Ten Global Imperatives for Children

As you know, I attend a number of conferences, meetings, and workshops on topics related to CASA volunteer work. I'm not sure exactly where I acquired the bookmark that lists these 10 sage pieces of advice, but I recently unearthed it in my pit of an office and thought I would share them with you.

The best part is, our CASA volunteers are already doing most of these things, but I don't think it ever hurts to be reminded about how we can touch and change the future.

TEN GLOBAL IMPERATIVES FOR CHILDREN

1. Leave No Child Out: All forms of discrimination against children must end.

2. Put Children First: It is the responsibility of everyone – governments, individuals, organizations, agencies, religious groups, businesses – to ensure that children’s rights are respected.

3. Care For Every Child: Ensure all children the best possible start in life.

4. Fight Disease: Protect children and adolescents and their families from HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

5. Stop Harming and Exploiting Children: Violence, abuse, neglect and the sexual and economic exploitation of children must end.

6. Listen to Children: Respect the rights of children and youth to express themselves and to participate in making the decision that affect them.

7. Educate Every Child: Every child – all girls and boys – must be allowed to learn.

8. Protect Children from War: No child should experience the horrors of armed conflict.

9. Protect the Earth for Children: Safeguard the environment at global, national, and local levels.

10. Fight Poverty: Invest in services that benefit the poorest children and their families, such as nutritious food, basic health care, and primary education. Make the well-being of children a priority objective.

I realize that many of the items on this list refer to issues in the greater world community, for example in countries where girls are not educated to the same level as boys. But as I read through the list, I realized that so much of it still applies to our local community. It reminds me of the quote, "Think globally, but act locally."

Isn't that really what the CASA volunteer opportunity is about? It is a grassroots, community movement to ensure safety, permanence, and nurture for children. I'm proud to be a part of it, and I hope you are, too!