Global Issues Network (GIN)
The Global Issues Network (GIN) empowers young people to collaborate locally, regionally and globally to create solutions for global issues. Each year, thousands of students worldwide engage in GIN-related activities. Any high school aged student is welcome to join the SCCS team.
To engage empathy as a guide to our acceptance, commitment and identity as citizens of the globe, as Global Citizens. To answer our call to action as Global Citizens, as leaders of today. To make our work effective and sustainable. To continually inspire and foster our individual and communal self-empowerment. To value life-long learning as a means of self empowerment and regard our actions as a manifestation of our power to create change. To encourage our participants to express themselves in multi-faceted ways with an aim to better their ability to deliver a message as strong communicators. To innovate and empower action oriented socio-environmental awareness and ecological function through a commitment to accessibility, transparency, and peaceful communication.
Each year, GIN conferences bring together students, teachers, experts, NGOs, and representatives from educational organizations. Conferences are self-funded and have ranged in size from 100 to 800 participants. Schools typically host the conferences, but organizers have included a university and even a U.S. state governor. More local conferences are also being organized each year.
GIN conferences are about cooperation, not competition. Students are expected to take the leadership with adults acting in support roles. The format is similar to a professional conference, with plenary and breakout sessions led by students, and social activities that promote exchange and collaboration around global issues. Keynote speakers are highly regarded professionals in various fields and offer inspiration and direction for their audiences.
