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by Theo Spanos Dunfey  Eleanor Dunfey presenting the Catherine A. Dunfey Award to Wilma P. Mankiller
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| Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. |
Despite the difficult times Afghanistan is facing, I will do everything in my power to maintain the flickering flame of empowerment and education.
- Rauf Rahimi
By Sonja Meijer
Hannah Arendt, a German American historian and political thinker, made significant contributions to political theory and philosophy, which continue to be studied today. Arendt argues that thinking is a political activity. Engaging and thinking with others in the political sphere is central to a fulfilling life.
Arendt has explored issues from totalitarianism in works like “The Origins of Totalitarianism,” an examination of “The Human Condition,” her views on evil when covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, her distinction between the Public and Private spheres, and her advocacy for human rights, as she herself was a refugee.
Arendt emphasizes the importance of engaging in political discourse with others. By entering the political realm, we leave our private life to appear in front of others, with the use of speech and action. By presenting ourselves, we can be recognized by others and therefore attain a sense of individual freedom. Arendt believes that if we appear in front of others, our existence is acknowledged, leading to the experience of human plurality and eventually reality.
Arendt argues that good and meaningful conversations occur when two individuals are working together to understand each other. As we cannot know another person merely from observation, we have a responsibility to engage in dialogue. We need to actively seek answers to the questions we have about someone. Not only do we come to understand the other person through dialogue, but we also come to learn more about ourselves. Through this collaborative
exploration, we shed light on who we are as individuals and how we fit into the larger
world.
Not only is it important to have dialogue with others, but one must also be able to have dialogue with themselves. Arendt states that “no man can keep his conscience intact who cannot actualize the dialogue with himself, that is, who lacks the solitude required for all forms of thinking.”
Arendt believes that our inner dialogue, which she calls a “two-in-one” conversation, is
necessary when examining our conscience. In this two-in-one, this thought process
turns into a dialogue consisting of myself asking questions and my other self
answering them. Arendt argues that “living together with others begins with living
together with oneself.”
For one to engage in inner dialogue, one must enter a world of solitude. Arendt’s notion of solitude is a space for self-discovery and introspection. A person cannot enter the public realm as a political being without first thinking in solitude. Solitude, as Arendt sees it, offers us a remedy to an increasingly lonely society. Rather than following a traditional way of solving loneliness – the view of engaging more with others – one should spend more time in solitude.
Our society is dealing with an epidemic of loneliness. With the development of technology, specifically social media, we spend more time alone, not engaging in dialogue with ourselves or others. This time alone is often spent scrolling on Instagram, checking emails, or watching TV. We have become immersed in the screens that we deem as entertainment, and we now consider it our ‘alone’ time or ‘me’ time.
But this is not what Arendt meant by spending time with ourselves. We are no longer taking time to speak with our other self in solitude, away from distractions. Our attention span is even shorter than previous years, and we become easily bored and exist in this world of loneliness. We are no longer experiencing the companionship of our other self within the two-in-one.
As we are no longer engaging in the self-understanding that emerges from inner dialogue, we are ill-prepared for participating in the public sphere. We are losing what makes us distinct from others as we hide behind screens and appear less and less in front of others. Solitude is integral to the life of a human being, and without this space for introspection, we lose our ability for thought and therefore our freedom.
Arendt talks about the dangers of totalitarianism. In the world of totalitarianism, one is taught what to think rather than how to think. Totalitarianism acts like a magnet, where individuals are pulled so close together that they lose their individuality and merge into one. Totalitarian regimes seek to eradicate all differences of thought by removing the political space that allows for new and transformative ideas to be produced. Without the ability to think one becomes lonely.
In contrast to the lonely man, the solitary man is completely alone but, as Arendt sees it, he is “together with himself.” Thinking in solitude is a dialogue between “me and myself.” Arendt notes that the lonely person can save themselves from loneliness by engaging in solitary dialogue. By being in solitude, we can expand our minds and question our own views and perspectives.
Arendt also highlights the repercussions of abstaining from meaningful reflection. Her essay “Thinking and Moral Considerations” grapples with the connection between thinking and evil. Arendt used the phrase “the banality of evil” to describe Adolf Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official who was a significant figure in the Holocaust.
