Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Worksheet

Citizenship in the World merit badge helps Scouts understand their roles and responsibilities in the global community. It promotes awareness and appreciation of different cultures, governments, and economic systems worldwide. This merit badge is essential for Scouts looking to broaden their perspectives and become informed global citizens.

What is Citizenship in the World Merit Badge?

The Citizenship in the World merit badge aims to educate Scouts about global issues, international relations, and the importance of cultural understanding. By earning this badge, Scouts learn how to interact respectfully with people from different backgrounds and understand the interconnectedness of nations.

Requirements Overview

To earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge, Scouts must complete several requirements, which include:

Understanding Global Issues: Discussing current events and their impact on different countries.
Exploring International Organizations: Learning about the roles of organizations like the United Nations.
Cultural Exchange: Interacting with individuals from different cultures.
Comparing Governments: Understanding different forms of government and economic systems.

Preparing for the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

Before diving into the specific requirements, it's helpful to gather resources and information. Here are some steps to prepare:

Obtain the Merit Badge Pamphlet: The Citizenship in the World merit badge pamphlet is an invaluable resource. It provides detailed information about each requirement and offers guidance on completing them successfully.
Research Global Issues: Stay informed about current events by reading newspapers, magazines, and reputable online news sources. Focus on understanding the complexities of global issues such as climate change, poverty, and human rights.
Find a Counselor: Connect with a registered merit badge counselor who specializes in the Citizenship in the World badge. Your counselor will guide you through the requirements and provide valuable insights.

Detailed Breakdown of Requirements

Each requirement of the Citizenship in the World merit badge is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of global citizenship. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each requirement:

Requirement 1: Discuss What Citizenship Means

Explain what citizenship means to you and what it means to be a good citizen of your community, your state, and your nation.

To fulfill this requirement, reflect on what citizenship means to you personally. Consider the responsibilities and privileges that come with being a citizen at different levels:

Community: Being a good neighbor, participating in local events, and contributing to community improvement.
State: Understanding state laws, participating in state elections, and contributing to the well-being of your state.
Nation: Respecting national laws, participating in national elections, and contributing to the overall welfare of the country.

Requirement 2: Learn About Your National Heritage

Explain how the beliefs and backgrounds of citizens from other nations have influenced your community and state.

Research the diverse cultural influences that have shaped your community and state. Consider the contributions of various ethnic groups, immigrants, and international communities. For example:

Immigration Patterns: Investigate the history of immigration in your area and the impact of different immigrant groups on local culture.
Cultural Contributions: Identify specific contributions of different cultures to your community, such as cuisine, music, art, and traditions.

Requirement 3: Understand Global Interdependence

Identify and present to your counselor items in your home that originated in other countries.

This requirement highlights the interconnectedness of nations through trade and commerce. Create a list of items in your home that were manufactured or sourced from other countries. For each item, identify the country of origin and discuss how global trade impacts your daily life.

Electronics: Many electronics are manufactured in countries like China, South Korea, and Japan.
Clothing: Clothing may be made in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, or India.
Food: Certain foods, such as coffee, bananas, and spices, are often imported from other countries.

Requirement 4: Explore International Organizations

Name the countries that are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Explain the main functions of the United Nations.

Learn about the structure and functions of the United Nations (UN) and the roles of its various agencies. Understand the UN's mission to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.

Permanent Members: Identify the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Main Functions: Explain the UN's main functions, including maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, and providing humanitarian aid.

Requirement 5: Study Forms of Government

Compare the form of government of the United States with that of two other countries. Include the following:

(a) How the head of government is chosen.

(b) How laws are made.

(c) How the rights of citizens are protected.

Compare the U.S. government with the governments of two other countries. Consider different political systems, such as democracies, monarchies, and authoritarian regimes.

Selection of Head of Government: Compare how the head of government is chosen in each country (e.g., election, appointment, inheritance).
Lawmaking Process: Explain the process of making laws in each country, including the roles of legislative bodies, executives, and judicial systems.
Protection of Citizen Rights: Compare how the rights of citizens are protected in each country, including constitutional guarantees, legal protections, and judicial review.

Requirement 6: Research International Issues

Select one of the following current world issues and discuss it with your counselor. Tell how it affects people in other countries.

(a) Arms proliferation

(b) Climate change

(c) Economic interdependence

(d) Human rights

(e) International terrorism

(f) Global health issues

Choose one of the listed global issues and research its impact on different countries and populations. Discuss the issue with your counselor, focusing on its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Climate Change: Discuss the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity.
Human Rights: Examine human rights violations in different countries and the efforts of international organizations to protect human rights.
Global Health Issues: Investigate the spread of infectious diseases, healthcare disparities, and efforts to improve global health outcomes.

