Think Globally, Act Locally

Shaping our world for the better  

By Susan D. Rostkoski, Principal Consultant

The tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria has, unfortunately, become yet another global tragedy in the headlines, joining other natural disasters, wars, and displacement, to name a few. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless to make some kind of difference—to feel that one has had some sort of impact in the midst of so many calamities.  

"Think globally, act locally" was a notion that first appeared in the 1970s. Begun as a result of burgeoning environmental concerns, it was a movement that urged people to consider the well-being of the entire planet, to educate themselves about the topic, and to take action in their own communities with others who wanted to be involved. Eventually, the idea of looking at the big picture to decide one’s actions locally spread to education, governmental bodies, religious institutions, NGOs, and businesses. 

By many measurements, “Think globally, act locally” not only benefited the wider world but proved to be a powerful boost to the well-being of the people taking action. Even if that action was confined to one neighborhood, one school, one small business, the ripple effect often inspired others to do their part, too. It turns out that we all have the power to “think globally and act locally” in service of shaping our world for the better. 

At Strategic Consulting & Coaching, we see this impact every day on the nonprofits with which we work and the people who staff such organizations. Here are a few of their suggestions:  

1.     Check out international relief organizations that are working in an area or with a purpose that interest you.

2.     Explore places right in your own community that are dealing with the fallout from such disasters, such as:

a.     Nonprofits working with immigrants or refugees who have left their homeland and are trying to start anew.

b.     Mental health organizations that are working with families whose relatives and friends are being affected by the crisis of the moment.

c.      Educational institutions that teach short-term courses on history, politics, geography, culture, and foods of other countries.

3.     Organize a fundraiser, send money, volunteer, contact your congressperson, teach your children about the value of people around the world, encourage your church/synagogue/mosque to organize educational sessions, encourage conversation with first- or second-generation immigrants (and really listen). 

You likely have ideas of your own. Based on the principles of “Think Globally, Act Locally,” it really doesn’t matter what you do—just do! You’ll likely find kindred spirits, a worthy purpose, and the feeling that you can do something after all. 

As always, please contact us if we can help you accomplish your mission (www.strategic-cc.com).