MERIT BADGE SERIES roe IN THE COMMUNITY aed BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA,SSend comments along with a brief statement atout yourselt to Youth Developmen:, S209 » Boy Scouts of America © 1325 West Walnut Hil Lane * P00. Hox 152079 © ving, TX 75015-2079, How TO USE:THIS PAMPHLET “The secret tc successfully earning a mesit badge for you (0 use bot» the pamphlet and the suggestions of your counselor. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA MERIT BADGE SERIES CITIZENSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY Your counselor ean be as important to you as acoach isto an athlete Use al of the resources your counselor can make available 10 you This may be the best chance you will have to learn about this particule subject, Make it count I yor or your counselor feels that any information in this pamphlet is Incocec, please let us know, Please state your source of information Merit badge pamphlets are reprinted annually and requirements lupdated regulary, Your suggestions for improvement are welcome. WHO PAYS FOR THIS PAMPHLET? This merit badge pamphlet is one ina series of more than 100 cgver all kinds of hobby and career subjects. I is mae available for you to buy as a service af the national and local councils, Boy Scouts of ‘America. The costs of th development, writing, and editing of the, ‘merit badge 2amphiets are pad for by the Boy Scouts of Ameri order to bring you the best book ata reasonable price, | BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.Requirements Discuss with your counselor what citizenship in the exm- munity means and what takes to be a good citizen Your community. Discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship, and explain how you can demonstrate 300d citizenship in your community, Seouting uit, place 0 worship, o school Do the following: 4. On a map of your communlt, locate and point ou the following (0) Chief government bulliags such as your ‘ity hall, county eourthosse, and public works services facility (2) Firestation, police station, your home (8) Historical or ther interesting points be. Chart the organization of your local or state govers- ‘ment, Show the top offices and tll whether they are elected or appointed, nd hospital nearet 8, Do the following: a. Attend a city oF town count. or school board meeing, ‘ra municipal, county, or state court session . Choose one of the isues diseussed atthe meeting where a liference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do arother one. 4. Choose an issue that is important tothe citizens of your community; then do the following; 8. Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue. Bon oreo smes2401 {008 by Seous ot Areca avai snPaes Soon 'b. With your counselor's anda parents approval, inter- view one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask wat is being done bout this ise and hove young peonle can help, Share what you have learned with your counselor. [Wh the approval of your counselor and a parent, watch Movie that shows how the actions of ane individual or ‘9c of individuals can have a postive effet on a com- munly. Discuss with your counselor what you learned fiom the movie about what it means tobe a valuable and ‘concerned member ofthe commu. Lis some ofthe services (euch as the libcary, recreation Center, public transportation, and publi safety) your community provides that are funded by taxpayers. Tell your counselor why these services are important to ‘your community Do the following: 4, Choose a chattable organization outside of Seou ‘hat interests you and brings people n your community togeter to work for the goed of you community. i. Using a variety of rsourees (including newspapers fliers and other literature, the Intemet, volunteers, and employees af the organization), fnd out more about this organization, ‘With your counselor’ and your paren’s approval, con tact the omanization and fird aut what young people ‘can do to help. While working on ths merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time forthe ong nization. After your volunteer experience i over, discuss ‘what you have learned with your counselor. 