Arendt did not see Eichmann as a “monstrous” figure but rather an ordinary bureaucrat who committed evil acts without deeply questioning or reflecting on the moral implications of his actions. These evil deeds were committed on a large scale, and Arendt viewed this as “not stupidity but a curious, quite authentic inability to think.” She argues that thinking, this two-in-one conversation, can deter individuals from evildoing.
Arendt posits that when you are in solitude, you are engaged in thought which
may “be the most solitary of all activities” but you are never “without a partner and
without company.” Delving deep into conversation with yourself will always be sufficient companionship.
In conclusion, Arendt’s thinking highlights the importance of solitude as a
space to understand ourselves through engaging in a two-in-one dialogue. By
critiquing totalitarianism, she highlights the dangers of depriving people of solitude.
Losing this space for solitude means losing the freedom that comes with thinking.
Solitude is a space to discover one’s identity through sustained reflection.
The process of having dialogue with our self encourages us to question our own values
while also opening ourselves to the other. This preparation better equips us for
acting in the political sphere. By balancing solitude and our social interactions, we
can have a fulfilling and meaningful life. Everyone can feel lonely at times, but Arendt
encourages us to continuously cultivate our inner-thinking partner to find refuge in
solitude.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a poem I wrote about solitude:
Arendt’s wise words
she tells us that solitude is a place for us to reflect
where a person can be in conversation with oneself,
can be fulfilled by one’s own presence
and that solitude cannot be mistaken for loneliness
(but I am too often lonely and wonder how I can enter the world of solitude)
Hannah Arendt, a German American historian and political thinker, made significant contributions to political theory and philosophy, which continue to be studied today. Arendt argues that thinking is a political activity. Engaging and thinking with others in the political sphere is central to a fulfilling life.
Arendt has explored issues from totalitarianism in works like “The Origins of Totalitarianism,” an examination of “The Human Condition,” her views on evil when covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, her distinction between the Public and Private spheres, and her advocacy for human rights, as she herself was a refugee.
Arendt emphasizes the importance of engaging in political discourse with others. By entering the political realm, we leave our private life to appear in front of others, with the use of speech and action. By presenting ourselves, we can be recognized by others and therefore attain a sense of individual freedom. Arendt believes that if we appear in front of others, our existence is acknowledged, leading to the experience of human plurality and eventually reality.
Arendt argues that good and meaningful conversations occur when two individuals are working together to understand each other. As we cannot know another person merely from observation, we have a responsibility to engage in dialogue. We need to actively seek answers to the questions we have about someone. Not only do we come to understand the other person through dialogue, but we also come to learn more about ourselves. Through this collaborative
exploration, we shed light on who we are as individuals and how we fit into the larger
world.
Not only is it important to have dialogue with others, but one must also be able to have dialogue with themselves. Arendt states that “no man can keep his conscience intact who cannot actualize the dialogue with himself, that is, who lacks the solitude required for all forms of thinking.”
Arendt believes that our inner dialogue, which she calls a “two-in-one” conversation, is
necessary when examining our conscience. In this two-in-one, this thought process
turns into a dialogue consisting of myself asking questions and my other self
answering them. Arendt argues that “living together with others begins with living
together with oneself.”
For one to engage in inner dialogue, one must enter a world of solitude. Arendt’s notion of solitude is a space for self-discovery and introspection. A person cannot enter the public realm as a political being without first thinking in solitude. Solitude, as Arendt sees it, offers us a remedy to an increasingly lonely society. Rather than following a traditional way of solving loneliness – the view of engaging more with others – one should spend more time in solitude.
Our society is dealing with an epidemic of loneliness. With the development of technology, specifically social media, we spend more time alone, not engaging in dialogue with ourselves or others. This time alone is often spent scrolling on Instagram, checking emails, or watching TV. We have become immersed in the screens that we deem as entertainment, and we now consider it our ‘alone’ time or ‘me’ time.
But this is not what Arendt meant by spending time with ourselves. We are no longer taking time to speak with our other self in solitude, away from distractions. Our attention span is even shorter than previous years, and we become easily bored and exist in this world of loneliness. We are no longer experiencing the companionship of our other self within the two-in-one.
