MISSION STATEMENT
The Wilfrid Laurier University Global Citizenship Conference (GCC) provides an educational experience for the conference delegate and seeks to create and continue a dialogue about the contemporary challenges we are and will be facing as Global Citizens. Through providing an open forum, comprised of varying points of view, the GCC promotes students and community members to be engaged, empowered and proactive toward a more sustainable future locally, nationally and internationally.
The 2010 Global Citizenship Conference
The theme for the 2010 conference is “Breaking the Culture of Silence.” We live in a culture of oppression that is grounded historically and permeates all facets of modern life. We need to re-evaluate conceptions of self, global citizenship, civic engagement and systems of pedagogy domestically and internationally. Through exploring these ideas we hope to come to a better understanding of how we are educated and educating citizens without a critically engaged voice. In challenging notions of Canadian global citizenship, this conference will seek to reclaim our silenced voices and inspire you to make social change within yourself and in the world.
The 2009 Global Citizenship Conference
The theme for the 2009 conference was “Turning Ideas into Actions.” Too often, global justice and citizenship is explored as an abstract concept. It is nothing of the sort. Understanding our roles as global citizens means understanding how, where, when, and why we can make a difference. This conference will bring together the academic and non-academic spheres to discuss both the issues and the strategies and tactics to confront them. There are so many sources of inspiration and information all around us, all we have to do is use them, and the world will change.
The 2007 Global Citizenship Conference
The 2007 conference was our introductory year. The conference theme was “Fostering Responsibility” and our keynote speakers were Stephen Lewis and Dr. Rhoda Howard-Hussmann. We had 250 delegates, 55 contributors and 3 days of discussion about global issues within the paradigm of Global Citizenship. Check out the 2007 GCC Final Report here.