Introduction: The Power of Youth in Global Change
At GLOW (Global Leadership Outreach and Wellbeing), we believe that the future lies in the hands of young people. From refugee crises to global health inequities and food insecurity, today’s challenges are vast, but so are the opportunities to create meaningful change. High school students, with their creativity, passion, and willingness to act, are uniquely positioned to lead the way.
This article explores the core challenges we tackle at GLOW and highlights how students can be a force for change. Through our initiatives, we aim to show that no problem is too big to address when individuals come together with purpose and vision.
Refugee Support Initiatives
A Refugee’s Journey: A Struggle for Dignity
Imagine being forced to flee your home with nothing but the clothes on your back. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were 43.4 million refugees worldwide at the end of 2023. This figure is part of a larger total of 117.3 million people who have been forcibly displaced globally, which includes refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and others in need of international protection. They arrive in foreign lands seeking safety but often encounter new barriers—lack of housing, language difficulties, isolation, and trauma.
Building Bridges: How Communities are Supporting Refugees
While organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and local resettlement agencies are working tirelessly to address refugee issues, GLOW empowers these nonprofits by providing tools and resources to amplify their efforts. The IRC, for instance, has resettled over 30,000 refugees in San Diego since 1975, providing housing, legal aid, and mental health services. Yet, there’s much more to be done.
- Affordable Housing Programs are providing rental assistance to help families find stable homes.
- Language Classes and Job Training are giving refugees the tools to integrate into the workforce.
- Mental Health Initiatives offer long-term counseling for trauma recovery.
Where We Can Do More: Addressing Unmet Needs
Despite these efforts, critical gaps remain:
- Culturally tailored mental health services are still limited, leaving many without adequate care.
- Recognition of qualifications and job opportunities remains a barrier for professionals seeking employment in their fields.
- Legal assistance is needed to help refugees navigate the immigration process and secure permanent residency.
How Students Can Make a Difference
Here’s how high school students can step up:
- Volunteer as mentors for refugee students, helping them learn English and adjust to their new environment.
- Host donation drives for clothing, school supplies, and essentials that help refugee families transition.
- Start an advocacy club that raises awareness about refugee rights and lobbies for policy changes in your community.
By taking these small but significant actions, students can become the bridge between refugees and a brighter future.
Global Health Initiatives
From Crisis to Care: Tackling Global Health Inequities
The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call, exposing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide. However, global health challenges extend far beyond pandemics. Infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis continue to claim millions of lives, while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 71% of all deaths worldwide. Access to healthcare remains a privilege for many, with millions in low-resource settings suffering in silence.
The disparity is stark: in some parts of the world, medical care is a given, while in others, it is a distant dream.
Global Health Solutions: Current Efforts
While international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Global Health Equity (Rwanda) work tirelessly to promote health access for all, GLOW amplifies the efforts of nonprofits like the Usha Lakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation through our research and social media advocacy. By supporting these organizations and highlighting their impactful work, we aim to promote health equity and ensure vital health information reaches broader audiences.
These efforts include:
- Health equity advocacy that aims to dismantle the barriers created by socioeconomic and geographical divides.
- Grassroots health initiatives that empower communities to lead local health education programs and provide care.
Meeting the Unmet Needs of Global Health
Despite these ongoing efforts, more must be done:
- Pandemic preparedness and vaccination strategies must be improved to prevent future crises.
- Chronic disease prevention programs should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and early intervention.
- Mental health services need to be destigmatized and integrated into primary healthcare systems, especially in underserved communities.
How Students Can Get Involved
High school students have a unique opportunity to drive change in global health:
- Join or lead health clubs at school that raise awareness about global health issues.
- Volunteer at local health fairs or clinics, helping educate the community about preventive care.
- Advocate for comprehensive health education in your school to ensure that students understand the importance of mental and physical health.
By becoming health advocates, students can ensure that future generations inherit a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Food Security Initiatives
Cultivating Change: Addressing Global Food Insecurity
According to a United Nations report, food insecurity affects approximately 828 million people globally, contributing to poor health, stunted growth, and economic instability. Even in countries like the U.S., millions of families struggle to put food on the table. Yet, food insecurity is not just about a lack of food—it’s also about ensuring that food is nutritious and sustainably produced.
Fighting Hunger: Current Food Security Programs
While initiatives like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and urban gardening programs are actively working to fight food insecurity on multiple fronts, GLOW amplifies the efforts of nonprofits through research, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) proposals, and social media advocacy. By supporting and highlighting the work of these organizations, we aim to address food insecurity more effectively. These programs include:
- Promoting sustainable agriculture by teaching communities how to grow their own food.
- Supporting food banks that provide meals to vulnerable populations.
- Advocating for policy changes that address food deserts and provide funding for nutrition programs.
Gaps in the System: What Still Needs Attention
Food security remains a major issue. The world needs:
- Better data collection and monitoring to track food insecurity and respond effectively.
- Cross-sector collaboration to address underlying causes like poverty and poor education that contribute to hunger.
How Students Can Help End Hunger
Here are ways high school students can take action:
- Volunteer at local food banks or community gardens to help provide food to those in need.
- Host food drives or fundraisers for organizations fighting hunger both locally and globally.
- Advocate for improved school meal programs, ensuring students from all backgrounds have access to nutritious meals.
Through dedicated engagement, students can help cultivate solutions that nourish communities and reduce food insecurity worldwide.
Conclusion: The Future is in Your Hands
At GLOW, we know that global challenges can feel overwhelming. But we also know that real change begins with individuals—young leaders like you who dare to take action. Whether you’re advocating for refugees, fighting for health equity, or tackling food insecurity, every step you take creates a ripple effect of positive impact.
Your actions today can lead to significant change. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating, or simply spreading awareness, you have the power to shape a better world. Join GLOW’s volunteer network today to mentor a refugee student, start a donation drive, or become a health advocate. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Ready to take action? Visit our website or contact us to find out how you can get involved with GLOW’s initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.