As we are no longer engaging in the self-understanding that emerges from inner dialogue, we are ill-prepared for participating in the public sphere. We are losing what makes us distinct from others as we hide behind screens and appear less and less in front of others. Solitude is integral to the life of a human being, and without this space for introspection, we lose our ability for thought and therefore our freedom.
Arendt talks about the dangers of totalitarianism. In the world of totalitarianism, one is taught what to think rather than how to think. Totalitarianism acts like a magnet, where individuals are pulled so close together that they lose their individuality and merge into one. Totalitarian regimes seek to eradicate all differences of thought by removing the political space that allows for new and transformative ideas to be produced. Without the ability to think one becomes lonely.
In contrast to the lonely man, the solitary man is completely alone but, as Arendt sees it, he is “together with himself.” Thinking in solitude is a dialogue between “me and myself.” Arendt notes that the lonely person can save themselves from loneliness by engaging in solitary dialogue. By being in solitude, we can expand our minds and question our own views and perspectives.
Arendt also highlights the repercussions of abstaining from meaningful reflection. Her essay “Thinking and Moral Considerations” grapples with the connection between thinking and evil. Arendt used the phrase “the banality of evil” to describe Adolf Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official who was a significant figure in the Holocaust.
Arendt did not see Eichmann as a “monstrous” figure but rather an ordinary bureaucrat who committed evil acts without deeply questioning or reflecting on the moral implications of his actions. These evil deeds were committed on a large scale, and Arendt viewed this as “not stupidity but a curious, quite authentic inability to think.” She argues that thinking, this two-in-one conversation, can deter individuals from evildoing.
Arendt posits that when you are in solitude, you are engaged in thought which
may “be the most solitary of all activities” but you are never “without a partner and
without company.” Delving deep into conversation with yourself will always be sufficient companionship.
In conclusion, Arendt’s thinking highlights the importance of solitude as a
space to understand ourselves through engaging in a two-in-one dialogue. By
critiquing totalitarianism, she highlights the dangers of depriving people of solitude.
Losing this space for solitude means losing the freedom that comes with thinking.
Solitude is a space to discover one’s identity through sustained reflection.
The process of having dialogue with our self encourages us to question our own values
while also opening ourselves to the other. This preparation better equips us for
acting in the political sphere. By balancing solitude and our social interactions, we
can have a fulfilling and meaningful life. Everyone can feel lonely at times, but Arendt
encourages us to continuously cultivate our inner-thinking partner to find refuge in
solitude.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a poem I wrote about solitude:
Arendt’s wise words
she tells us that solitude is a place for us to reflect
where a person can be in conversation with oneself,
can be fulfilled by one’s own presence
and that solitude cannot be mistaken for loneliness
(but I am too often lonely and wonder how I can enter the world of solitude)
Sonja Meijer is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She is half American and half Dutch, and grew up in the Geneva, Switzerland area. Her interests are in social justice, poetry, theater, and sports. She has been involved with Global Citizen Circle for the past year and served as an intern for GCC in 2023.
Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle.
Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle.
Power is actualized only where word and deed have not parted company, where words are not empty and deeds not brutal, where words are not used to veil intentions but to disclose realities, and where deeds are not used to violate and destroy but to establish relations and create new realities.
-Hannah Arendt, "The Human Condition"
By Dr. Shanita M. Williams
Growing up, just about every child had “circle time” during the school day. It was a point in the day where we’d move from our individual plainly colored desks to the center of the room, often sitting on a vibrantly colored rug that gave you a jolt of energy the moment you stepped onto it.
We’d all scramble to that carpet for circle time, trying to find the perfect spot within the circle. I remember looking around to make sure no one was left outside of the circle and would encourage other kids to scoot over to make room if someone did.
As I reflect on the many faces in the circle, I cannot help to feel blessed to have grown up with people from all walks of life in race, gender, socio-economic status and ability. I didn’t realize it at the time, but circle time would become one of my earliest memories on the value of diversity and the importance of inclusion.
