What It Is

International and foreign affairs focus on how countries interact, cooperate, and solve global problems together. These causes include peacebuilding, diplomacy, disaster relief, human rights, and international development. National security protects a nation’s people and interests through defense, intelligence, and emergency readiness. For families, learning about global issues builds cultural awareness, empathy, and an understanding of how decisions made around the world affect people everywhere.

Why It Matters

• For everyone: Global cooperation keeps the world safer, more stable, and more just.

• For families: Learning about world events helps families appreciate diversity and shared humanity.

• For kids: Understanding global issues builds curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking about fairness and peace.

Everyday Impact

• Individual: Learn about another country’s culture, history, or current events.

• Family: Support global relief or education programs.

• Group: Organize a cultural exchange or awareness event at your school or community center.

Family Challenge Pack (Tiered Learning Path)

🟢 Tier 1: Discover

• Learn about how countries and people around the world are connected.

• Explore world maps and talk about how geography affects culture and trade.

• Watch news segments or documentaries about international cooperation and peace efforts.

• Try foods or traditions from different cultures and learn their meanings.

• Reflection prompt: What connects people across different countries and cultures?

🟡 Tier 2: Do

• Take action to understand and support global well-being.

• Donate to organizations that provide clean water, education, or disaster relief abroad.

• Write letters or create artwork for international exchange programs or partner schools.

• Volunteer for events that celebrate global cultures or diversity.

• Reflection prompt: How can small actions in one place make a difference in another part of the world?

🔴 Tier 3: Lead

• Encourage peace, awareness, and cooperation globally.

• Host a cultural learning night at your school or community center.

• Support youth-led programs that promote international understanding and climate action.

• Organize a fundraiser for global health or humanitarian projects.

• Reflection prompt: How can families work together to promote peace and fairness around the world?

How to Learn More [click for link]

• UNICEF

• United Nations

• Peace Corps

Spotting Real vs. Fake

• Reputable global organizations are transparent about how funds are used and where they operate.

• Avoid groups that lack accountability or make vague claims about helping without specifics.

• Look for long-term partnerships with international agencies or community-based organizations.

Youth Role Models

Malala Yousafzai – Advocates for girls’ education around the world and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Greta Thunberg – Inspired a global youth movement for climate action that reaches across national boundaries.

Zuriel Oduwole – Filmmaker and education advocate who has met with global leaders to promote girls’ education in Africa and beyond.

Emma González – Advocates for civic responsibility and global youth empowerment, linking human rights and peace.

Bana Alabed – Shared her experiences as a young girl in war-torn Syria, inspiring global awareness and empathy for children in conflict zones.

Reflection Prompt

After engaging in an international or global awareness action:

• What did you learn about another country or culture?

• How can global cooperation help solve problems like hunger or conflict?

• What responsibilities do we share as members of a global community?

Cause-to-Action Pathways

• Individual: Learn about a global issue and share what you discover with others.

• Family: Support international education or disaster relief programs.

• Group: Organize or participate in a cultural or humanitarian event.

The Big Picture

The world is deeply connected, and every action we take ripples outward. Learning about and supporting international causes helps families understand that peace, justice, and security are shared responsibilities. Together, small acts of kindness and understanding can shape a safer, fairer world for everyone.