In this complex and quickly changing world, global issues are exceedingly probable to be local issues too.  Many economic, health, and environmental issues transcend political boundaries, even continents. Decisions made in one part of the world impact on those living elsewhere. Although this has been partially the case for many years, telecommunications and the media keeps shortening the lag time between cause and affect; we have less time to prepare for change! Thus, it is paramount for our youth to be able to make informed choices and take responsibility for their actions in a timely and thoughtful manner. To do this they must be flexible, develop an understanding of current affairs and respect differences of opinion, cultural values and ideas.

Integral to the Mulgrave Global Outreach Program is the seminar series for students engaging in an international development program.  Based on models developed by various development agencies like OXFAM, HABITAT, CIDA, et al. the goal of the seminars is to provide students with a perspective to view issues in their complexity and connectedness on a global scale. For example, issues of poverty, water reserves, and refugees, to name a few.  The first step is to have students begin thinking about what it means to be a global citizen, the responsibilities involved and the skills required. Through this critical thinking, they are able to see and question their own values and opinions, and how these relate or interfere with the acceptance of diversity, understanding interdependence and achieving social justice.   In 2006-07 the seminar also covered, fair trade, human rights and environmental issues.