As a kid, the time in the circle was incredibly exciting…it was a moment of the day where we were closest to the teacher (literally sitting just a few inches away from their feet). It was an opportunity to put our pens down (or crayons for that matter) and engage in learning in a completely different way. No books, no overhead projector (I am dating myself), no worksheets, no flashcards, just me, myself and I. It was a signal that I was enough and that I had everything I needed for the circle. Looking back, it was really empowering.
Circle time was also inspiring because it was not only an opportunity to listen to each other, but it was also an opportunity to see each other in a completely different way. The structure of the circle made the time special. We were right beside one another – not across the table from one another – and something about that felt good.
We weren’t required to cite literature or recite the details of something; it was our opportunity to listen to each other, to see one another, share our perspective, and be inspired by one another. It was almost as if the words shared during “circle time” resonated more deeply than any other point in the day, leaving me feeling more knowledgeable, more connected to my peers, and seen as an individual.
Now that you know how much I valued circle time as a kid, I am sure it’s no surprise to you that I was drawn to Global Citizens Circle (GCC). Through the use of global circles, Global Citizens Circle discussion leaders join in a moderated interactive conversation with participants from around the world, having courageous constructive conversations about some of the world’s most pressing topics. The experience and outcomes are similar to those I felt in a circle as a kid: people from all walks of life sharing stories, inspiring hope, deepening understanding, and motivating change.
Growing up, just about every child had “circle time” during the school day. It was a point in the day where we’d move from our individual plainly colored desks to the center of the room, often sitting on a vibrantly colored rug that gave you a jolt of energy the moment you stepped onto it.
We’d all scramble to that carpet for circle time, trying to find the perfect spot within the circle. I remember looking around to make sure no one was left outside of the circle and would encourage other kids to scoot over to make room if someone did.
As I reflect on the many faces in the circle, I cannot help to feel blessed to have grown up with people from all walks of life in race, gender, socio-economic status and ability. I didn’t realize it at the time, but circle time would become one of my earliest memories on the value of diversity and the importance of inclusion.
As a kid, the time in the circle was incredibly exciting…it was a moment of the day where we were closest to the teacher (literally sitting just a few inches away from their feet). It was an opportunity to put our pens down (or crayons for that matter) and engage in learning in a completely different way. No books, no overhead projector (I am dating myself), no worksheets, no flashcards, just me, myself and I. It was a signal that I was enough and that I had everything I needed for the circle. Looking back, it was really empowering.
Circle time was also inspiring because it was not only an opportunity to listen to each other, but it was also an opportunity to see each other in a completely different way. The structure of the circle made the time special. We were right beside one another – not across the table from one another – and something about that felt good.
We weren’t required to cite literature or recite the details of something; it was our opportunity to listen to each other, to see one another, share our perspective, and be inspired by one another. It was almost as if the words shared during “circle time” resonated more deeply than any other point in the day, leaving me feeling more knowledgeable, more connected to my peers, and seen as an individual.
Now that you know how much I valued circle time as a kid, I am sure it’s no surprise to you that I was drawn to Global Citizens Circle (GCC). Through the use of global circles, Global Citizens Circle discussion leaders join in a moderated interactive conversation with participants from around the world, having courageous constructive conversations about some of the world’s most pressing topics. The experience and outcomes are similar to those I felt in a circle as a kid: people from all walks of life sharing stories, inspiring hope, deepening understanding, and motivating change.
In June 2022, I had the honor of moderating a GCC circle, “In the Footsteps of Giants: Grounding and Growing the Dream.” It was an inspiring discussion centered around intergenerational dialogue with Yolanda King, then 14-year-old activist and sole grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King as well as Khandace Wilkerson, a 2022 graduate of the Boston Latin Academy, who is involved in many community-based organizations in Boston. Together, they represent a generation of new voices that were born out of dreams of those who have come before them.
It was a real treat for me to sit alongside the two of these young women and hear their thoughts on topics that the youth were most concerned about. We talked about voting rights, gun violence, activism, and tips for youth who want to make a difference. One of our discussion topics was around voting.
As we enter the 2024 presidential election the youth vote (ages 18-34) has the potential to influence on the outcome in many states. As Yolanda King noted, “We need to make sure we (youth) are voting so that we elect politicians who will listen to the youth.” Her point was well taken. Many people have traditionally felt that our youth are “to be seen and not heard.”
