Global Currents Blog

In the 21st century, urban screens have become a ubiquitous component of contemporary city infrastructure, from the digital displays of Times Square to the billboards lining suburban highways. Despite their prevalence, however, they are most frequently employed as media for advertising. In recent years, though, urban screens have been employed as tools for civic engagement. Davenport argues these screens could be taken one step further—as a means of contributing to global civil society. 

Korean students spend a significant amount of time and energy at hagwons, and the social consequences are serious.

How I Became a Sponsor

In early 2023, I read an article about Kyle Varner, a doctor in Spokane Washington who had sponsored over 40 Venezuelans through a humanitarian parole program and reached out to him via social media to find out more.  When I commented on his post on Facebook, my messenger started flooding with messages from individuals and families in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua who were looking for sponsors through the new Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela (CHNV) humanitarian parole program.  I met with Kyle virtually, learned the steps involved, and wanted to sponsor a few people.  After exchanging messages with individuals online and not knowing any of them, I decided to sponsor four single women who were working hard in Venezuela, displayed resilience and focused on having a safer future.  I added the mother of one of the four when I realized she would be all alone in Venezuela if her daughter left. For me, this was an opportunity to make a true commitment to immigrants after being an informal advocate for years. ...