Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

Scouts who earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge will discover that they are already a citizen of the world. How good a citizen each person is depends on his willingness to understand and appreciate the values, traditions, and concerns of people in other countries.

Requirements

1. Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen.
2. 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. Do the following:
   1. Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor 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.
   2. Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries.
4. Do TWO of the following:
   1. Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.
   2. 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. 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.
   3. Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world.
      1. The United Nations
      2. The World Court
      3. World Organization of the Scout Movement
      4. The World Health Organization
      5. Amnesty International
      6. The International Committee of the Red Cross
      7. CARE
5. Do the following:
   1. Discuss the differences between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments.
   2. Name at least five different types of governments currently in power in the world.
   3. Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government.
6. Do the following:
   1. Explain how a government is represented abroad and how the United States government is accredited to international organizations.
   2. Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations.
      1. Ambassador
      2. Consul
      3. Bureau of International Information Programs
      4. Agency for International Development
      5. United States and Foreign Commercial Service
   3. Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel.
7. Do TWO of the following (with your parent's permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there.
   4. Attend a world Scout jamboree.
   5. Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play.

Resources

Scouting Literature

American Business, American Cultures, American Heritage, American Labor, Archaeology, Architecture, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Communications, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science, Journalism, Law, Public Health, Soil and Water Conservation, and Space Exploration merit badge pamphlets

Books

• Ammon, Royce J. Global Television and the Shaping of World Politics: CNN, Telediplomacy, and Foreign Policy. McFarland & Company, Inc., 2001.
• Breuilly, Elizabeth and Joanne O'Brien, Martin Palmer, and Martin E. Marty. Festivals of the World: The Illustrated Guide to Celebrations, Customs, Events and Holidays. Checkmark Books, 2002.
• Burgess, John. World Trade: Exploring Business and Economics. Chelsea House, 2001.
• Canter, Laurence A., and Martha S. Siegel. U.S. Immigration Made Easy. 11th ed. Nolo, 2004.
• Dresser, Norine. Multicultural Manners: New Rules of Etiquette for a Changing Society. Wiley, John & Sons, Inc., 1995.
• Fridell, Ron. Terrorism: Political Violence at Home and Abroad. Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2001.
• Friedman, Thomas L. The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1999.
• Giddens, Anthony. Runaway World: How Globalization Is Reshaping Our Lives. Routledge, 2000.
• Giesecke, Ernestine. Governments Around the World. Heinemann Library, 2000.
• Janello, Amy, and Brennon Jones, eds. A Global Affair: An Inside Look at the United Nations. Jones & Janello, 1995.
• Lewis, Barbara A., and Pamela Espeland. Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc., 1995.
• Longworth, Richard C. The Global Squeeze: The Coming Crisis for First-World Nations. Contemporary Books, 1998.
• Perkins, Ralf. International Red Cross (World Organizations). Franklin Watts, 2001.
• Powell, Jillian. World Health Organization (World Organizations). Franklin Watts, 2001.
• Power, Jonathan. Like Water on Stone: The Story of Amnesty International. Northeastern University Press, 2001.
• Shpigler, Debra R. How to Become a U.S. Citizen. 5th ed. Peterson's, 2004.
• Terraroli, Valerio. Treasury of World Culture: Monumental Sites, UNESCO World Heritage. Skira, 2004.
• Turkington, Carol. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cultural Etiquette. Penguin Group, 1999.
• Turner, Barry, ed. The Statesman's Yearbook: The Politics, Cultures and Economies of the World. Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.

Organizations and Web Sites

The American Academy of Diplomacy
1800 K St. NW, Suite 1014
Washington, DC 20006
Web site: http://www.academyofdiplomacy.org

American Institute for Foreign Study
River Plaza
9 West Broad St.
Stamford, CT 06902-3788
Toll-free telephone: 800-727-2437
Web site: http://www.aifs.org

Amnesty International
322 8th Ave. New York, NY 10001
Web site: http://www.amnestyusa.org

British Broadcast Company
Web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk

Cable News Network
Web site: http://www.cnn.com

C-SPAN
Web site: http://www.c-span.org

Embassy World
Web site: http://www.embassyworld.com /embassy/inside_usa.htm

Federal Reserve Bank of New York: The Basics of Foreign Trade and Exchange
Web site: http://www.ny.frb.org /education/fx/index.html

International and Foreign Law Tutorial
Web site: http://www.infoctr.edu /tutorial/international /IntLaw_Tutorial_Intro.htm

International Committee of the Red Cross
Web site: http://www.icrc.org

International Criminal Police Organization
Web site: http://www.interpol.int

National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Toll-free telephone: 866-917-1787
Web site: http: www.constitutioncenter.org
The New York Times Web site: http://www.nytimes.com

Peace Corps
Web site: http://www.peacecorps.gov

People to People International
World Headquarters
501 E. Armour Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64109-2200
Web site: http://www.ptpi.org

Presidential Classroom
119 Oronoco St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Toll-free telephone: 800-441-6533
Web site: http://www.presidentialclassroom.org

Sister Cities International
1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
Web site: http://www.sister-cities.org

United Nations
UN Headquarters
First Avenue at 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
Web site: http://www.un.org

U.S. Agency for International Development
Information Center
Ronald Reagan Building
Washington, DC 20523-1000
Web site: http://www.usaid.gov

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Web site: http://www.unesco.org

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Web site: http://uscis.gov

U.S. Department of State
Web site: http://www.state.gov

U.S. Department of State Youth Exchange Programs
Youth Programs Division
U.S. Department of State
SA-44 301 4th St., SW - Room 568
Washington, DC 20547
Web site: http://exchanges.state.gov /education/citizens/students/

U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Web site: http://usembassy.state.gov/

The Wall Street Journal
Web site: http://www.wsj.com

The Washington Post
Web site: http://www.washingtonpost.com

The World Factbook
Web site: http://www.odci.gov/cia /publications/factbook/index.html

World Health Organization
Web site: http://www.who.int/en/

World Organization of the Scout Movement
Web site: http://www.scout.org