Khandace Wilkerson said, “They (youth) have power in their voice even, if they don’t use it; their thoughts matter, their ideas matter and they can change the world if they want to.”
I have always believed in our youth, but after listening to these young women, it reinforced that if we only see them and not hear them, we are missing out on an incredible opportunity to positively shape the future of our country and, inevitably, the world.
I remember hearing that one voice can cause an avalanche. These two young women, alongside the Global Citizens Circle, have started a volcanic eruption. What an honor it was to be a part of this circle and watch them pave their own way as they follow in the footsteps of giants.
As I go back to my childhood circle time on the vibrantly colored carpet, I am reminded that it was not the adults in the room that inspired me most, it was my peers…the youth that did so.
I am inspired by our youth: Khandance Wilkerson and Yolanda King will lead the next generation of leaders and become the giants so many will follow. That’s the power of a circle.
It was a real treat for me to sit alongside the two of these young women and hear their thoughts on topics that the youth were most concerned about. We talked about voting rights, gun violence, activism, and tips for youth who want to make a difference. One of our discussion topics was around voting.
As we enter the 2024 presidential election the youth vote (ages 18-34) has the potential to influence on the outcome in many states. As Yolanda King noted, “We need to make sure we (youth) are voting so that we elect politicians who will listen to the youth.” Her point was well taken. Many people have traditionally felt that our youth are “to be seen and not heard.”
Khandace Wilkerson said, “They (youth) have power in their voice even, if they don’t use it; their thoughts matter, their ideas matter and they can change the world if they want to.”
I have always believed in our youth, but after listening to these young women, it reinforced that if we only see them and not hear them, we are missing out on an incredible opportunity to positively shape the future of our country and, inevitably, the world.
I remember hearing that one voice can cause an avalanche. These two young women, alongside the Global Citizens Circle, have started a volcanic eruption. What an honor it was to be a part of this circle and watch them pave their own way as they follow in the footsteps of giants.
As I go back to my childhood circle time on the vibrantly colored carpet, I am reminded that it was not the adults in the room that inspired me most, it was my peers…the youth that did so.
I am inspired by our youth: Khandance Wilkerson and Yolanda King will lead the next generation of leaders and become the giants so many will follow. That’s the power of a circle.
Dr. Shanita Williams has focused on the employee experience for the last 15 years. She currently serves as the vice president of people experience and inclusion within Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University. In her role, she collaborates with leaders and employees across the university to ensure that diversity and inclusion are embedded in all of our talent strategies, initiatives and programs that help recruit, retain and empower world class talent to deliver on the mission. Her areas of focus include employee engagement surveys, recognition and appreciation, employee networks, university-wide onboarding, bias response programs, coaching and helping people build a feedback mentality. Williams earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, where her research centered on the lived experiences of African-American working mothers as students.
Williams is the author of "The Feedback Mentality: The key to unlocking and unleashing your full potential" and a two-times TEDx speaker.
Williams is the author of "The Feedback Mentality: The key to unlocking and unleashing your full potential" and a two-times TEDx speaker.
Through the use of global circles, Global Citizens Circle discussion leaders join in a moderated interactive conversation with participants from around the world, having courageous constructive conversations about some of the world’s most pressing topics. - Dr. Shanita Williams
Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle.
Tito Jackson, the chairman emeritus of Global Citizens Circle's Board, speaks to what GCC has meant to him over the years, why it remains vital in his life, and how we all benefit from GCC and its mission.
Alice Burume is an academic coach and coach trainer, with a passion for education to empower refugee and underrepresented individuals and promote lifelong learning. She believes in giving back to the community and is actively involved in Global Citizen Circle. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with experience in higher education and working with diverse communities. Outside of work, she enjoys singing for pleasure, exercising at the gym, and exploring new cuisines through cooking and dining out.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to get to where you are now in your life?
My journey to where I am now has been a diverse and enriching experience. It has been shaped by various factors such as education, professional experiences, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. From a young age, I was always curious and eager to learn. This curiosity led me to pursue higher education, where I did a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). During this time, I developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that laid the groundwork for my future endeavors.
