Community in a Global Society

            Because of incredible advances in technology over the past twenty years and high levels of international migration, our planet is now home to globalized society. Currently, citizens live in a paradox where they are more connected and less connected to the world around them than ever before. Technology has opened up doors for by-the-minute international communication, yet has caused many to tune out what is occurring right in front of them (Parker-Pope). Immigrants exist in any area where economic opportunity awaits. In fact, approximately 1 in 6 people have crossed boarders to become migrant workers in today’s societies (Women & The Economy).  Different cultures and languages are interacting constantly and in the wake of this, a question is being asked. What does it mean to be a global citizen?

            Some may mention economics in their answer, noting how brands must market products that sell in every continent (Stiglitz). Others place much more value on upholding social equity (Morehouse).  Whether it is someone in healthcare like Dr. Paul Farmer or in politics like Nelson Mandela – their end goal is the same, justice. This is where Solid Rock Sunset desires to fit into the global community. Hear the Cry is a ministry of the church that is the main vehicle to carry that out. Through Hear the Cry Solid Rock has built and maintained partnerships with local churches and organizations in India, Haiti, Thailand, Cambodia, Zimbabwe and Uganda (Solid Rock).  

            Teams of 10-30 people are sent out regularly to these locations, to work with the local people, help out on projects and build relationships with locals. These teams often only stay a week or two, but there are individuals that have stayed from 2-20 months working with these partner organizations. People that go on these trips return changed. They see firsthand extreme poverty and the effects of the global sex trade. Not everyone who is a part of the church participates by going. In fact, many donate funds so others can go. However, everyone hears the stories and sees how their friends and families perspective has changed – how they have been challenged to live differently.

            While [Solid Rock] Sunset, as part of the multi-campus Solid Rock, does a great job furthering social justice abroad, locally there could be more done. There are people with great needs in our community. Nearly 45% of students in the Hillsboro School District are on free or reduced lunch (Your Schools). These families are often recent immigrants from Mexico where parents struggle to find suitable employment due to language and cultural barriers. What better place to further social equity than in our own city? Within our small groups that meet throughout the area, some people from the church have served some of these families. However, there is much more work to be done as global citizens and as a good man once said, “Equity is the only acceptable goal.” (Kidder 261)

References:

"Globalization & Migration." Women & the Economy. UNPAC, March 2011. Web. 20    Oct 2012.

Kidder, Tracy. Mountains Beyond Mountains. New York. Random House. 2004. Print.

Morehouse, William. Letter From Dubai.  The American Scholar.

The Oregonian. Your Schools: Hillsboro School District. 2011. Web. 19 October 2012.             <http://schools.oregonlive.com/district/Hillsboro>

Parker-Pope, Tara. What Clown on a Unicycle? Studying Cellphone Distraction.   October 22, 2009.

Smith, M. K. and Doyle M. (2002) 'Globalization' the encyclopedia of informal education, <www.infed.org/biblio/globalization.htm>

Solid Rock. Hear the Cry. 15 September 2012. Web. 19 October 2012. <http://www.ajesuschurch.org/hear-the-cry>