Designed for high school global education classes, this document examines the consequences of dependency and self-reliance in developing nations. The paper points out that millions of people are denied control over basic resources and have little influence over decisions which deeply affect their lives. The forms of dependency and insecurity are illustrated through two brief case studies of a Bangladesh woman working for local landlords and a Puerto Rican farmer who stopped growing beans because a U.S. company shipped and sold canned beans at a cheaper price than he could afford to do. Next, several actions toward self-reliance taken by individual countries are noted: cooperative farming in Boureima, a rural women's program in Bangladesh, and the national food program in Nicaragua. Three steps toward self-reliance are then outlined: (1) replacing dependent or oppressive relationships with cooperation based on mutual respect; (2) discovering and gaining control over one's own resources; and (3) building a wider and stronger community. The document concludes with suggestions for how citizens of wealthy nations can help poor nations work toward self-reliance. Ideas for action and a brief reference list are included. (KC)