3. Develop a public presentation (such as < video side show, speech, digital presentation, or lito exit) about impor {ant and unique aspeets of your community. Include infor ‘mation about the history, cultures, and thnic groups of your community its best features and popular places where pecple gather; and the challenges it faces. Stage your pres- entation infront of your merit badge counselor oF a group, such as your patol ora class at schoo! Ceraensir nraecoumunury 35Introduction A comraunity is a group of people living in < particular area ‘who share common characteristics, interests activities, or purposes, That group could be as small as a family ving, together in an apartment or as large as the population of a sprawling metropolitan area, You can belong to communities vithin communities: family, neighborhood, school, Seout troop, club, team, worship group, and city. The Unted States isa patchaeoek of communities, ‘Lozal communities are the building blocks of government. They differ from each oxher and may be governed differently. The mekeup of a particular local government depends on its history, population, size, geograpvy, and varous laws. But regardless of how local communities dif, ty all have one point ir common: In the United States, local government means self government. Here, citizens help to make decisions about their ecmmunity dough ther elected Toca officals, Top-Down Government in many countries outside the United States, the national government controls and directs what happens in local communities. Every community has a history, Some are centuries old nd fal of hope or despair; others are bepiming right now, as “arpentere nail ehingles of the last house in a now neighlor hood. While you are earning this merit badge, you will discover ways you can help your community, old or new, by patiipat ing as 2 good, active etizen,cm 1 VALUE OF BELONGING Citizenship: The Value of Belonging A$. Every time an American family as a chil, the Unite states audds another citizen. Citizens are aeaple who either were Hyouarea born in this country of were botn elsewhere and have been nauratized, or granted ctzenship by the government US. cizen, you also area citizen of you The Rights, Duties, and Obligations of Community Stata and local Boing a member of a community—your nly oF your Scout aay troop, for example—gives you rigs, privileges, and protection, You may express your opinions, try new skills, hang out with friends, and be safe. In return, yor should honor your parents respect alt leaders and fellow Scouts, help one another, and follow the rules ‘As an Ametican citizen, you are entitled to the freeloms {guaranteed by the U.S. Consttutien and to the full protection of Federal, stat, and local laws. You also can eount on the support of local service departments like fre and sanitation, But these rights of citizenship come with a price. Some obligations are required by law, inching paying taxes and obeying the law. Other obliga ions, ‘uch as valuing others’ opinions, staying informed about candidates and istes, and respecting elected iials, might not be wrten laws, but they may be considered instuctions fer good conduct. Just as you are loyal to your family and weop members—even if you do not always agree witt them-—you should show allegiance to your lez! gov ernment If you disagree with what is happenirg in your community, you have the right to try to change local public policies 8 cnzcmmir wre commnry Publ e policy includes the goals the government sets as well ‘actions required to achieve those goals. For example, a city council ‘might set a goal to build the local ecoromy by giving tax kreaks to new businesses. Participation: The Antidote to Apathy Many ctizens take their rights for granted. Same citizens do not vote, vcluntaily giving up their voice inthe government. Other ‘zens do not know or care about what s ping om in their tommanity-—until a prison is built in their neighborhood, or the crite rate grows. Unless they ate upset about a particular issue, mos citizens leave the decisions to eleted representa tives am local atv ‘People who feel connected to their community tend to ratiipat. The more active etizens ae in their community, with tes to school, youth groups, businesses, and service dubs, the mow interest they will ave in the local government, That ie why ongtime residents often hold loca ofces, ‘Yor have a chance now to build connections in your ‘vn community. Look for opportunities to get involved with chartes local companies, your place of worship, and your school. Help people understand the isues in your community and you will develop a respect forthe opiniens of others and 5 compsssion for those in need. You will appreciate the efforts that your elected officials make on your behal Good citizenship goes heyond feeling loyal to your community. It's how you conduct yourself 35a citizen, being feonstanly alert to ays you can improve the lives of your family, fiends, neighbors, and your community as a whole, 9Seats of Power ‘The U.5. Constitution outlines a federal system in whe the powers ofthe people's gavernment are diviced between the rationel government and the 50 states. State constitutions sreate unitary systems in which all po the stae governments, Nowhere in the Constitution are local fovern nents mentioned. rs ae centralized in