Requirement 7: Interact with Someone from Another Country

Meet and interview a person who is a citizen of another country. Discuss the following:

(a) Daily life in their country

(b) Education

(c) Recreation

(d) Form of government

(e) Important issues in their country

Interview someone who is a citizen of another country to learn about their culture, daily life, and perspectives on global issues. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview, and take notes on their responses.

Cultural Exchange: Ask about their traditions, customs, and values.
Education System: Learn about the education system in their country, including curriculum, teaching methods, and access to education.
Political System: Discuss their country's form of government, political leaders, and current political issues.

Tips for Success

Earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge requires dedication, research, and a willingness to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Start Early: Begin working on the requirements well in advance of your deadline to allow ample time for research, interviews, and discussions.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your progress by creating a checklist of completed requirements and notes from your research.
Be Curious: Approach each requirement with a sense of curiosity and a genuine interest in learning about the world.
Engage with Others: Seek out opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your counselor for guidance and clarification on any of the requirements.

The Importance of Global Citizenship

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding global citizenship is more important than ever. By earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge, Scouts develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be responsible and engaged global citizens.

Benefits of Earning the Badge

Increased Awareness: Scouts gain a deeper understanding of global issues and their impact on different countries and populations.
Cultural Sensitivity: Scouts learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, customs, and perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Scouts develop critical thinking skills by analyzing complex global issues and evaluating different viewpoints.
Civic Engagement: Scouts are encouraged to become active and informed citizens who contribute to their communities and the world.

Real-World Application

The lessons learned from the Citizenship in the World merit badge can be applied in many real-world situations. Whether you're traveling abroad, working with people from different cultures, or participating in global initiatives, the knowledge and skills you gain will be invaluable.

Examples of Application

International Travel: Understanding cultural norms and customs can help you navigate unfamiliar situations and interact respectfully with locals.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Being aware of different communication styles and cultural values can improve your ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Global Problem Solving: Applying critical thinking skills to analyze global issues and develop innovative solutions can help address challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

Resources for Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of global citizenship, consider exploring the following resources:

Books: Read books about international relations, global issues, and cultural understanding.
Websites: Visit websites of international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.
Documentaries: Watch documentaries about global issues, cultural diversity, and international affairs.
Cultural Events: Attend cultural festivals, exhibitions, and performances to learn about different traditions and customs.

Case Studies and Examples

To illustrate the concepts covered in the Citizenship in the World merit badge, consider the following case studies and examples:

Case Study 1: Climate Change

Impact: Climate change is affecting countries around the world, but some are more vulnerable than others. Low-lying island nations, for example, are at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels.
Solutions: International efforts to combat climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and developing adaptation strategies to cope with the effects of climate change.

Case Study 2: Human Rights

Violations: Human rights violations occur in many countries, including discrimination, political repression, and violence against marginalized groups.
Protection: International organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch work to monitor human rights violations and advocate for justice and accountability.

Case Study 3: Economic Interdependence

Trade: Global trade connects countries through the exchange of goods and services, but it can also create dependencies and inequalities.
Development: Fair trade practices and sustainable development initiatives aim to promote economic growth that benefits all countries and populations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working on the Citizenship in the World merit badge, be aware of these common mistakes:

Superficial Research: Avoid relying on superficial or biased sources of information. Conduct thorough research using reputable sources.
Lack of Engagement: Don't just go through the motions of completing the requirements. Engage with the material and seek to understand the underlying concepts.
Cultural Insensitivity: Be respectful of different cultures and avoid making generalizations or stereotypes.
Failure to Reflect: Take time to reflect on what you've learned and how it has changed your perspective on global issues.

Inspiring Stories of Global Citizens

To inspire you on your journey to becoming a global citizen, consider the stories of these individuals:

Malala Yousafzai: A Pakistani activist for female education who survived being shot by the Taliban and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nelson Mandela: A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who fought for racial equality and social justice.
Greta Thunberg: A Swedish environmental activist who has inspired millions of people around the world to take action on climate change.

How to Make a Difference

Earning the Citizenship in the World merit badge is just the first step. Here are some ways you can make a difference as a global citizen:

Volunteer: Volunteer with organizations that address global issues, such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.
Advocate: Speak out on issues you care about and advocate for policies that promote peace, justice, and sustainability.
Educate: Share your knowledge and insights with others to raise awareness about global issues and inspire action.
Support: Support businesses and organizations that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The Citizenship in the World merit badge is a valuable opportunity for Scouts to develop a deeper understanding of global issues, cultural diversity, and the importance of responsible citizenship. By completing the requirements and embracing the principles of global citizenship, you can become a force for positive change in the world. Remember that global citizenship is not just about knowledge; it's about action. Use what you've learned to make a difference in your community and beyond. Strive to be a responsible, engaged, and compassionate global citizen who contributes to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.