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★ Eagle requiredEdition 2026Active Merit Badge
Citizenship in the Community
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Citizenship in the Community invites you to explore the local roots of democracy and civic responsibility. You will map key community facilities, chart your municipal government structure, attend a public council meeting, interview a local official, complete eight hours of volunteer service for a local charity, and present a multimedia portrait of your hometown's heritage, people, and future.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Local Government Structure & Services
- Public Council Meeting Participation
- Civic Service Project Execution
- Community Issues & Hometown Presentation
8Printable Pages
8Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Citizenship in the Community Requirements
Every requirement for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Community Citizenship Rights and Duties
Discuss with your counselor what citizenship in the community means and what it takes 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.
2Community Map and Local Government Chart
Do the following:
- a Using an electronic mapping tool or paper map, locate and pinpoint the following services and landmarks in your community. Determine and record the distances from your home including driving time AND either walking or biking time.
- b Chart the organization of your local or state government. Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed.
3Public Meeting Attendance and Issue Analysis
Do the following:
- a Attend an in-person meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board, local court session; OR another state or local governmental meeting approved in advance by your counselor.
- 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.
4Local Issue Research and Official Interview
Choose an issue that is important to the citizens of your community; then do the following:
- a Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue.
- b With your counselor's and a parent or guardian's approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4(a). Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help.
- c Share what you have learned with your counselor.
5Community Movie Analysis
With the approval of your counselor and a parent or guardian, 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.
6Taxpayer-Funded Community Services
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.
7Charitable Organizations and Volunteer Service
Do the following:
- a Identify three charitable organizations outside of Scouting that interest you and bring people in your community together to work for the good of your community.
- b Pick ONE of the organizations you chose for requirement 7(a). Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, flyers and other literature, the internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization.
- c With your counselor's and your parent or guardian's approval, contact the organization you chose for requirement 7(b), and find out what young people can do to help. While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the organization. After your volunteer experience is over, discuss what you have learned with your counselor.
8Public Presentation on Your Community
Develop a public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. 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. Stage your presentation in front of your counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Citizenship in the Community requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
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