The Relationship Between State and Loca! Governments ach state has complete authority over all the local governments ‘within its borders. The local governments borrow their powers irom state governments and can exercise ony those rowers Geno hy he We Can Do Imanch ofthe fedeul government execute, les | LE Ourselves: ive, and judi. The governor heads the exe | fy Feeant Yours maPY tranch winch includes ger ected oficers ouch «> Ea te lean ner sre eal ee | Rom amendment iitmgu iene nso a lglatae. Me! states have what they cal he upper ions house, or Senate and the lower house or Hse of) aie eal goverment Represematves. (Nebraska calls sone house the the authority to handle Legisla-ure,) The judiciary is the system of courts their own inkernel headed by elected or appointed judges. without interference Crizens vote for many state ofa, bat the | Om the state ovemor ad Senate share appointive powes and ‘AL the federal and stat levels, epaaticn of powers is wery comes too powerful It isnt as ria atthe lca level rete nost governing bodies perform administatve and erwenowe mnie comunry — THOrganization Waits your parents our state's Wen ste on the Internet. ==} >) Gees of atypical state government Structure of Local Governments No matter where you live, you probably are touched by seve layers of local government: city, ecunty, schoo! district, special istrict and region. Your family mght pay taxes to one or ‘mote of these government entities, Counties All US, states are divided into counties (called parishes n Louisiana and boroughs in Alaska), which are further died into towmships of districts. In a8 states, the county isthe larg est unit of local government. Connecticut and Rhode Island do rot have county governments. In Connecticu, counties 2st only for the purposes of elections; in Rhode Island, counties are divisions of the state court system, The main functions of county government are law enforcement; propery assessment and ta collection: highway Constfuction and maintenance; recording of important public documents such as deeds, mortgages, and death certificates; issuing lenses for hunting sing, and mariage; and srovid ing publi welfare. When state and local goverarent budgets are cut, counties J large urban areas assume more responsibility in providing services such as transportation, water and sewer operations, 12 comin nm commune a re cenans pesrerte Farm to Market ‘Tho county has its roots in rural life. Boundary lin2s that were drawn in the days of the horse and buggy were laid out so that everyone living withit a given county could travel in one day to and from. ‘the center of local government and commerce. emergency medical services, and land-use panning, Regions ‘made cp of multiple counties often regulate air quality control and mass transit networks, and coortinate natural disaster planning, ‘Ceunty governments can be structured several ways. The most common form is the county board, in which eitizens lect olfcials ftom thei lownship or district to represent them ‘na board of commissioners (usually with dee to seven or more members) oF 2 board of supervisors (epieally with {5 0.80 o¢ more members). Board! meme share authority with ether elected olficials such asthe sherif, district attorney, county clerk, and coroner, and they appoint people to commit toes and! lesser commissions. ‘Another Iype of county government iste courcibadnin \stratar form, in which an elected county cosnell passes laws anxd appoints an administrator to execute the council’ policies. The third and least-used form has an electen courny adminis: rmator who serves as ehlef executive and an elected council that determines legislative policy Whenever aca is made too, you should know thatieis recorded and documented an can nover be ‘canceled. this umber is disks aceidomtaly or it itis prank call someone (such as apalceoficor oF sherif al show patie door to make sure avery thing ial rig. cmaenenewne community 13sears oF Power (Organization of one “ypial county government, ——.ensely populated urban areas with local govern Municipalities Unlike counties, which primarily cist to carry ut broad local functions on behalf of the stare, municipalities exist at the request oftheir resents whio want more publie services. Municipalities (cites, towns, villages, and boroughs) are (The state creates them by charters or other Igislaton, which then Acharterisa ve as local constitutions Municipal governments are organized acconting to oeir formal, egal charters. The most widely used form of ety government s the documantthat _Tayor-counei! charter. Voters elect 4 mayor as the che! ececu= ive and a council as its legislature. or cities larger than 5,000 {efings the >eople, the average sizeof a city council s seven