Kaitlyn's Taking Action

I signed a petition for Vermont legislature to require retail foods to be labeled if they are genetically modified: http://www.vpirg.org/gmo/

As I was signing this petition I found through a google.com search, I glanced back at the VPIRG (Vermont Public Interest Research Group) website and found AMAZING news!!!!!

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_24852.cfm

It looks as if the petition actually may have worked in our own New England state of Vermont!  There is a new bill (the one I signed and will be able to vote for because I am a registered voter in VT), which was JUST introduced to the Vermont House of Representatives on February 1, 2012. The recently introduced bill is entitled “The VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act” and is a monumental step forward in getting genetically modified products to be labeled.

The reason why this bill has even entered legislature to begin with is because of the increased awareness regarding issues surrounding GMO’s and organic/local foods. After living in Vermont for about 4 years, it became extremely clear that the culture takes extreme pride and value not only in Vermont’s own agriculture, but the quality of food they eat. I cannot even say how happy it makes me that this state has finally brought this issue to the fore-front and I could be a part of it RIGHT as it is happening! If we continue to voice our beliefs through how we live, what we purchase, and what we consume (while continuing to educate others about this), perhaps the introduction of this legislature in Vermont could lead other New England states to follow in a similar path. Being a part of this as it is all beginning to unfold makes me feel really good, excited…and even more motivated to advocate for GMO products to be labeled!

This type of action is the perfect example of how democratic values can lead to change. This bill would never have made it to legislature in Vermont if the people did not work for it and the petitions had not been signed. Because a collective amount of people spoke out, our voice was heard by the Vermont legislature! Although this may not always happen, the peoples voice has spoken out and caused a change.

In regards to teaching about social justice issues, I believe it is imperative to do so. As much as some people may be afraid or weary of doing this, I believe we must begin to equip our children and students with the basic problem solving skills, knowledge, and understanding of the outside world. We do not necessarily need to be talking to 1^st graders about political debates, but we can at least begin to implement some form of learning that can grow as they are more able to understand. It may be very hard to teach deeper social justice issues however, I think it is possible for an extremely talented, passionate, and dedicated teacher to accomplish this. Education is learning, but I think the truest form of education is connecting that learning to the world (outside of the classroom), people, environments, and issues that we have faced and now face currently. The best educators will teach their students (at the appropriate time) how to become active and engaged citizens throughout a lifetime.

“Struggle for social justice is central to our nation’s history…“Concerns about the common good and the rights of the individual, no matter how humble in social standing, transcends politics and holds a definitive place in the realms of morality, ethics and federal law, and therefore in the world of teaching social studies”

I do agree with what this quote is saying. I think the struggle for social justice is central to all human life, not just our own nations. This can come down to our own philosophies, morals, and beliefs, but as an aspiring teacher and human, I feel it is my duty as a human to strive for positive change and social justice for everyone. This transcends things like politics and federal law, therefore it becomes part of the world of teaching social studies.