As I entered the professional world, I looked for opportunities that aligned with my interests and aspirations. I have had the privilege of working in different industries and roles, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. These experiences have helped me develop valuable skills such as organizational, analytical, and interpersonal, problem solving, stress management, and communication skills, both written and verbal, through interacting with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Along the way, I have encountered obstacles and setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth. Whether it was navigating career transitions, overcoming personal challenges, or adapting to new environments, I have remained resilient and focused on achieving my goals. Moreover, my journey has been enriched by the people I have met along the way, mentors who have offered guidance, colleagues who have inspired me, and friends and family who have supported me through it all.
Overall, my journey has been characterized by continuous learning, growth, and a commitment to pursuing my passions. I am excited about where I am now and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Who do you follow for inspiration, leadership, or encouragement?
I have always found inspiration in historical figures. One person in particular who has always inspired me is Martin Luther King Jr. His remarkable ability to speak with eloquence, passion, and commitment to nonviolent protest have left an impact. His willingness and bravery to stand up to a system that was unfair to him and many others continues to be an inspiration to me. I want to speak to and inspire others just like he did as well as be able to face my own fears with courage and determination.
What's your connection to Global Citizens Circle?
I am a graduate of the Southern New Hampshire University's Global Education Movement (SNHU's GEM) program in Rwanda. In 2021, while working as an administrative assistant intern in Southern New Hampshire University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I joined Global Citizen Circle. During that time, I also served as a Global Citizen Circle intern and was part of the Emerging Leaders group. Currently, I am a member of the GCC Program and Partnerships Committee.
What advice do you have for young people throughout the world who have a desire to create positive change?
My advice to young people who have a desire to create positive change is to start small, but think big.
Always remember even the smallest actions can contribute to significant change, so never underestimate the power of your voice and actions.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to get to where you are now in your life?
My journey to where I am now has been a diverse and enriching experience. It has been shaped by various factors such as education, professional experiences, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. From a young age, I was always curious and eager to learn. This curiosity led me to pursue higher education, where I did a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). During this time, I developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that laid the groundwork for my future endeavors.
As I entered the professional world, I looked for opportunities that aligned with my interests and aspirations. I have had the privilege of working in different industries and roles, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. These experiences have helped me develop valuable skills such as organizational, analytical, and interpersonal, problem solving, stress management, and communication skills, both written and verbal, through interacting with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Along the way, I have encountered obstacles and setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth. Whether it was navigating career transitions, overcoming personal challenges, or adapting to new environments, I have remained resilient and focused on achieving my goals. Moreover, my journey has been enriched by the people I have met along the way, mentors who have offered guidance, colleagues who have inspired me, and friends and family who have supported me through it all.
Overall, my journey has been characterized by continuous learning, growth, and a commitment to pursuing my passions. I am excited about where I am now and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
Who do you follow for inspiration, leadership, or encouragement?
I have always found inspiration in historical figures. One person in particular who has always inspired me is Martin Luther King Jr. His remarkable ability to speak with eloquence, passion, and commitment to nonviolent protest have left an impact. His willingness and bravery to stand up to a system that was unfair to him and many others continues to be an inspiration to me. I want to speak to and inspire others just like he did as well as be able to face my own fears with courage and determination.
What's your connection to Global Citizens Circle?
I am a graduate of the Southern New Hampshire University's Global Education Movement (SNHU's GEM) program in Rwanda. In 2021, while working as an administrative assistant intern in Southern New Hampshire University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I joined Global Citizen Circle. During that time, I also served as a Global Citizen Circle intern and was part of the Emerging Leaders group. Currently, I am a member of the GCC Program and Partnerships Committee.
What advice do you have for young people throughout the world who have a desire to create positive change?
My advice to young people who have a desire to create positive change is to start small, but think big.
- Begin by identifying your passions and the issues that resonate with you deeply.
- Educate yourself about those issues and understand the root causes of the problems.
- Seek out opportunities to get involved, whether through volunteering, activism, or community organizing.
- Collaborate with others who share similar goals and values, as collective action often yields greater impact.
- Stay persistent and resilient in the face of challenges.
Always remember even the smallest actions can contribute to significant change, so never underestimate the power of your voice and actions.
Along the way, I have encountered obstacles and setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth. - Alice Burume
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