Global Citizenship Education

Guiding Principle 5: Acting in Solidarity

What is Acting in Solidarity?

In Global Citizenship Education, the concept of solidarity is key to fostering a sense of shared humanity and collective responsibility. Acting in solidarity means standing with others in their struggles, and striving together for justice, equity and sustainability. For educators, encouraging young people to act in solidarity goes beyond raising awareness of global issues; it involves cultivating a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to collective action. 

This section will guide teachers in encouraging students to move from understanding to action, demonstrating how solidarity can be practised in everyday life and in response to global challenges. By fostering a culture of solidarity, educators can inspire students to become active, compassionate citizens who contribute to a more just and united world.

Before tackling any GCE topic, ask these two questions:

1. Do our words and actions potentially reinforce inequality and injustice?
2. Can we think of any examples (locally or globally) that show solidarity with those facing an injustice?

Acting in Solidarity can be challenging. We must remember to:

• Seek out and listen to people directly affected by the issue.
• Stand and work with people affected by global injustices, on an equal footing and with mutual respect, to transform unfair systems.
• Work to address a power imbalance of dominant giver to grateful receiver that can perpetuate stereotypes.
• Take action that shows solidarity with those who are affected by the issue in question, such as petitioning the government to improve conditions in direct provision centres after hearing from people who live there.

Resources

• ‘UN report on Xinjiang ups pressure on brands from Nike to Airbnb’: Al Jazeera article on Boycott of Chinese made products in solidarity with Uyghurs. Look at other boycott movements such as BDS, Dunnes Stores strikers, Fossil Fuel divestment.

Activities

• Walking in someone else’s shoes Active learning Resource: This resource from NYCI aims to encourage empathy and understanding of others.
• ‘Some People Say’ from Beyond Borders resource by Galway One World Centre: Critical thinking on Migration Narratives including some activities on considering the meaning of solidarity.

Videos

• Africa for Norway/ Radi-Aid: The goal of Radi-Aid is to challenge the perceptions around issues of poverty and development, to change the way fundraising campaigns communicate and to break down dominating stereotypes.  The site has many humorous videos to help get conversations started.
• 'Let it Bring Hope: Bohemians v Palestine': This 22-minute video is a documentary on a historic visit from the Palestinian National team to play against Bohemian FC in May 2024. The documentary captures the powerful emotions of the game itself as well as the receptions at Áras an Uachtaráin and the Mansion House.