Discussion Guide for

Working for
Change
Overview
A f t e r v ie w in g “ Wo r k ing fo r C hange,” use this guide to research what it means
to be a global citizen, reflect on how the video impacted you, recall what you learned, respond
in tangible ways, reach out with life-changing help, resolve to follow God’s Word, and rely on
His goodness and power.

Research
» G l o ba l t r ade has expanded enormously in the past 50 years, and countries like
the United States have more wealth and technology than ever before. However, many
poorer, developing countries are not getting these benefits. The global rules that govern
how countries trade often benefit rich countries at the expense of poorer ones.

» O v e r h a l f o f t he wo r ld’s po o r depend on farming and farm labor for a

living. When subsidized goods (products supported financially by their governments)
come in from richer countries and sell for extremely low prices, local producers are left
with nobody to sell to.

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» The W o r l d Tr ade Or ganiz at io n (WTO) makes the rules governing
international trade. The WTO is meant to work as a democracy, but in practice, rich
member countries have far more influence than poor ones. While the WTO operates
on a “one country, one vote” system, the trade rules that govern member countries are
decided by consensus. This means all parties agree to the decision after negotiations.
Unfortunately, most of the agreements negotiated within the WTO still support the
interests of rich countries and large corporations at the expense of poorer countries.
This is partly because adequate representation in decisions depends on whether a
country is able to send experienced representatives, which poorer countries often
cannot afford to do.

» I f t r a de r ules wer e impr o v ed, there could be a dramatic reduction in

poverty. If developing countries gain the ability to trade effectively with developed
nations, they will make considerable progress toward overcoming poverty. Trade, even
more than aid and debt relief, could be one of the most effective tools for long-term
poverty reduction.

Reflect
» Think a b out how you interact with people and products from around the world
on a daily basis. In what ways are you a citizen of the world?

» What c ho ices do you make that might have global ramifications?

» J e s us s a id that the greatest commandment after loving God is to love your neighbor
as yourself. In an increasingly globalized world, our “neighbors” might include people
on other continents. How should this impact the things we buy, the causes we support,
or the harmful activities we avoid?

Recall
» The v ide o po ses the question, “Are the values of globalization our values?” What
are some of the drawbacks of an interconnected world?

» Think a b out the “new kind of global relationship” that northern Brazil is forming
with markets in Europe. How, in this case, has globalization proven to be beneficial for
all involved? What is possible when, as the video says, people “get business right”?

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» The v ide o r epo rt s that there is “a growing recognition that we must address
global systems that keep people poor.” What are some ways that organizations like
World Vision and businesses like the fair trade coffee shops are addressing such
systems? What is the advantage of a long-term, forward-looking approach?

Respond
» The o w n er of the fair trade coffee shop says, “We’re not going to change the world
by what coffee we buy, but we can change a bit of the world.” How might you change
even a bit of the world on a daily basis?

» The v ide o say s that global citizens have acted to ban landmines, reduce the debts
of poor countries, challenge sweatshops, ensure fair trade, respond to HIV and AIDS,
and end human rights abuses. For which of these issues might you advocate?

» I n dige n o u s peo ple in northern Colombia became weak and vulnerable to

disease as a result of a dam—built by the government and a transnational company—
that blocked their access to different species of fish. Should these companies be held
responsible for protecting human rights and ensuring sound environmental practices
wherever they operate? Why or why not?

» A cco r ding t o t he v ideo , “being young is changing things.” Why is it so

important that young people take action in an increasingly globalized world?

» A s a y o ung per so n, how might you be an instrument of change? As an adult,

how might you empower and inspire young people to take action?

» Ga ining k no wledge ab o ut global citizenship is a powerful means to effect

change. What could you do to increase and share your knowledge about issues that
impact people around the world?

Reach Out
C o n s ide r m a k ing a differ ence in t he fo llo wing way s:

» Pr ay for children in need.

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» Sp o ns o r a child like those in Colombia or Brazil through World Vision. For
just about a dollar a day, you’ll provide your sponsored child with access to critical
basics such as clean water, improved nutrition, healthcare, and education. Your gifts
can help make a world of difference for one child by helping to keep him or her in
school and out of hazardous workplaces. For sponsorship information, visit
www.worldvisionresources.com.

» Hav e a Fa i r Tr ade awareness day at your church or school.

» C h e c k t he so ur ces of items in your pantry and closets. Be aware of the part

you play in global trade.

» U s e s o m e o f t he Fa ir Tr ade options available, and try to increase your

awareness of where the things you consume began their journey to your home. Your
supermarket will only stock fairly traded goods if enough people purchase them.

» O r ga n iz e a fundr aiser , perhaps selling Fair Trade products, and donate the
proceeds to World Vision or to another organization doing work that addresses trade
justice.

» Re f l e c t o n what is meant by “fair trade.” Read the message that the

prophet Amos gave to the Hebrew people about their trade practices and treatment of
the poor in the Old Testament (Amos 8:4-10).

» U s e y o ur v o t e as a citizen or a shareholder to insist on more responsible trading

practices, both locally and internationally.

Resolve
» Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’”

— Mat t h e w 2 2 :3 7-39

» “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is
dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy
in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been
trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant
can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to
the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

— L uk e 1 6 :1 0 -1 3
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Rely
P r ay t h at:

» We w il l a ll use globalization as a positive force that improves the lives of those

who are presently suffering, and that God will enable organizations and individuals to
work together toward this end.

» G o d w il l co nv ict those who have been given ample resources to help those in
poverty around the world, and that citizens of different countries will come to treat
each other as “neighbors” in Christ.

» G o d w il l enab le and inspire us to act in small ways on a daily basis to ensure

worldwide justice, and that He will amplify our efforts to have widespread effects.

The Scripture in this resource is from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

During the preparation of this resource, all citations, facts, figures, Internet URLs, and other cited information were
verified for accuracy. World Vision Resources has made every attempt to reference current and valid sources, but we
cannot guarantee the content of any source and we are not responsible for any changes that may have occurred since
our verification. If you find an error in, or have a question or concern about, any of the information or sources listed
within, please contact World Vision Resources.
Copyright © 2010 World Vision, Inc., P.O. Box 9716, Mail Stop 321, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716, wvresources@
worldvision.org. All rights reserved.

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 About World Vision
W o r l d V is io n is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities
worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of
poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World
Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of
God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each
child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we
know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty
and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique:
We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help
children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development,
and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of
expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for
children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor

God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting
difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to
overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit
www.worldvision.org.

About World Vision Resources

E nding gl o b a l po v ert y and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on
human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.

World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision.

World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty,
inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources
to make a difference in the world.

For more information about our

resources, contact:
World Vision Resources
Mail Stop 321
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
Fax: 253-815-3340
wvresources@worldvision.org
www.worldvisionresources.com

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