Virtual Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge - March 19, 2022


Virtual Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge - March 19, 2022
Date/Time
Registration Begins
1/1/2022
Last Day To Register
3/16/2022
Location
641 Delaware Avenue (T. Roosevelt Inaugural Site)
Buffalo, NY 14202, US
Share this event
The last date for registration has passed.

Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

When: Saturday, March 19, 2022, 1:00PM-3:00PM

Cost: $15

 

Location: Zoom teleconference hosted by

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo, NY

You DO NOT need to buy a Zoom account to participate, though you may need to download the free program to join.

Maximum capacity:  8

Adult supervision is required. An adult parent or guardian must be present during the program. A brief survey evaluation may be sent to parents following the program.

All pre-visit materials must be mailed to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site for review one week 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

 

It is recommended that students retain a copy of their workbook for their reference during the session.

 

Please mail to:

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

Attn: Education Director

641 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14202

 

Or e-mail to tours@trsite.org

 

TR Inaugural Site merit badge sessions are participatory and scouts should expect to be asked to speak and participate actively.

Requirements

1 Pre-visit:  What does "citizenship in the community" mean? What does it take to be a good citizen in your community?  Discuss the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship, and explain how you can demonstrate good citizenship in your community, Scouting unit, place of worship, or school. Be prepared to discuss this during your session for the TR Site. 

2 a and b Pre-visit:  Do the following:  a. On a map of your community, locate and point out the following:  Chief government buildings such as your city hall, county courthouse, and public works/services facility, fire station, police station, and hospital nearest your home, historical or other interesting points.  b. Chart the organization of your local or state government.  Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed.

3 a and b Pre-visit:  Do the following:  a. Attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; OR a municipal; county, or state court session. Most public meetings, such as town council meetings, school board meetings, etc. are being held virtually at present, allowing the public to view meetings online. Inquire with your local government or school administration about if this is their practice, and how and when you can join.  Plan ahead, since it may be limited to their meeting schedule. b. Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one. Be prepared to discuss this during your session for the TR Site.

4 a and b Pre-visit:  Choose an issue that is important to the citizens of your community, then do the following:  Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue.  b. With a parent’s approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a.  An in-person meeting is unlikely to be possible at the moment, but an interview by telephone or video conference is acceptable. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help. Be prepared to discuss this during your session for the TR Site.

5 Pre-visit:  With the approval of a parent, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community.  Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community.

6 Pre-visit:  List some of the services (such as the library, recreation center, public transportation, and public safety) your community provides that are funded by taxpayers.  Tell your counselor why these services are important to your community.  Be prepared to discuss this during your session for the TR Site. 

7 a, b and c Pre-visit:  Do the following:  a. Choose a charitable organization outside of Scouting that interests you and brings people in your community together to work for the good of your community.  b. Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization. c. With your parent’s approval, contact the organization and find out what young people can do to help. Volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization.  Be creative! Find a way you can serve you community within the limits of COVID protocols. Ask agencies if there is something you can do during the current COVID restrictions, but understand that some may not have a suitable task for you. If not, check other institutions! Record your hours. You must get a signature from your supervisor (or an official e-mail by a supervisor certifying your service) to confirm your volunteer hours.  After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

8 Pre-visit:  Develop a public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. The presentation can only be a maximum of 5 minutes. Include information about the history, cultures, and ethnic groups of your community; its best features and popular places where people gather; and the challenges it faces. Be prepared to share this presentation during your session for the TR Inaugural Site for Merit Badge Day. You can share a Powerpoint presentation or other digital format if desired, but feel free to simply read your presentation and share about your community if you prefer. But be sure you know your facts!

 

Cancellation Policy
Individuals/Groups that cancel their event registration 14 days or more prior to the event date will receive a refund of the total registration fee less a 15% administrative service charge. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the event date.