Requirement 8
Requirement
Citizenship in the Community
Tell us about 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.
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.
Where to Find Community Information
A Scout can find information about their own community for a public presentation by exploring several local and online resources.
Local Library or Historical Society
Look for books, pamphlets, or archives about your town’s history, important events, and cultural groups.
City or Town Website
Most cities have official websites with sections on history, demographics, parks, events, and community services.
Local Museums or Cultural Centers
These often highlight the unique heritage, traditions, and ethnic groups in the area.
Chamber of Commerce or Visitor Center
These places often have brochures and information about popular spots and what makes the community special.
Local News Websites
Check local news for current challenges, popular places, and community achievements.
Why Demographics Matter in Understanding Your Community
Demographics significantly influence community development and reveal how your community takes shape!
Demographics are statistical traits of human populations, such as ethnicity, age, income, religion, and education. This data helps predict consumer behavior, guide housing development, and determine other community needs, such as community needs specific facilities like an extreme sports park or a traditional recreation center.
Helpful Tip: How to Navigate the Census Bureau Data Website.
Here’s a great resource for finding local community demographics — click the link below.
Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Go to https://data.census.gov
- In the big search bar, type your city, town, or ZIP code.
- Click on the name of your community when it appears.
- You’ll see charts and numbers about things like:
- How many people live there
- How old people are
- Different groups of people
- Types of homes
- Household incomes
Tip: Look for the page called “Community Profile.” It has the most helpful facts all in one place.
Preparing for Your Presentation
Use your talents to shape your presentation. If you enjoy talking in front of a group of people, make a speech. If you love to take photos, then create a photographic exhibit. Keep in mind, however, that people in your audience respond differently to information. Some like to hear it presented; others prefer to see it. Combine aural and visual elements so that your presentation interests everyone.
Shape your presentation using your strengths. Use your talents to guide your presentation style.
Consider any of these possibilities as a starting point for your presentation:
- Oral history
- Timeline
- Photographic exhibit
- Collage
- Mural
- Multimedia show
Invite people who helped you with your presentation, such as residents and officials you interviewed. You might include elected officials or members of the volunteer organization you assisted for requirement 7c.
Learn How to Organize and Deliver a Great Presentation
Want to learn more about the Citizenship in the Community merit badge?
