Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

Introduction

The Citizenship in the Community merit badge is all about learning how to be a good citizen in your community. You'll learn about the different types of communities, how to identify community needs, and how to make a positive impact in your community.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Explain what citizenship in the community means and what it takes to be a good citizen in your community.
2. Do the following:
   1. On a map of your community, locate and mark the following:
      1. City hall
      2. Police station
      3. Fire station
      4. Post office
      5. Hospital
      6. Public park
      7. Schools
   2. Chart the organization of your local or state government. Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed.
   3. Visit one of the following:
      1. Your city hall or county courthouse
      2. Your state capitol or the office of your governor
      3. Your local police station or county sheriff’s office
      4. Your local fire station
      Take a tour of the facility. Ask questions of any local officials you meet. Write a report of 250 to 300 words about the visit.
3. Do the following:
   1. Choose a charitable organization outside of Scouting that interests you and brings people in your community together to work for the good of your community.
   2. Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and other literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.
   3. With your counselor’s and your parent’s approval, contact the organization and find out what young people can do to help. While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization. After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
4. Develop a public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. Include information about the history, cultures, and ethnic groups of your community; its best features and popular places where people gather; and the challenges it faces. Stage your presentation in front of your merit badge counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school.

Lesson

Being a good citizen in your community means being aware of the needs of your community and taking action to make it a better place. Here are some tips:

• Get involved in local government by attending city council meetings or volunteering for a campaign.
• Volunteer for local organizations that help people in need, such as food banks or homeless shelters.
• Organize a community cleanup or beautification project.
• Start a community garden or park.

Now, let's test your knowledge with some questions:

1. What does it mean to be a good citizen in your community?
2. What are some important places to mark on a map of your community?
3. What is the organization of your local or state government?
4. What did you learn during your visit to a local government facility?
5. What is a charitable organization outside of Scouting that interests you?
6. What did you learn while volunteering for the organization?
7. What are some important and unique aspects of your community?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing this merit badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor.

Schedule

Week	Task
1	Read through the merit badge requirements and mark important places on a map of your community.
2	Chart the organization of your local or state government.
3	Visit a local government facility and write a report about your visit.
4	Choose a charitable organization and find out how you can help.
5-6	Volunteer for at least eight hours at the organization.
7	Create a public presentation about your community.