Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
1:00PM-3:00PM
Cost: $15
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
This is a full uniform event. Scout must bring a blue card signed by your unit leader.
Adult supervision is required.
All pre-visit materials must be mailed to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site for review two weeks prior to your scheduled Merit Badge Day. Participants MUST use the TR Site worksheet. To download a worksheet for preparation, see https://www.nps.gov/thri/learn/kidsyouth/bsaworksheets.htm
Please mail to:
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
Attn: Education Director
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Or e-mail to tours@trsite.org
Requirements:
1 Pre-visit: Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen. Be prepared to discuss this requirement during your visit to the TR Inaugural Site for Merit Badge Day. 2 Pre-visit: Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship. Discuss the similarities and differences between the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizens and the citizens of two other countries. 3 a and b Pre-visit: Do the following: a. Pick a current world event based on one of the following categories: immigration, labor reform, conservation/environmentalism, urban poverty, racial or social inequality, role of the United States in foreign affairs. In relation to this current event, discuss how a country's national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens. b. Research the Panama Canal. Discuss how Panama's geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries. 4 b and c Pre-visit: You will complete options (b) and (c). B. Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the Internet (with your parent's permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Choose a current issue based on one of the following categories: immigration, labor reform, conservation/environmentalism, urban poverty, racial or social inequality, role of the United States in foreign affairs. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive. c. Describe the following organizations and their roles in the world: World Organization of the Scout Movement and CARE. How does CARE provide services for: clean water, economic development, poverty and social justice, climate change? Be prepared to discuss this requirement during your visit to the TR Inaugural Site for Merit Badge Day. 5 a, b, and c Pre-visit: Do the following: a. Discuss the differences between constitutional and non-constitutional governments. b. Name at least five different types of governments currently in power in the world. c. Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government. Be prepared to discuss this during your visit to the TR Site. 6 a, b, and c Pre-visit: Do the following: a. Explain how a government is represented abroad and how the United States government is accredited to international organizations. b. Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations: ambassador, consul, Bureau of International Information Programs, Agency for International Development, United States and Foreign Commercial Service. c. Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel. 7 a and b Pre-visit: You will complete options (a) and (b). a. Visit the Web site of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this Web site. Select an issue based on one the following categories: immigration, labor reform, conservation/environmentalism, urban poverty, racial or social inequality, role of the United States in foreign affair. Briefly describe the issue. b. Visit the Web site of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country.