Citizenship Of The World Merit Badge Workbook

The Citizenship in the World merit badge is a cornerstone of the Boy Scouts of America program, designed to broaden a scout's understanding of global interconnectedness, cultural diversity, and responsible global citizenship. Earning this badge requires scouts to delve into international affairs, explore different cultures, and understand the challenges and opportunities facing our world. The associated workbook serves as a guide, prompting scouts to research, analyze, and reflect on various aspects of global citizenship. This detailed guide will walk you through each requirement of the Citizenship in the World merit badge, providing insights and examples to help you successfully complete the workbook and earn the badge.

Understanding the Merit Badge Requirements

The Citizenship in the World merit badge focuses on expanding a scout's awareness beyond their local community and nation, encouraging them to become informed and engaged global citizens. The requirements cover a range of topics, from understanding international organizations to exploring different cultures and global issues. Here’s a breakdown of each requirement:

1. Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what it means to be a global citizen.
2. Explain how a country’s economy is related to the economies of other countries in the world.
3. Identify and learn about an international issue that interests you.
   • Research the issue
   • Find out what is being done to address it.
   • Present to your counselor what you have learned.
4. Pick a country other than your own. Do the following:
   • Describe the country’s location, climate, and major physical features.
   • Identify the country’s natural resources, principal products, and major industries.
   • Describe its form of government.
   • Tell about the ethnic groups and principal languages spoken there.
   • Explain how the education system works.
   • Tell about the country’s means of transportation and communication.
5. Learn about an international organization and discuss its purpose, membership requirements, and scope of operation.
6. Discuss each of the following:
   • The relationship between world trade and the environment.
   • The implications for the environment of economic globalization.
7. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about international relations.

Let’s explore each of these requirements in detail.

1. Defining Global Citizenship

Requirement: Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what it means to be a global citizen.

To address this requirement, you need to reflect on your personal understanding of citizenship beyond national borders. Consider the following points:

• What does citizenship mean? At its core, citizenship implies belonging to a community and having certain rights and responsibilities. In a national context, this involves obeying laws, participating in civic duties, and contributing to the well-being of your country.
• What extends this concept to the world? Global citizenship extends this idea to encompass the entire planet and its inhabitants. It means recognizing that we are all interconnected and share a common humanity.
• What are the responsibilities of a global citizen? These include:
  • Respecting diversity: Recognizing and valuing different cultures, perspectives, and beliefs.
  • Promoting sustainability: Understanding the impact of our actions on the environment and future generations.
  • Advocating for human rights: Standing up for the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their background or location.
  • Engaging in global issues: Staying informed about global challenges and working towards solutions.

Example Answer:

"To me, citizenship in the world means recognizing that I am part of a global community and that my actions can have an impact on people and the environment around the world. Being a global citizen means understanding and respecting different cultures, working to protect our planet, and advocating for the rights and well-being of all people. It involves being informed about global issues and taking action to make a positive difference."

2. Understanding Global Economic Interdependence

Requirement: Explain how a country’s economy is related to the economies of other countries in the world.

This requirement explores the concept of global economic interdependence. Consider the following aspects:

• Trade: Countries trade goods and services with each other. This exchange creates economic links, as one country’s exports become another country’s imports.
• Investment: Companies invest in foreign countries, building factories, opening offices, and creating jobs. This flow of investment affects the economies of both the investing country and the host country.
• Financial Markets: Stock markets and currency exchange rates are interconnected globally. Economic events in one country can quickly affect financial markets in other countries.
• Supply Chains: Many products are made with components from different countries. This creates complex supply chains that link economies together.

Example Answer:

"A country's economy is deeply connected to the economies of other countries through trade, investment, and financial markets. For example, if a country relies heavily on exporting goods to another country, a recession in the importing country could significantly impact the exporting country's economy. Similarly, if a country attracts a lot of foreign investment, its economic growth can be influenced by the economic policies of the investing countries. Global supply chains also create interdependence, as many products are made with components from different countries, meaning disruptions in one country can affect production worldwide."

3. Researching an International Issue

Requirement: Identify and learn about an international issue that interests you. Research the issue, find out what is being done to address it, and present to your counselor what you have learned.

This requirement allows you to explore a global issue in depth. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Choose an issue: Select an international issue that interests you. Some examples include:
   • Climate change
   • Poverty and hunger
   • Human rights
   • Global health crises (e.g., pandemics)
   • Refugee crises
   • Deforestation
2. Research the issue: Use reliable sources to gather information. Some good sources include:
   • United Nations websites (e.g., UN, UNICEF, WHO)
   • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (e.g., Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, Amnesty International)
   • Academic journals and reputable news outlets
3. Find out what is being done: Identify organizations and initiatives working to address the issue. What strategies are they using? What progress have they made?
4. Prepare a presentation: Organize your findings into a clear and concise presentation for your counselor. Include:
   • A description of the issue
   • Its causes and consequences
   • Efforts being made to address it
   • Your own thoughts and opinions

Example: Researching Climate Change

• Description: Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. It is primarily caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, which increases greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
• Causes and Consequences: The main cause is the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Consequences include rising temperatures, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
• Efforts Being Made: International efforts include the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Organizations like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) coordinate these efforts. Mitigation strategies include transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation. Adaptation strategies include building seawalls, developing drought-resistant crops, and improving disaster preparedness.

4. Studying Another Country

Requirement: Pick a country other than your own. Do the following:

• Describe the country’s location, climate, and major physical features.
• Identify the country’s natural resources, principal products, and major industries.
• Describe its form of government.
• Tell about the ethnic groups and principal languages spoken there.
• Explain how the education system works.
• Tell about the country’s means of transportation and communication.

