a whole section of green gifts that are more unusual and thoughtful than the standard fare of knickknacks made from recycled glass bottles.
For the fashionista on your list who doesn’t want to be caught wearing the same thing as someone else, consider a skirt made from recycled sweaters – no two are alike. There are also scarves made from t-shirts and belts made from spent fire hoses.
For the techie who has every device, Continue reading 'Deck the Halls with Boughs of Green'»
Morbid statistics highlight the havoc unrestrained pollution is creating on our environment. Magazine articles, television programs, and different kinds of media provide solution to our environment problems, how individuals can make a contribution to reduce the abuse of resources.
New developments in technology have increased the opportunities for green pursuits and raised awareness on the significance of adapting Green measures in a variety of business sectors. Unfortunately, the measures are not enough. To considerably tackle our green challenges, a larger and more detailed map is needed. Continue reading 'Design Innovation to Solve Green Challenges'»
A year ago today my desk was covered with my favorite Thanksgiving recipes and maps of the Chicagoland area. My computer screen was an endless stream of tabs–local farms, mileage calculators, farmers market locations and vendor lists. It had all the markings of a college research project including the nearly unbearable stress. Could I pull it off in time? And would I get a passing grade? Worse still, my project was being critiqued by more than 20 people–my relatives. I passed, or rather, the meal passed–our first-ever 100-mile Thanksgiving was a success.
In spite of the rave reviews and heightened awareness regarding the origins of our meal, we weren’t ready to commit Continue reading 'Our 100-Mile Thanksgiving Becomes a Family Tradition'»
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