I couldn’t agree with more; I mean how many Facebook groups do we all need to join before they end that damn genocide in Darfur?

Let me clarify a few points. I chose to champion this book and the cause for several reasons and getting people to sign the declaration was not one of them, although I feel the declaration does a sound job of outlining the key issues we face and doesn’t shy away from taking not a revolutionary stance, but a very progressive one all things considered.

Because I teach K-5 this year, I don’t have a venue to work with older students on Global Issues like these. Last year I created a separate web site as a resource and possible virtual student for dedicated and passionate young people interested in activism. We had about 40 students sign up and a few very active members, but real school and life got in the ay and since the summer the site has been all but dead.

I have been meaning to get things going again, and because of its clarity and obvious focus on young people I thought this would be a good tool. I also love the fact that the entire book is available as a PDF. I thought it would be great to try and start up Intrepid Classroom again around this book, and start to do the things you mentioned. Perhaps have a weekly reading, discussion etc…

http://intrepidclassroom.edublogs.org/

I have not made the time to write that post first. I just wanted to review the book. I will get to that this week. Thanks for your thoughts and reminding me that we need to take this further. Stay tune:

So, is this a nice idea? Sure. Will I sign it? Most likely. But that is not enough. Perhaps you can go into greater detail in the classroom about each of the main points, reviewing history, science, philosophy, or economics or some such topic and use this as a starting point. Give students the chance to form a narrative about the problems of today and why we’ve inherited them. Talk about what we can do to make things better, beyond just “vot[ing] in unprecedented numbers.” Print copies out and send them to your state representatives. Tell them about organizations in your community that are trying to effect change today, so they know there are people they can join if they feel so inspired. Encourage the class to write, design, and then perform street art protests. Have them write their own manifestos, and them make them challenge and defend each others’ ideas. Have them reinterpret the petition into another medium of their choice. There are so many possibilities, but be sure that they are actively engaged in the struggle through art or discussion or anything else.