This requirement encourages you to learn about a different country and its unique characteristics. Choose a country that interests you and research the following aspects:

• Location, Climate, and Physical Features: Where is the country located? What is its climate like? What are its major physical features (mountains, rivers, deserts, etc.)?
• Natural Resources, Products, and Industries: What natural resources does the country have? What are its main agricultural and industrial products? What are its major industries?
• Form of Government: What type of government does the country have (democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, etc.)? How is power distributed?
• Ethnic Groups and Languages: What are the main ethnic groups in the country? What languages are spoken?
• Education System: How does the education system work? Is education compulsory? What levels of education are available?
• Transportation and Communication: What are the main means of transportation (roads, railways, airports, waterways)? How do people communicate (telephone, internet, postal service)?

Example: Studying Japan

• Location, Climate, and Physical Features: Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. It has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Major physical features include mountains, forests, and coastal plains.
• Natural Resources, Products, and Industries: Japan has limited natural resources, but it is a major producer of automobiles, electronics, and steel. Key industries include manufacturing, technology, and finance.
• Form of Government: Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Emperor is the head of state, but political power resides in the elected parliament.
• Ethnic Groups and Languages: The majority of the population is ethnically Japanese. The main language is Japanese.
• Education System: Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 15. The education system includes elementary school, middle school, high school, and university.
• Transportation and Communication: Japan has a highly developed transportation system, including bullet trains, highways, and airports. Communication infrastructure is also advanced, with widespread internet access and mobile phone usage.

5. Learning About International Organizations

Requirement: Learn about an international organization and discuss its purpose, membership requirements, and scope of operation.

International organizations play a crucial role in addressing global issues and promoting cooperation among countries. Some examples include:

• United Nations (UN): An organization of countries established to promote international peace and security, human rights, and economic and social development.
• World Health Organization (WHO): A UN agency responsible for international public health.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): An organization that regulates international trade.
• International Monetary Fund (IMF): An organization that promotes international financial stability and provides loans to countries in economic difficulty.
• European Union (EU): A political and economic union of European countries.

For your chosen organization, research the following:

• Purpose: What is the organization’s mission and goals?
• Membership Requirements: Who can join the organization? What are the requirements for membership?
• Scope of Operation: Where does the organization operate? What issues does it address?

Example: Studying the United Nations (UN)

• Purpose: The UN’s mission is to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and foster economic and social development.
• Membership Requirements: Any country can join the UN if it accepts the obligations of the UN Charter and is recommended by the Security Council and approved by the General Assembly.
• Scope of Operation: The UN operates globally, with agencies and programs addressing issues ranging from peacekeeping and humanitarian aid to economic development and environmental protection.

6. Discussing World Trade and the Environment

Requirement: Discuss each of the following:

• The relationship between world trade and the environment.
• The implications for the environment of economic globalization.

This requirement explores the complex relationship between economic activity and environmental sustainability. Consider the following:

• World Trade and the Environment:
  • Positive Impacts: Trade can facilitate the diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies and practices. It can also create economic incentives for conservation.
  • Negative Impacts: Increased trade can lead to higher levels of pollution, resource depletion, and deforestation as countries compete to produce goods for export.
• Economic Globalization and the Environment:
  • Positive Impacts: Globalization can raise environmental awareness and promote international cooperation on environmental issues.
  • Negative Impacts: Globalization can lead to a "race to the bottom" as countries lower environmental standards to attract investment. It can also increase the environmental footprint of consumption as goods are transported across long distances.

Example Answer:

"World trade and the environment are closely linked. On one hand, trade can promote environmental sustainability by spreading green technologies and creating economic incentives for conservation. However, it can also lead to increased pollution and resource depletion as countries compete to produce goods for export. Economic globalization can raise environmental awareness and encourage international cooperation, but it can also lead to a 'race to the bottom' where countries lower environmental standards to attract investment, increasing the overall environmental impact of consumption."

7. Discussing International Relations

Requirement: Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about international relations.

This requirement is an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned throughout the merit badge process and to discuss your insights with your counselor. Consider the following:

• Key Concepts: Review the key concepts you have learned, such as global citizenship, economic interdependence, international organizations, and the relationship between trade and the environment.
• Global Issues: Reflect on the international issue you researched and what you learned about its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
• Country Study: Consider what you learned about the country you studied and how it compares to your own country.
• Personal Reflection: Think about how your understanding of the world has changed as a result of earning this merit badge.

Example Discussion Points:

• "Earning this merit badge has made me realize how interconnected the world is and how much our actions can affect people in other countries."
• "I learned a lot about the challenges facing the world, but I also saw how many people are working to make a positive difference."
• "I am now more aware of the importance of respecting different cultures and working together to solve global problems."

Tips for Success

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to start working on the merit badge. Give yourself plenty of time to research and complete the requirements.
• Use Reliable Sources: Make sure to use credible sources when gathering information. Look for information from reputable organizations, academic journals, and news outlets.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of your research and progress in the workbook. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you complete all the requirements.
• Engage with Your Counselor: Meet with your counselor regularly to discuss your progress and ask questions. Your counselor can provide guidance and feedback to help you succeed.
• Be Thoughtful and Reflective: Take the time to think deeply about the issues you are exploring and to reflect on your own values and beliefs. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of global citizenship.

Conclusion

The Citizenship in the World merit badge is a valuable opportunity for scouts to broaden their understanding of global issues, develop a sense of global citizenship, and become more engaged and responsible members of the world community. By carefully studying the requirements, conducting thorough research, and reflecting on your own experiences, you can successfully complete the workbook and earn the badge. This journey will not only earn you a merit badge, but it will also equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world.