Cit. in Community

PREREQUISITES:

3. Do the following:

(a) Attend an in-person meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board, local court session; OR another state or local governmental meeting approved in advance by your counselor.

(b) Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.

**This will be the subject of an in-class discussion during the first session

4. Choose an issue that is important to the citizens of your community; then do the following:

(a) Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue.

(b) With your counselor's and a parent or guardian's approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4(a). Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help.

(c) Share what you have learned with your counselor.

7. Do the following:

(a) Identify three charitable organizations outside of Scouting that interest you and bring people in your community together to work for the good of your community.

(b) Pick ONE of the organizations you chose for requirement 7(a). Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, flyers and other literature, the internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.

(c) With your counselor's and your parent or guardian's approval, contact the organization you chose for requirement 7(b), 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.

HOMEWORK:

5. With the approval of your counselor and a parent or guardian, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community.

8. 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 counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school.

**This will be the subject of an in-class discussion during the second session