CITIZENSHIP

WORLD COMMUNITY

SEEN FROMTHE MOON, Earth looks like a glowing blue marble floating in the blackness of space. From that distance, the differences between people and between nations would appear to be very small.

We think of people in other lands differently when we view them as neighbors. Instead of being fearful of them, we learn that many people beyond our borders are contributing to the good of the world community. We also begin to understand their hopes and concerns. We see examples of international cooperation whenever drought, flood, earthquake, or famine threaten some part of the globe. Nations that are able to do so send food, supplies, and medical aid to people in trouble.

Many problems we face today are so great they cannot be solved by one nation. The list is long-air pollution, AIDS, the destruction of rain forests, the endangerment of whales and other species, and the threat posed by nuclear weapons are just a few.

But these challenges are not hopeless. They all have solutions. In fact, you might someday hold some of the answers. You can begin by learning about people around the world. Then be willing throughout your life to make the Earth a better place-not just for yourself or just for Americans, but for everyone. That is what you as a good neighbor can do. That is what truly bUilds a community. a nation, and a peaceful world.