I've got something very powerful to share with you today. We've featured ProjectExplorer.org on our site - and are happy to share one of their projects with us today. The Good Global Citizen Project is a website that is collaborative - and asks people (kids, adults, celebrities) about their iadeas as to meaning of global citizenship. The answers? Incredible. From musician Baaba Mal to football player and traveler Dhani Jones, Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern, Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, Actor Dule Hill, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, these videos are extraordinary. They take you to the heart of global citizenship - what we can do, and believe, to change the world.

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Ilana Fayerman, of Good Global Citizen, about the project. Ilana Fayerman is a television and web host and anthropologist. In 2005, she received her Master’s degree from Columbia University in Socio-Cultural  Anthropology. In 2007, she was the series host of ProjectExplorer.org’s South Africa series. In spring 2008, she was the series host/producer of  ProjectExplorer.org’s follow-up series in South Africa, where she interviewed Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Pulitzer Prize winning  photojournalist Greg Marinovich. In fall 2008, she was the series host/producer of ProjectExplorer.org’s third series, Cultural Crossroads: Jordan. In 2009, Ilana received a GOLD Parents’ Choice Award for Excellence in Educational Programming. She is currently developing future projects in Mexico and Malaysia. Here's what she had to say...

Ilana Fayerman, Series Host for ProjectExplorer.org

WE: Please tell us about ProjectExplorer.org's Good Global Citizen project.

IF: The Good Global Citizen project is an online video dialogue focusing on one question – What does global citizenship mean to you?

We have participants from 5 continents all logging-on, making videos, and joining the conversation.

WE:  What was the genesis of the Good Global Citizen series?

IF: The Good Global Citizen series grew from ProjectExplorer.org, an NYC-based nonprofit that informs young people about the world. Through FREE video travelogues, interviews, photos, definitions, and lesson plans, ProjectExplorer.org takes students around the globe. In fact, ProjectExplorer.org’s mission has always been to “foster the next generation of global citizens.”

As the series host for ProjectExplorer.org, I often get the opportunity to sit down and interview influential people. And, whenever we conduct an interview, our final question is always, “What does being a good, global citizen mean to you?” After we collected several great answers to this question, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s response, we thought that this could be a very compelling stand-alone conversation.

WE:  What can readers find and share here?

IF: New and varied perspectives on what it means to be a global citizen. I’m constantly surprised by all of the different responses we get to this one, simple question. We have a very diverse group of participants, from students to celebrities, Americans to Senegalese. And, you’d think that I’ve heard every possible answer to this global citizenship question by now, but everyone’s voice is unique!

WE:  What have been the most powerful viewer-contributed definitions of a good global citizen?

IF: Every response we receive makes me think about this dialogue in a new way. From Katherine, a 9-year old girl in NYC, who reminded me to keep the economy growing to Jaron, a filmmaker from Israel, who took the time to break down all of the choices we all have when faced with something as simple as what to do with a plastic bottle.

And, sometimes, I am left so inspired that I’m reminded of just how close we global citizens can be.

WE: You've got so many celebrity videos, talking about Good Global Citizens - what have been your favorites?

IF: I have several messages that stick with me. When we sat down with actress Allison Janney, she mentioned, “no one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” I think it’s easy to get bogged down by the idea that you couldn’t possibly make a difference on a global scale, so why try? Her answer reminded me that when we all work together, we can implement change and, ultimately, grow as a global family.

I also really like what chef, writer, and television host Anthony Bourdain had to say. He suggested, “leaving as little of a mark as you can” when traveling. Anthony’s message was so literal in how we approach our treatment of the planet that it made me rethink how I inhabit the places I am fortunate enough to visit.

WE:  How can people get involved in Good Global Citizen?

IF: First, you should visit the website: http://goodglobalcitizen.com/

Then, make an account. It’s a pretty familiar process. It’s a social network, just like facebook or myspace.

After you’ve registered, you are free to share your thoughts on Global Citizenship. If you want to create your own unique video, simply use a camera or a webcam and record your response to the following question: What does it mean to YOU to be a good, global citizen?

And, most importantly, don’t forget to send me a friend request once you are registered! Okay, well, maybe it’s not the MOST important!

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

IF: We’d like to have 100 videos in the Good Global Citizen series by the end of 2009. Right now, we have over 60, so we are really optimistic that we will reach our goal! Our target for 2010 is to have 500 video commentaries by the end of the year.

Also, to all of the teachers out there: If you are looking for a great classroom dialogue or project, this one is it!

WE: Thanks so much, Ilana, for sharing this incredible resource with us. We highly recommend the Good Global Citizen project to our Wandering Educators.

Photos and video courtesy and copyright of ProjectExplorer.org