Letter of Action

Letter of action

Dear Dr. Agriss,

       In light of what I have read and discussed in this Global View of Children’s Literature class, I cannot view the world entirely the same way. Though I thought I was aware of a lot of conflicts and issues going in the world today, (reading the news often and being an advocate of a few organizations) I came to realize this quarter I barely had begun to scratch the surface of the many diverse and life changing conflicts that children have faced throughout time. When I came to this realization my views changed a lot. I realized that if I claim to love and care for all children the world, I must do more to make a difference in my world. Though I do support several organizations such as UNICEF and Compassion International, I still feel there is more I can do to be an advocate for the children of the world. I feel like my biggest goal in life is to be in support of human nature by ensuring everyone has access to what they need to have happy and healthy lives. This class helped me realize how big of an undertaking that is, but by join together with many people with the same life goal, it isn’t too far out of reach. I plan, in every arena to support and advocate for the rights and safety of children. I have already planned to volunteer regularly wherever I can to help children. The Big Brother and Big Sisters organization is one I have been looking into very seriously after I graduate and settle in one spot.

        To be able to just make a difference in one child’s life is probably one of the most rewarding experiences I think a person can experience and to have the chance to do that in my spare would be incredible. I have made contact with Keith from the Big Brother Big Sister program in Spokane to start the process of making that happen. However, I still want to be involved in global issues with children. I want to advocate for children by informing my family and peers about these global issues facing children. Social media makes sharing these global concerns a lot easier. I want to let everyone around me know what is going on and how to help, as I myself take action in aid as well. Another way I want to promote advocacy for children is to promote education for the children in my life of global issues and to be culturally aware. I want to use resources like literature and the internet to expose children to cultural issues going on in the world in a way that is developmentally appropriate for them.

           To remain in ignorance to the conflicts and issues of children around the world is to do them an even greater injustice. In America it is very easy to hide in our privilege and security and never face the daunting knowledge of what these children are facing, but it is so important that we as teachers learn and respond to these injustices, to not only fulfill our commitment to the service of children, but to lead by example for others around us. I am glad this class changed my views in that regard. Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Alison N. Sims