members, but bounderies ots tuge cites like New York City may have as many a8 50 council city and ereates its government ‘embers. Depending on how many formal powers are given © the mayor, the mayor-counci frm of government erten Is “eseribed asa “strong-mayor” or "weak-mayor” type. Anotter form of ety government that is gaining wid> sup: —$——_ atts the couneit manager govemrient, aso called the ety “ sianager plan, in which etizens vote for council membes in 4 nonpartisan, at-large election and elect a mayor with limited authority. The council then hires asi) manager, often a arofes sionally trained career administrator who is given the authority “chee fy Manger Organization ofthe counei-manager form of government 16Organization ofthe commission form of govemment ‘© appoint all department heads. User this arrangement, the junc makes policies to be carried out by the city manage, The iy council retains the right to dismiss the manager at any ie. ‘The third and leas-used type o’ municipal governmert i the ‘commission form, Voers ele three to nine commissioners who ‘et together a8 a council to pass ont nanees and conte frances, ‘and individually to head the dtferert departmeats of ety govern “nent, The votes or the commissions may choose one ofthe missioners to be mayor. The mayor, who also heads a city ‘epartment, leads mectngs and repesens the ety a cerenionies, Sut has no more authority than the ter commissioners. 18 cmensar eerie communiry Special Districts ‘The fastest growing form of lacal government isthe special strict ron by an elected board, This separate legal unit provides a singe service—sueh as Hood or mosquito control—to a par ‘cular area, and often overlaps other local jrisditions. These special districts range in size from neighborhood blocks con ‘ered with historic preservation tothe mammoth Port Authority name inches of New York and New Jersey, which operates inns, BEES, ag fp and airport. School districts are by far the most common kind of special Aste Voters in most distiets elect a board of educatlon whose policies are carted out by an appointed school superintendent. The hoant sets school tax rates, hives teaches, and runs al the public slementary and secondary schools under its authority. The board of education i one ofthe most important official groups of cizams an i generally independent ofthe cty council A school istrict independent schoo stick” Responsibilities of Local Govemment The steteentruss the local government to protect and provide services to is citizens. Cities diffe in the number and kinds ef services they provide. In the nation's snowbet, local gover nents spend huge suis of money on snow removal ‘Commanities in America’s tornado alley have to pay for sophis cated early-warning systems. Most cities provide roughly the same services to meet a community's basic needs cemzensne we communnry 17‘Mandates funded by taxpayers are the responsibility of local governments, *# Tp protect life and property, the local government provides public safety and fre departments, and a municipal court system, # To guard the health of its itizons, the city or county runs hhosplals and clinles, manages sanitation serviees, and handles animal conto ‘*To provide education, the ety supports libraries and the school district maintains schoels for students in grades K dhrough 12. ‘+ Tp care for those in nee, local government may offer social services such as faster tome care and mental Dealt facies, ‘+ To make the community a gocd place to lve, local government builds and maintzins streets, provides rublic Uwansportation, creates parks and recreational facilities, and attracts new businesses For a quick overview of the variety of services proved by your ‘community, look under “Government and Community Services” (the blue pages) in your loca telerhone book. 18 craansie rs commun —— ruauic meetincs Public Meetings More than 300 years ago, American colonists regularly met to decide how best to manage and protect thek communities. At those gatherings, people discussed and arguad and finally vored| foc thetrconvietions. Tis isthe purest for of democracy— when voters participate directly in making laws, levying taxes, aund spending money “Tay, the New England town meeting stl exists in nay small towns. But because of population groveth, time constrcnts, and modern-day complexities, it has given way ‘0a modified form in whieh citizens elect representatives ‘attend the meetings and vote on their bebal. Lccal governmen—regardlss of its stracture—is the evel 0 government most dreetly accountable to the publi. Citizens meet face-to-face with thei represeataives a public -neetines. If yn da not know what lal vving tity He 13 oF who sepresents you, cal the city council or school