Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

1. Citizenship in the CommunityMerit Badge

2. Skills you’ll learn • Community Citizenship, rights, obligations • Structure of State and Local Government • Current Events in the Community • Volunteer Opportunities Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

3. Plan for the half day • Introduction and badge overview • Community Citizenship Discussion • Volunteer Opportunities • Community Landmarks (point out on a map) • Bio break [maximum 5 minutes] • Chart the structure of local Government • Attend a meeting (view via the web) • Discussion • Bio break [maximum 5 minutes] • Homework review • Final Discussion • Reserve [20 minutes] Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

4. Citizenship in the Community Requirements • 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. • 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. • Do the following: a. Attend a city or town council or school board meeting, or a municipal; county, or state court session. 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. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

5. Citizenship in the Community Requirements (cont.) • 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's approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help. c. Share what you have learned with your counselor. • With the approval of your counselor and 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. • 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. • 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 other literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization. c. With your counselor's and your parent's approval, contact the organization 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. • 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 merit badge counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

6. Community Citizenship • Why is it important? • You can make a real difference • Citizenship begins in the community • Your community needs you • What are the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship? • Vote • Taxes • Serve on Juries • Volunteer • How you can demonstrate good citizenship in your community, Scouting unit, place of worship or school? • Stay involved • Volunteer • Vote • Pay Taxes Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

7. Volunteer Opportunities • Church/Synagogue • Parks • Scouting • Fire Departments • Crime Solvers • Street/public facility Clean-up • Reading to the blind • Many more Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

8. 2. Locate Nearest Points 2. a. On a map of your community, locate and point out the following: 1. Chief government buildings such as your city hall, county courthouse, and public works/services facility 2. Fire station, police station, and hospital nearest your home 3. Historical or other interesting points Find: • Suburban Hospital • Bethesda Naval Hospital • Cabin John Fire Station • Rockville Fire Station • Historical: • C&O Canal Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

9. 2. b. Chart the organization of your local or state government. • Show the top offices and tell whether they are elected or appointed. • Federal Elected Officials • Representative: Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. • District Name: Maryland District 8 Map • US Senators: • Barbara A. Mikulski • Benjamin L. Cardin • State Government • Governor: Martin O’Mally • State Senate: Robert Garagiola • State Representative Legislative District is District 15, Delegates: • Kathleen M. Dumais • Brian J. Feldman • Craig Rice Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

10. Local Government • Montgomery County is a subdivision of the state • Incorporated Towns are subdivisions of the state • Is Potomac an incorporated city? Is Rockville? Gaithersburg? • Montgomery County Executive: Isiah Leggett • County Council • 1 local councilmember: Potomac (Dist. 1) Roger Berliner, Rockville (Dist. 3) Phil Andrews • 4 At large councilmembers: Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, Duchy Trachtenberg • Montgomery County Board of Education (School Board) • Potomac (Dist. 1) Judith Docca, Rockville (Dist. 3) Patricia O'Neill • 2 At large Shirley Brandman, Philip Kauffman Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

11. Chevy Chase Friendship Heights Gaithersburg Garret Park Glen Echo Kensington Poolesville Rockville Summerset Tacoma Park Washington Grove What are the Incorporated Municipalities in MC City Hall Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

12. About Montgomery County • Montgomery County is Maryland's most populous jurisdiction • and its most affluent. • Located adjacent to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. • 497 square miles of land area. • The topography is rolling w/small hills. • Elevations range from 52 feet above sea level near the District Line to 850 feet near Damascus. • Established in 1779 • Montgomery County, named after General Richard Montgomery • Established by the State Convention in 1776, • Functioned under the County Commission system until 1948 • In 1948, voters adopted a charter giving the County home rule Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

13. Who was Richard Montgomery? • Richard Montgomery was born on December 2, 1738 in Raphoe, Ireland. • At 18 he was commissioned as an officer in the British army and fought in the French and Indian Wars, • He emigrated to America in 1772. • He was commissioned a brigadier general in the fledgling colonial army • He commanded an expeditionary force sent to Canada that captured Montreal. • On December 4, 1775 his forces laid siege to Quebec. • Although his troops were greatly outnumbered, he led several daring attacks on the fortress. • On December 31, he was killed by cannon fire. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

14. Judicial Branch • Montgomery County District Court (State Court) • The District Court of Maryland was created by an amendment to the Maryland Constitution • Came into existence on July 5, 1971. • It is a fully state-funded court of record possessing statewide jurisdiction. • The jurisdiction of the court includes all landlord-tenant cases, replevin actions, motor vehicle violations, misdemeanors and certain felonies. • In civil cases the District Court has exclusive jurisdiction in claims for amounts up to $5,000, and concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit courts in claims for amounts above $5,000 but less than $30,000. • The jurisdiction of the court in criminal cases is concurrent with the Circuit Court for offenses in which the penalty may be confinement for three years or more or a fine of $2,500 or more; or offenses which are felonies. • Montgomery County Sixth Judicial Circuit Court • Trial court of general jurisdiction • Has full common law equity powers in all civil and criminal cases, • Only Court in the County having the authority to conduct jury trials, • Its jurisdiction is very broad and it handles major civil cases and more serious criminal cases. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

15. Departments Schools Committees Montgomery County Government Structure County Executive Judicial County Council School Board Circuit Court Sheriff Quasi Government/ regional State’s Attorney M-NCPPC WSSC Montgomery College Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

