However, do we challenge them enough? Do we give them opportunities to think of others? Do ensure they have the guidance and the chance to do something selfless?
My middle-schoolers are working on resolutions for Civitas. Civitas is an organization here in St. Louis that--every year--hosts several mock-general assemblies of the United Nations. Earlier in the school year students did research, chose a country, and then studied what problems they're grappling with.
All 20 resolutions from my students cannot be discussed, as there will be two other schools meeting on the same day as we do. Therefore, two resolutions have been chosen: Ghana's resolution and Australia's resolution. (Go to the link right under the photo--from last year--to see the resolutions that are "live" so far.)
The students will present the resolution. The representatives from the other countries will take notes, and then have a chance to voice their concerns and suggestions. Then, each one will be voted on.
This is a free program, and has gotten my students so excited about real world problems. Who knows? Some day, they might actually become a member of the United Nations...