board. Then attend one of those meetings and watch how elected representatives participate and vote. If you get the opportunity, introdce yourself to local council members or schoo! board representatives cmaensne wre communtry 19,‘Charters requir tha city councils publish proposed hanees, oF municipal laws, in local newspapers. That tay, interested citizens ean voice tier concerns at scheculed hearings before the laws are enacéd, This prevents the uni! members from legislating in secret and acting sellnterest, Public meeting agendas are posted in advance inthe news paper and on the city or school disrie’s Web site fit has one In most places, a citizen must register to speak at the meeting about an item on the agenda Topies at a council meeting might include architectural requirements ‘or new commercial build ings, proposal fora mulilane highway through a residential eighborhood, the sale of municips! bonds, and the best use of 2 vacant parcel of land Ata school board meeting, you might hear about the cast of buying band instruments, the need 10 reduce expenses, the value of block schedules compared 1 six-period days, wiether © award physical education credit ‘or off-campus sports, and ater similar issues. Be Aware tow can you know how the council or board merrbers voted on a mation? Do certain represontatives seem more knowledgeable about the issues than others? Some people at the meeting do not vote. What are their roles? Are you surprised at how many citizens attend these meetings? 20 eraansue wire commana The Court System Municipal courts have citywide thority and are organized in divisions: civil, eriminal, domestic relaticns, small claims, trafic. and probate cours, I you sit in om < session of one ff these courts, you will heat eases involving misdemeanors ese serious crimes) and matters involving small amounts of one. County and sia courts (known as general rial courts) hana more serious civil and criminal cases, which are tied before a judge. Tia dispute arises about how the law Fas been applied in one ofthese wil courts, a judge in an appellate cu (often called a court of appeals) reviews the case and makes 2 dec Te some instances, a case is appealed 1 the state's Supreme Cour, which is the eourt of last resort in the state's judicial system, Five to seven justices sit an the high bench nd have the final say about all cases relating to state lav. On rare occasions, when a question of federal law is involved, a ‘ease may be appealed tothe US. Supreme Court cmeeneverwne commune 21‘An editorials piece of writing that xprossesthe ite’ opinions. Etro usualy ar separated fom regular news rowspaper. Local Issues: What’s on the Public’s Mind? “ou cam learn a lot about your community just by paying atten tion to what fs going on around you. You might hear peosle talking in the grocery store, inthe post office, in restaurants, of in the stands at athletic evens, Listn closely, ead the newsps: et, watch the local news on television, and you will find out ‘hat isues concer the public For example, you might hear a mother expressing worry that her child's frequent asthma attacks may be caused by air pollution in the community. Or you might heat that many car cients have oecurted ata particular intersection. You might ee news coverage on television about how graffiti has been a problem in 2 particular community. Read the ectrias in your local newspaper. Ifyou have tend! a court session, you might have discovered cone: tions between eases inthe courtroom and articles inthe paper Consider te subjects you heard discussed atthe city cuncll or school boar! meeting. Think about the hot topics. Pick an issue ‘hat interests you and find out how to hep, 22 craeisup nis comantry LOCAL ISSUES: WHAT'S ON THE PUBLIC'S MIND? Getting to the Bottom of an Issue ‘You can easily figure out which branch of eal government 's responsible for resolving the problem by calling the city coune! office or school board, a asking th> reference Mbrarian at your local library. Ifyou read about the problem in the news pape look for names in the article or contact the newspaper for alae. ‘Gace you know which branch, board, oF committe is responsible, find out who might be willing to discuss the isue with you and how to rach that person. Then request an imerwew (by telephone probably is the mast convenient). Allow yourself enough time before the interview to thoroughly Drepase. hy to find out as much as you can about al sides fof the issue. What is currently being done to address it? How ‘an young people help? In many cities, young people serve as representatives on adviscry boards forthe library, city council, school board, and paren\/teacher association, and as merabers of teen court Ctizeas 18 or older usually are