Citizen in the World Merit Badge Requirements Guide

Citizen in the World Merit Badge: A Comprehensive Guide

Earning the Citizen in the World merit badge requires Scouts to develop a deeper understanding of global issues, cultural diversity, and the role of citizenship in the world. This merit badge is designed to help Scouts become more informed and engaged global citizens.

Requirements for the Citizen in the World Merit Badge

To earn the Citizen in the World merit badge, Scouts must complete the following requirements:

• Requirement 1: Explain the meaning of the words “citizen,” “culture,” and “civic engagement.”
• Requirement 2: Using resources such as newspapers, magazines, and the internet, explain the different types of governments that exist in the world (e.g., democracy, dictatorship, monarchy, theocracy).
• Requirement 3: Choose a country in the world and describe its:
  • Government system
  • Economic system
  • Culture
  • Natural resources
  • Contribution to the global community
• Requirement 4: Discuss the following global issues:
  • Hunger and food distribution
  • Global health and pandemics
  • Environmental conservation
  • Human rights
  • Climate change
• Requirement 5: Explain how a Scout’s actions can impact the global community.

Additional Resources for the Citizen in the World Merit Badge

To help Scouts complete the requirements for the Citizen in the World merit badge, the following resources are recommended:

• National Geographic: A great resource for learning about different countries and cultures.
• BBC News: A reliable source for staying up-to-date on global news and events.
• United Nations: A wealth of information on global issues and the role of the UN in addressing them.
• Global Issues: A website that provides in-depth information on a range of global issues.

🌎 Note: Scouts should be encouraged to explore these resources and others to gain a deeper understanding of global issues and cultural diversity.

Tips for Completing the Citizen in the World Merit Badge

Here are some tips for Scouts working on the Citizen in the World merit badge:

• Start with Requirement 1: Make sure you understand the meaning of the words “citizen,” “culture,” and “civic engagement” before moving on to the other requirements.
• Choose a country you’re interested in: For Requirement 3, choose a country that you’re interested in learning more about.
• Use a variety of resources: Don’t just rely on one source of information. Use a range of resources to gain a deeper understanding of global issues and cultural diversity.
• Think critically: Don’t just memorize facts and figures. Think critically about the information you’re learning and how it relates to the world around you.

Embedding Global Citizenship into Scouting

The Citizen in the World merit badge is just one way that Scouts can develop their global citizenship skills. Here are some ways that Scouting can help:

• Service projects: Encourage Scouts to participate in service projects that address global issues, such as food drives or environmental conservation efforts.
• Cultural exchange: Organize cultural exchange programs or events that allow Scouts to learn about and share their own cultures.
• Global awareness: Incorporate global awareness into Scouting programs and activities, such as discussing global issues during troop meetings or incorporating international news into campfire discussions.

By working on the Citizen in the World merit badge and incorporating global citizenship into Scouting programs, Scouts can develop the skills and knowledge they need to become active and engaged global citizens.

The Citizen in the World merit badge is a valuable resource for Scouts looking to develop their global citizenship skills. By completing the requirements and incorporating global awareness into Scouting programs, Scouts can gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.