16. Board of Appeals (BOA) Board of Investment Trustees (BIT) Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) Consumer Protection (OCP) Correction & Rehabilitation (COR) County Attorney's Office (CAT) County Executive's Office (CEX) Economic Development (DED) Elections (BOE) Environmental Protection (ENV) Ethics Commission (ECM) Finance (FIN) Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) General Services (DGS) Health & Human Services (HHS) Housing and Community Affairs (HCA) Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) Human Resources (OHR) Human Rights (HR) Inspector General (IGO) Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Legislative Oversight (OLO) Liquor Control (LIQ) Management and Budget Office (OMB) Merit System Protection Board (MPB) Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) Office of Zoning & Administrative Hearings (ZAH) People's Counsel (CSL) Permitting Services (DPS) Police (POL) Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) Public Information (PIO) Public Libraries (LIB) Recreation (REC) Regional Services Center: Bethesda-Chevy Chase (RSC-BCC) Regional Services Center: Eastern Montgomery (RSC-EM) Regional Services Center: Mid-County (RSC-MC) Regional Services Center: Silver Spring (RSC-SS) Regional Services Center: Up County (RSC-UC) Technology Services (DTS) Transportation (MCDOT) Women, Commission for (CFW Executive Branch Departments Hint: may be useful for MB requirement # 6. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

17. The County Council • The Montgomery County Council is the legislative branch of County Government. • It has nine members, all elected at the same time by the voters of Montgomery County for four-year terms. • Present Council, elected November 2006, terms began December 4, 2006 and continue until the first Monday in December 2010. • Five members of the Council are elected by the voters of their respective council districts. • Four members are elected at-large by all the voters of the County. • The Council officers are elected by the Council from among its members in December for a one-year term. Officers for 2008-2009 are: • President: Phil Andrews • Vice-President: Roger Berliner • There are six Council standing committees. Some cross-cutting issues may be reviewed by two committees meeting jointly. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

18. What the Council Does • Appropriates money to fund the capital and operating budgets and sets the local property tax rate and other local taxes. • Approves all land use plans including the General Plan, area master plans, and sector plans prepared by the Planning Board. • Acts on zoning changes. • Exercises oversight over County programs to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. • Approves the six-year capital improvements, public services, and fiscal policy programs. • Approves the county Ten Year Solid Waste and Water Supply and Sewerage System Plans. • Serves as the Board of Health for Montgomery County. • Enacts all County laws and amendments to the Code. • Sets the tax rates required to fund the County budgets. • Confirms major appointments made by the County Executive and appoints the members of the Montgomery County Planning Board and the Board of Appeals. • Acts on or initiates reorganization plans for the County government’s executive branch. • Directs and reviews the annual independent audit of County government operations. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

19. 3. Do the Following • a. Attend a city or town council or school board meeting, or a municipal; county, or state court session. • 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. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

20. Isiah Leggett Roger Berliner Loretta Knight J. Thomas Manger Douglas M. Duncan Raymond M. Kight Jerry D. Weast John McCarthy County Executive County Council Member Clerk of Court Chief of Police Former County Executive County Sheriff Superintendent of Schools State’s Attorney Whois? Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

21. 4.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's approval, interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help. • c. Share what you have learned with your counselor. Complete at home Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

22. Where to find issues • County Newspapers • Gazettes • Potomac Almanac • MC Journal • MC Sentinel • Montgomery County Government web site • Caution: this isn’t a truly objective source Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

23. Important! • You should always look at both sides of an issue before making up your mind • No matter what your initial impression, listen to arguments from both sides • Judges do this in court • They never rule until listening to both sides • They also listen to a rebuttal from each side Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

24. Hot Issues Today • Installation of Speed bumps • Impacts of budget cuts on county services (recreational, libraries, Ride-on, etc.) • New fees for use of a County ambulance • Increases in Crime • Budget cuts for schools Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

25. 5. Watch a Movie • With the approval of your counselor and 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. • Suggestions: • Pay it Forward • It’s a Wonderful Life • Hoot • Fly Away Home • Patch Adams Complete at home Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

26. 6. County 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. • Services: • Ride On Bus Service • Recycling and Trash Service • MAC • Parks • Building Inspection • Deed recordation Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

27. 7. Do the following: Complete at home • 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 other literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization. • c. With your counselor's and your parent's approval, contact the organization 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. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

28. Volunteer Ideas • Animal Care Aide • Climbing Wall Belayer (Rockville) • Swim Assistant at MAC • Model Railroad Display (Gaithersburg) • Ice Facility Aide • Assist at Big Train baseball games • IT Assistant Computer Trainer • Student Service Learning (SSL)  • SSL Approved • http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/Content/Volunteer/ssl.asp Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

29. 8. Develop a Presentation • 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 merit badge counselor or a group, such as your patrol or a class at school. Complete at home Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge

30. Homework • 4a. Find out which branch of local government is responsible for this issue. 4b. Interview one person from the branch of government you identified in requirement 4a. Ask what is being done about this issue and how young people can help. This may be a phone call. Write down the person’s name, where they work, and a summary of the conversation. • Watch a movie (Requirement 5). • Find a chartable organization and volunteer at least 8 hours (Requirement 7). • Prepare a presentation about important and unique aspects of your community (Requirement 8). • 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. Troop 944 Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge