Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Workbook

Citizenship in the World merit badge is designed to broaden a Scout’s understanding of global interconnectedness, diverse cultures, and international relations. This merit badge encourages Scouts to become informed and engaged citizens of the world, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness towards global issues.

Earning the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge: A Comprehensive Guide

Earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge requires a Scout to actively engage with various aspects of global citizenship, from understanding international organizations to exploring different cultures. This comprehensive guide breaks down each requirement, providing a roadmap for Scouts to successfully complete this badge.

1. Explain what citizenship in the world means to you.

Citizenship in the world encompasses understanding your role and responsibilities within the global community. It means recognizing that actions at a local level can have international consequences, and vice versa. A world citizen is aware of global issues such as poverty, human rights, environmental concerns, and cultural understanding, and strives to make a positive impact. It's about empathy, respect for diversity, and a commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world.

• Personal Reflection: Start by considering your own values and how they align with global issues.
• Understanding Interconnectedness: Reflect on how globalization has made the world more interconnected, from trade and communication to environmental challenges.
• Responsibilities: Consider your responsibilities as a global citizen, such as staying informed, respecting different cultures, and advocating for positive change.

2. Discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of a citizen of your country.

Every country has a unique set of rights, duties, and obligations for its citizens. Understanding these is fundamental to responsible citizenship.

• Rights: These are the freedoms and protections guaranteed by law, such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to vote, and the right to a fair trial.
• Duties: These are the responsibilities that citizens are expected to fulfill, such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on a jury if called upon.
• Obligations: These are more moral or ethical responsibilities, such as participating in community activities, respecting the rights of others, and contributing to the common good.

To fulfill this requirement:

• Research: Consult your country's constitution or legal documents to identify the specific rights, duties, and obligations of its citizens.
• Discussion: Engage in a discussion with your counselor, family members, or other Scouts to explore the significance of each right, duty, and obligation.
• Examples: Provide examples of how citizens can exercise their rights and fulfill their duties and obligations in everyday life.

3. Choose any TWO of the following current world issues. Then, for EACH issue, do the following:

This requirement is designed to help you explore specific global challenges and understand their complexities.

• a. Find out about the issue. After you have done your research, give a brief summary of the issue.
• b. Determine the countries or regions most affected.
• c. Discuss how this issue affects the world.
• d. Talk about what is being done to deal with the issue.
• e. Suggest two things that you, as a citizen of the world, can do to help resolve the problem.

Here are some potential world issues to choose from:

• Overpopulation
• Hunger
• Illiteracy
• Climate Change
• Pollution
• Deforestation
• Endangered Species

Let's explore two of these issues in detail: Climate Change and Hunger.

Climate Change

• a. Brief Summary: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases.

• b. Most Affected Countries/Regions: Small island nations (e.g., Maldives, Tuvalu) are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Coastal regions worldwide are also at risk. Africa is disproportionately affected by droughts and desertification. The Arctic is experiencing rapid ice melt, impacting indigenous communities and ecosystems.

• c. How it Affects the World: Climate change leads to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods. It disrupts agriculture, leading to food shortages. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and ecosystems. It can also exacerbate social and political instability, leading to displacement and conflict.

• d. What's Being Done: International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Many countries are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Efforts are being made to improve energy efficiency and promote sustainable transportation. Conservation efforts are also underway to protect forests and other carbon sinks.

• e. What You Can Do:

  1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Make conscious choices to reduce your energy consumption. Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. Eat less meat, as livestock production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
  2. Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that address climate change. Write to your elected officials, participate in peaceful protests, and raise awareness about the issue within your community.

Hunger

• a. Brief Summary: Hunger refers to the distress associated with lack of sufficient food to provide the nutrients for fully active and healthy living. It's a complex problem caused by a combination of factors, including poverty, conflict, climate change, and unequal distribution of resources.

• b. Most Affected Countries/Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of hunger, with millions of people suffering from malnutrition. South Asia also faces significant challenges related to food security. Conflict zones, such as Yemen and Syria, often experience severe food shortages due to displacement and disrupted supply chains.

• c. How it Affects the World: Hunger can lead to stunted growth and development in children, impairing their cognitive abilities and physical health. It weakens immune systems, making people more vulnerable to disease. It can also fuel social unrest and conflict, as people struggle to access basic necessities.

• d. What's Being Done: Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) provide food assistance to people in need. Efforts are being made to improve agricultural practices and increase food production in developing countries. Initiatives are also underway to address the root causes of hunger, such as poverty and inequality.

• e. What You Can Do:

  1. Support Food Banks and Pantries: Donate food or volunteer your time at local food banks and pantries. These organizations provide crucial support to families struggling with food insecurity.
  2. Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the causes and consequences of hunger. Share information on social media, write letters to the editor, and organize events to raise awareness within your community.

4. Learn about an international organization and discuss its mission and how it achieves its goals.

Understanding international organizations is crucial for comprehending global cooperation and problem-solving.

• Choose an Organization: Select an international organization, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Red Cross, or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

• Research: Thoroughly research the organization's mission, goals, and activities. Consult its official website, reports, and publications.

• Discussion: Discuss the following with your counselor:

  • Mission: What is the organization's primary purpose? What problems or issues does it aim to address?
  • Goals: What specific objectives does the organization hope to achieve?
  • Activities: What actions does the organization take to achieve its goals? What programs and initiatives does it implement?
  • Impact: What impact has the organization had on the world? What successes has it achieved? What challenges does it face?

Example: The United Nations (UN)

• Mission: To maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.

• Goals: Preventing conflict, providing humanitarian assistance, promoting sustainable development, and upholding international law.

• Activities: Deploying peacekeeping forces, providing disaster relief, promoting education and healthcare, and negotiating treaties and agreements.

• Impact: The UN has played a crucial role in preventing wars, providing aid to refugees, and promoting human rights. However, it also faces challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and political divisions.

5. Discuss what you believe are the positive and negative aspects of globalization.

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of countries through trade, investment, migration, and cultural exchange. It has both positive and negative aspects that need to be carefully considered.

• Positive Aspects:

  • Economic Growth: Globalization can lead to increased trade and investment, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
  • Cultural Exchange: It can promote greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, fostering tolerance and empathy.
  • Technological Advancement: It can facilitate the spread of new technologies and ideas, leading to innovation and progress.
  • Improved Living Standards: It can lead to improved access to goods and services, raising living standards in developing countries.

• Negative Aspects:

  • Job Displacement: Globalization can lead to job losses in developed countries as companies move production to countries with lower labor costs.
  • Environmental Degradation: Increased trade and production can lead to pollution and depletion of natural resources.
  • Cultural Homogenization: The spread of global brands and media can threaten local cultures and traditions.
  • Inequality: The benefits of globalization are not always shared equally, leading to increased inequality between rich and poor countries.

To fulfill this requirement:

• Research: Read articles, watch documentaries, and consult experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of globalization.
• Reflection: Consider the impact of globalization on your own life and community.
• Discussion: Engage in a thoughtful discussion with your counselor, family members, or other Scouts, exploring the complex and multifaceted nature of globalization.

6. Select a country other than your own and do the following:

This requirement encourages you to learn about a different culture and society, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

• a. Describe the country's geography, climate, population, and ethnic groups.
• b. Discuss its form of government.
• c. Speak with someone who lives in that country and find out what that person thinks are the good and bad things about their country.
• d. Find out about the major holidays, celebrations, and forms of recreation.
• e. Learn at least 25 common phrases in the language of that country.

Let's choose Japan as our example country.

Japan

• a. Geography, Climate, Population, and Ethnic Groups:

  • Geography: Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. It consists of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The country is largely mountainous, with limited arable land.
  • Climate: Japan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold with heavy snowfall in some areas.
  • Population: Japan has a population of approximately 126 million people. It is a highly urbanized country, with most people living in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
  • Ethnic Groups: The vast majority of Japan's population is of Japanese descent. There are also small minority groups, such as the Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido) and Korean residents.

• b. Form of Government:

  • Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Emperor is the head of state, but his role is largely symbolic. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is elected by the Diet (parliament). The Diet consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.

• c. Speak with Someone Who Lives in Japan:

  • This requires you to actively seek out and interview someone who lives in Japan. You can use online platforms, social media, or personal connections to find someone to speak with.
  • Good Things: Common responses might include the high quality of life, the cleanliness and safety of cities, the rich culture and traditions, and the delicious food.
  • Bad Things: Common responses might include the high cost of living, the long working hours, the pressure to conform to social norms, and the language barrier for foreigners.

• d. Major Holidays, Celebrations, and Forms of Recreation:

  • Major Holidays: New Year's Day (Shogatsu), Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi), Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi), and Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi).
  • Celebrations: Cherry blossom festivals (Hanami), summer festivals (Matsuri), and traditional tea ceremonies (Chado).
  • Forms of Recreation: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, visiting temples and shrines, attending sumo wrestling matches, and enjoying karaoke.

• e. Learn at Least 25 Common Phrases in Japanese:

  • Here are some examples:

    1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) - Hello
    2. Arigato (ありがとう) - Thank you
    3. Sumimasen (すみません) - Excuse me/Sorry
    4. Ohayo gozaimasu (おはようございます) - Good morning
    5. Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening
    6. Sayonara (さようなら) - Goodbye
    7. Wakarimasu (わかります) - I understand
    8. Wakarimasen (わかりません) - I don't understand
    9. Namae wa nan desu ka? (名前は何ですか？) - What is your name?
    10. Watashi no namae wa ___ desu (私の名前は___です) - My name is ___
    11. Genki desu ka? (元気ですか？) - How are you?
    12. Genki desu (元気です) - I'm fine
    13. Hai (はい) - Yes
    14. Iie (いいえ) - No
    15. Onegaishimasu (お願いします) - Please
    16. Itadakimasu (いただきます) - Let's eat (said before a meal)
    17. Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) - Thank you for the meal (said after a meal)
    18. Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) - How much is it?
    19. Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (英語が話せますか？) - Do you speak English?
    20. Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu (日本語が少し話せます) - I speak a little Japanese
    21. Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？) - Where is the toilet?
    22. Michi ni mayoi mashita (道に迷いました) - I'm lost
    23. Tetsudatte kudasai (手伝ってください) - Please help me
    24. Kirei desu ne (綺麗ですね) - It's beautiful, isn't it?
    25. Oishii desu (美味しいです) - It's delicious

Conclusion

Earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge is a rewarding journey that expands your understanding of global issues and fosters a sense of responsibility towards the world. By actively engaging with the requirements, researching different cultures, and exploring international organizations, you will develop the knowledge and skills to become an informed and engaged citizen of the world. Remember to approach each requirement with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the global community. Good luck on your journey to earning this valuable merit badge!