Show Me Character
Citizenship

Characteristics of Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better
• Cooperate
• Stay Informed; vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Protect the environment
• Respect Authority

Working with Children and Teens
Have children cut out pictures and assemble a collage depicting acts of civic responsibility such as recycling, voting, showing respect for the law, and speaking out against injustice. When the collage is complete, each family member identifies one contribution they have made and explains its significance.

Addressing Community Problems
Ask children to think about problems they might find in their neighborhood. Discuss what causes these problems, how problems affect members of the community, and how concerned citizens can solve the problems. A list of concerns might include:

• Litter and other forms of pollution
• Shoplifting
• Outdoor play equipment is broken
• Wildlife dying because of harsh weather

Practicing Citizenship 1
True citizenship means participation, involvement and contribution. No one can make a difference without being involved. Good citizenship is not just doing the thing that “looks good.” Good citizenship means helping others and knowing more than how the government works. It means working to make our community, country and world a better place to live. A good citizen:

• Obeys the laws
• Helps others/volunteers
• Protects the environment
• Votes
• Respects the flag and other national symbols

How can you address community problems? Ask your children to think about problems they might find in their neighborhood, school, or 4-H club. Discuss what causes these problems, how problems affect members of the community and how concerned citizens can solve the problems. A list of concerns might include

• Litter and other forms of pollution
• Shoplifting
• Outdoor play equipment that is broken
• Wildlife that is dying
• 4-H members not attending meetings and scheduled activities

Practicing Citizenship 2
Citizenship is not passive. It demands participation, involvement and contribution. Good citizenship in practice is understanding, appreciating, and doing things that make life better for yourself and others. Citizenship includes both rights and duties. My rights depend on you fulfilling your responsibilities and my responsibility includes the duty to see that you are free to exercise your rights.
4-H’ers have shown good citizenship through community service activities and projects.

Exercise
This month take the time to learn more about your community. Study its history and share that information with others through a program at a 4-H club meeting or an article for the local newspaper.

It doesn’t take lots of people to complete a community service projects; in fact, one person is enough. This month think of 1-2 activities you can do by yourself to help your community. Some ideas might include attending a city county meeting to learn more about issues, help with voter registration or drive someone to the polls to vote or organize a bingo party or costume party at a local nursing home.

Missouri 4-H youth development character education program is based on CHARACTER COUNTS®