eligible to run for local office. Before you contact an oficial to interview, be sure you have your counselors and parents porission emessirmmecomauney 23Making a Difference ‘A goo! ctizen looks for opportunites to help improve the com: ‘munity, Small efforts make a difference, ant you also can join forces with others to benefit many people. Young citizens who participate in Scotting, school activities, and religious orgenizations tend to volunteer far mere often than students who do not part pate in those groups. This willingness to help continues into adult hood, By fulfilling requirement 7, you will make a real contribution to your community and open the door to a lifetime of rewarding experiences. Matching Your Interests to Volunteer Work You kaow how much more you enjoy doing something if you are good ati o ft really interests you, Se keep that in mind 8 yo consider volunteer opportunities, List your skills and talents. Think about whether you are willing to teach those sills ther people. Consider your personal goals and what you want to lear, too, List the isues that are most important Tink of the merit balges you have earned and how yo ight use those skis to be a valued volumleer. Perhaps you ike to play an instrument. Maybe you can ~epair electronic ‘equipment. Ifyou are bilingual or compute: savvy, there ae any appartnities to put those skills Ito araetieal and fulfil ing exxeriences, Having a good sense of humor isa valuable skill, bo problems lik illiteracy and poverty, or envionmental issues ‘or fincing curs for specific diseases. Others take pleasure in helping elderly people, anima, or children. There are endless ‘opporminities to volunteer, s0 pick one that suits you. That way vou will make a bigger difference cressine wrvecommunery 2526 Choosing a Charity CCnce you decide what cause interes you, i is time to fird out which charitable organizations ia yeur comunity addres the se. You can start by looking atthe community services pages In your telephone book. Call the lca! Better Business Burau Pick up fliers about charities a the local chamber of commerce. With your parent's permission, vst uhe Web sites listed inthe resources section of this merit badge pamphlet Find out ifthe group is a notfr-profit organization. 2ead ‘ts mission statement and decide if you agree with its goa. you want to volunteer for that organization, call to discass possible responsibilities or suggest what you would lke te do, Even though you are giving your time and effort for fee, you may have to interview forthe pastion. Most organize tibns want the best poople working ‘or their cause, They 180 know volunteers ean make big cantbutions, of ime and other resources and many are needed At the Movies: Activists, Whistle-Blowers, and Ordinary People Individuals sometimes make grest personal sacrifices to tackle problems: that threaten a community oF to stand up for what s just Filmmakers love to tun those biggerthar-fe storiss into movies. You can find docu- ‘mentary fms factual or objective films) and blockbusters about peopla who acted alone or with others to have a positive efact on socioty. ‘Examples include true stories of people exposing a coverp about a con- taminated water supply, leading a country to freedom through passive resistance, publicly disclosing » compeny's strategy to profit by harming Consumers, and creating an inspiring program of musical instruction for urba7 children. Aiso look for movies about people who played @ power role 1 business or government to benefit society. Shining a Light on Your Community When you aim a spotlight at something, your focus is narow You have chosen one perspective to highlight and ignored the ‘est. But by Teaming more about your community, you shine 2 losight. Suddenly, you se lots of difereat Kind of people and places with varying world views. Good government ofieials and good tizens always ty 10 understand ifferent >oints of view ‘As you become familar with your community, tis The Hometown Tourist There are people who have lived in New York City all dheir ives and never been to the top of the Empie State Building fave you been tothe tourist attractions in your hometown? fou prebably remember driving in your community with fail br fierds when someone looked out the ear window and said ‘ve never noticed that before.” Re through your community with your pareats (ot wih their permission} and explore street fou have never traveled, You will dseover unfamiliar and inter ‘sting aeighborhoods, businesses, historical places, elementary schools, parks, and more Tull equirement 2, you must map out your communi i you go to the building where the local gorernment board or ‘council meets, you likely wil find a map of your community important to know ‘the major stoots inyour area rao wmiccomMunry 27Ey marked with the chef government buildings and public service facilities. Read the govern- ment and community services pages in sour local telephone book to learn the addresses ‘of the hospital, fr and police stations rear ‘est your home. Call or visi the local historical society to know where to find historic ses in Regardless of whether you live ina city with a mass transit system and a take-ibe granted clean water supply or in a rural area with waved roads and well water, you live in 4 unique community with its own histor and special places. Tr your community has a tourist ener 29 thereto collet information about local attractions. You can father all sorts of information about local demnegraphics narks, kes, an recreational faites, museums, public gardens, sports atractions, and cultural events. You can pick up sinilar Alors at the local chamber of commerce. With your paren permission, check out the Internet. Most rawns and ces regu [erly update their ovin Web sites wah helpful informatir. While walking or riding through your coramunity, psy attention tothe names of schools, community centers, ant streets. These are clues tothe history of your community and tw the people who played setive roles, Notice how many signs on businesses and religious buildings are posted in diferent lan ‘ages. Take a tour of the praluce section in your grocery store. How do the Natleties of fruits and vegetables tet the ethene in ‘your community? ‘Think about what makes a neighborhood, How is one neighborhood silferent fom anole? Isu't {you community a caster fall these local groupst Derrographics are statistical charactorstcs of human populations that reflect the composition of a group of people (community state, oF coun- ‘yl, Commonly tracked characteristics include ethnicity, age, income, religious preference, and level of education. People use these statistics to ‘determine who might buy certain products, whether to build more apart ments or houses, oF if a community wl bo best served by an extreme “sports park for teenagers instead ofa traditional recreation center. ‘The Informed Booster Every community needs an enthusiastic supporter who will promte it a8 a great place to lve, You ean bea booster or — your community when you make your pubic presentation for equirement 8, To make a fair and balanced speech or exhibit, Fortips about be sure to also paint out the challenges your community faces making speeches, and what the community s doing 1 address the challenges. ‘When you interview someone inthe ecal government (for a ultimedio requirement 4b), use that opportunity to discuss community presentations, shallenges. Consider contacting your electel officials to WISEUSS safer 9 ihe those aeoblems, roo, include something about your commu == riy's geography. Public Speaking, Think about the geography of your coramunity, How tothe physical features contribute t the local lifestyle ot tact industries? Communication, and Photography ‘Use your talents to shape your presentation. I'you enioy — meritbadge talking in front of a group of people, make 2 speech. Hf you Tove to take photos, then create a photographic exhibit. Keep in Pathe ind, however, that people in your audience respond diferently to infermation. Some like to nea it presentad; others prefer to see it. Combine aural and visual elements so that your pres entation interests everyone. emarvster nme commune 29‘STAGING YOUR PRESENTATION each out 10 your community when you make your presenta ‘ion. Consider staging ic ata nursing home, senior cltiers center, Rotary Club meeting. YMCA after-school program. or ‘olunteer group, Invite people whe helped you with your presentation, such 4s residents and officials you intervewed. You might ince lected officials or members ofthe volunteer organization you assisted for requirement 7c Have fun doing this project aswel as the other require anents, As you learn more about your community and micke ‘more of an effort to get involved, you will develop a greaer sense of belonging, a stronger pride in your hometown, and a etter understating of What it means to be a go citven in your community, Consider any of these possibilities as 4 stating pcint for your presentation: fal history, timeline, photographic exhibit, collage, mural, plasticine ‘modal, mult media show. 30 cmznsup tie commen Resources Scouting Literature cut Handbook; American ‘Amertean Citar, Heritage, Citizenship in the Nasion, Citizenship in the Wortd, Commanication, Crime Prevention, Photography, and Public Speaking merit ‘badge pamphlets Books Abress. Monica Dvvyer. Quietly at Work ‘Township Government in Ameria, Specialy Press Publishers, 2000, Bankston, John, Carers i Coneunity