Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Made Easy

Understanding the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

The Citizenship in Society Merit Badge is a new merit badge introduced by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is designed to help scouts understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives within their communities. In this article, we will break down the requirements of the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge and provide tips and resources to help scouts and leaders navigate the process.

Requirements for the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

To earn the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge, scouts must complete the following requirements:

• Discuss with your counselor the following:
  • The meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in society
  • How to identify and challenge biases and stereotypes
  • How to respectfully and openly communicate with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Do ONE of the following:
  • Visit a place of worship or a cultural center that is different from your own and discuss your experience with your counselor
  • Participate in a service project that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Research and create a presentation about a social movement that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Discuss with your counselor how to address and overcome biases and stereotypes in yourself and others
• Create a plan to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your community

📝 Note: Scouts must complete all requirements and have them signed off by a merit badge counselor before submitting their application for the badge.

Tips for Completing the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

Here are some tips to help scouts complete the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge:

• Start with the basics: Make sure you understand the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion before diving into the requirements.
• Be respectful and open-minded: When interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures, be respectful and open-minded. Ask questions and listen to their experiences.
• Choose a project that means something to you: Whether you choose to visit a place of worship, participate in a service project, or research a social movement, choose something that resonates with you.
• Seek out diverse perspectives: Seek out people from different backgrounds and cultures to discuss the requirements and gain new insights.

Resources for the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

Here are some resources to help scouts and leaders complete the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge:

• BSA Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Requirements: The official requirements for the merit badge can be found on the BSA website.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources: The BSA has compiled a list of resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion that can be used to complete the requirements.
• Cultural Competence Resources: The National Education Association (NEA) has a list of resources on cultural competence that can be used to complete the requirements.

Conclusion

The Citizenship in Society Merit Badge is an important step in helping scouts understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives within their communities. By following the requirements and using the resources provided, scouts can gain a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and develop the skills to promote these values in their communities.

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