Development Education in the United States. Development Education Paper No. 14.

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of the document is to (1) define the meaning of development education in a United States context, (2) describe formal and nonformal development activities in the United States, and (3) suggest steps that could be taken in the future to promote development education efforts in the United Staes. Development education is seen as both process and content, encompassing programs that: transfer factual information about developing countries and people as well as about global social, economic, and political structures and problems; foster understanding of development as a process that involves all nations; create a broad global consciousness; promote values and attitudes to encourage responsibility to correct injustices; and engage citizens in action and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all people. A brief overview describes development education programs undertaken by: research, education, and action organizations with a United State focus; private and voluntary field-oriented organizations; churches; schools and universities; student exchange and volunteer programs. Among the activities suggested to promote development education activities are: developing communications networks among educating organizations; establishing a national, annual development education "event"; promoting statewide councils; publicizing linkages between U.S. and world poverty and development; and engaging Americans more directly with the poor. (NEC)