As parents, mentors, and elders, we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads in the lives of emerging adults. In a world dominated by fast-paced, dopamine-driven engagement through technology and consumerism, how can we help our children transition into globally responsible, mature adults who live with purpose and character? How do we guide them to understand that life is not about accumulating products, data, or personal entitlement, but about living with a sense of responsibility to the community, to the earth, and to each other?

We are living in a world where institutions, schools, governments, and businesses tend to operate as systems of answers, answers that often lead to consumption. They tell us what to do, what to buy, what to think. But what if we reimagined these systems not as providers of all the answers but as resources for exploration, collaboration, and shared curiosity? What if we embraced the idea that answers live within communities, where relationships, experiences, and mutual curiosity foster growth and understanding?

In his work, Jon Alexander speaks to this shift, saying, “We move from ‘doing for’ to ‘doing with’.” In a world dominated by consumerism, young people are often lost in the whirlwind of self-interest. They are caught up in a data-driven, fast-paced world that leaves little room for real-world connection. The outcomes of this disconnection are clear: anxiety, isolation, and a loss of identity and purpose.

As parents, we find ourselves competing with a flood of products and information that bombard our children daily. These stimuli can cause confusion and overwhelm, leaving them disconnected from the real world and unsure of how to build meaningful relationships. The world is presenting itself as a place of constant answers, but these answers often lead to consumption and the pursuit of self-interest.

What if we changed the narrative? What if we shifted our mindset from seeking answers to questions; where the institutions of our world hold the answers that are often tied to consumption to one where we encourage young people to explore and discover within a collaborative, community-driven environment? What if we moved from the passive role of consumer to active participants in creating the future?

This is where citizenship comes in. Jon Alexander challenges us to see citizenship as a verb, not a noun. Citizenship is about action. It’s about being active participants in the world, not passive recipients of its outcomes. How do we inspire the next generation to become global citizens, not just in name but in action? How do we help them understand the importance of responsibility, integrity, and connection to the larger whole?

The path to global citizenship begins within the family. Parents, elders, and wise story keepers play a crucial role in guiding young adults toward authentic maturity. We must embrace our role as custodians of the planet and of the next generation, nurturing a sense of shared responsibility rather than self-interest. As the world shifts, so must our approach to parenting. We need to support young adults in finding their authentic global maturity, one that honors the Earth, each other, and the shared legacy of humanity.

When we parent citizens, we are not simply raising individuals to succeed in a consumer-driven world. We are raising leaders who understand the interconnectedness of all beings and the responsibility we share in shaping a more compassionate, sustainable future. By fostering generative relationships, where collaboration, curiosity, and connection are valued over consumption and we create an environment where young adults can thrive not just as individuals but as active participants in the global community.

The future is in their hands, but it’s up to us to guide them toward it. Let’s move beyond the consumer model and invite our children into a collaborative village story where they have a seat at the table, where they are not just recipients of answers but co-creators of a new, more connected world.

Are we ready to support the next generation in living lives of purpose, authenticity, and global responsibility? The world needs citizens, not consumers and it starts with us.