Serute, Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2001 owmen, Ann, and Richard. Kearney. ‘Slate and Local Government. Houghton Mifin Company, College Frown, Alison. Charities: Do They Wort? Raintree Publishers, 1999 ums, James ML, and others. State & Loaf Pies: Cav People. Prentice Hall, 2001 Coplin, William D. How You Can Hel ‘At Easy Guide to Doing Good Deeds {in Your Bverday Li. Routledge, 2000. Gary, Lawrence. How w Wir a Local lection: A Complete Step-byS Guide. M. Evans, 1598 Isler, Claudia. Volunteering co Help ‘n Your Neighborhood. Scholastic Libary Publishing, 2000 ungres, Abigail. Know Your Hometown History: Projects and ‘Activites, Franklin Wats, 1992 lewis, Bazbora A, Panela Espeland, and Caryn Perm, Kids” Guide to Social Action: How 1 Solve the Social Problems You Choose and Turn Creative Thinking Into Positive Action, Fee Spirit Publishing ine. 1998, Aielburger, Mare, and Craig Kielburger. Take Acton! A Guide to Active Citizenship. John Wiley Peary, Susan K. Cat se Spirit: Teen Volurers Tel How They Mad: « Difference. Scholastic Library Publishing, 2000 ryan Je, Beenard, Corcmunity Service for Teens 8-Volume Set. Facts on Fle, 1998, Rusch, Elizabeth. Generation Fa Young ideas fora Beter World Beyond Words Publshing Inc, 2002, cmaznevweamiecommunery 31SOURCES MERIT BADGE LIBRARY “Though intended 28 an ldo Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and quis Ventures in Organizations and Web Sites ‘Acknowledgments meting mai badge equtertents,feae panphits ae of genera terest and are mace conan Sie hy Scie oP a [Balate by many schoo ard publ earon. Tho ate onion eae ofeach pape Boy Scouts of America is grateful ‘mart not comespond uth th copa cate sown Dl, because its comectec Web sit: :/www n goospot.com to Hamry C Boyte, Ph.D.,coditeaor, ‘ony once a yearn January. Any numer of mert vatige pape ay be ved Kids Core Cubs Center for Democracy andl Citizenship, ‘rdughout tho year thers ar mot roped unl ayevson Decomes necessary for is sssitanor wih developing a Scout has aad stared workeg ora eri badge when a few eon fr tht ‘975 Boston Post Rocd ‘ ‘panphet ie rvoduced he may contin cso the sare mar age pampiet te Darien, CT 06820, ‘he revise requirements, The Cener, {he badge ana tut roquremonts Morea. other words, te Sear need not start Wed she: hpynwen scare ong ‘hich seeks to “address the growing ‘St er agan wth te new pamphl and poss rewsed rogers ap between citizens an! government National Constitution Center also aims 6 “develop citizenship initia Independence Mall 2. ‘Mit ge Papi Yor it Bags Paint Your | ark Bay Pampiat Year tives and the concept of pubic wrk.” peccrasnereesan: eae ats oe (eeaeee = 525 Arch St ‘Thanks to Robert Hildreth, also of the oman thoes’ Fane |ESaretraiy as once Bee Philadephis, PA 196 Center fr hs coun. We appre fee SRE Bee = Web site: ate the Quicklist Consulting Comittee [aod = | Pate ier ns ps areneosteaioncenterons of the Association for Library Service ss oi] ree S| Shing Se ‘National Grime Prevention Council Chilren a division of the Anterican sete Boe) Fradie an) iP Be 2345 Crystal Di Library Avtocation, for is assisince ‘room fess) "Mattoon entra ss ‘Arlington, VA 22202 wit updating the resources section of ene rama Be| Raia Sie ‘eb site: hep mee ney. ong this merit badge pamphlet. ie" Ba Res Bee Rosine se USA.gov Photo and It sh 00 Ofice of Citizen Services lustration Crekts a and Communications Comstock in, £2001—pages 9,18, Be US. Genera Services Administration and 20 ns MOBY ag AAP Media Ld, coutesy—eover and a lashington, age 6 ‘ewspapers rycen a We Se emma erbenteotpx = Pat Be am US. Consus Bureow house, church/community, ete ear Be emacs Heal eperyeemden Set Web sit: Aegan ens go tinvboates); page 6 Semen | Biel al buay Bitlet Sa VolunteerMatch ‘Adam Prince, heey/anuriblnation. caer ie | Peer cinaanss tae eae = Web site: uy:/unnsvoluneermatchons tym, cquresy page 16 Eeetlenen tasty "MME Sa ar Be See Bes (STi da aA noy Be Youth Activin Project All other photos ad iustations Sty Bi Mare Rap|etaein Web ste: hep//amneyouthactvism cor yo¢ mentioned above are the preperty Bogtae 9 Fits | Sere Sam | Warr Spore ior Youth Service America ‘of orate protected bythe Boy Scouts Sing Bi | Sear 383 [Woe Bu wa Me nppeaid ‘of America, oe ee Daniel Ges page 29 = Belfers Memento BB Janser—page 8 fe we BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA + SUPPLY GROUP Baan Payne—pages 10,13, 23-24 Coah,and 26 NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER DIRECT MAIL CENTER Randy Pland—page 21 2100 Westnghouse Boulevard 0. Box309 PO. Box 7143 Povie, NC 2194-0909 (Chatto, NC 28283-7143 For fostered cad oars VISA, MasterCard, Arorican Express— 32 eoncensar arms commune vw scoutstutorg ‘all BSA operators iol tow 1-800-523-0732