We held a hunger banquet to create awareness of the disparities that exist between the underdeveloped, developing and developed world.  Students were randomly assigned to a group (underdeveloped, developing and developed world) and provided with a meal.  Meals ranged from rice and “dirty” water in the underdeveloped world, soup and rice in the developing world to pizza and ice cream in the developed world. 

We had an Eco-Challenge Week in order to draw attention to changes that can be made in our everyday that could reduce our carbon footprint.  Choosing to eat vegetarian once a week, riding a bike or using public transportation instead of a car and by lowering the temperature on your thermostat are all ways to minimize our carbon footprint.

Global Issues members have held simulations with Middle School and High School students to draw their attention to Global Issues topics that are impacting the world.  Last year we drew attention to the depletion of fisheries.  Students had to work in groups and they went fishing.  The goal was for students to strike a balance between how many fish they caught and the impact that non-sustainable fishing practices can have on people and the environment.  This activity sparked discussion to other areas of resource use and sustainability that allowed for students to consider their personal actions and the impact they have on the world.

We participate in two conferences each year.  GIN-Europe meets in the fall and GIN-International meets in the spring.  Each conference has a global issue as a theme.  This generates group discussions, positions statements and action plans.  At conferences, we have a chance to meet experts face to face. 

The following are some of the inspirational people we have met and worked with to date:

Khedroop Thonkup: the Dali Lama’s nephew and President of the Tibetan Refugees Self-Help Center 

Ryan Hreljac: the founder of his own organization, Ryan’s Well Foundation 

Austin Gutwein: the founder of his own organization, Hoops of Hope