Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Explained

Imagine you hear a classmate getting mocked at school for how they talk, dress, or what they believe. In that moment, what you choose to do says a lot about who you are. In earning the Eagle-required Citizenship in Society merit badge, you’ll think seriously about what it means to live the Scout Oath and Law, and cultivate the qualities of an upstander along the way!

This badge is all about understanding people and leading with character. You’ll explore identity and diversity, talk through real ethical decisions, and practice how to be the best version of yourself in society. You’ll interview role models, study events that changed how groups are treated, and plan concrete ways to include others without creating conflict.

In this article, we’ll explain why Citizenship in Society matters, walk through every requirement with difficulty ratings, and share practical tips to keep your talks respectful and impactful. I’ll also point you to helpful resources so you can have stronger conversations with your family, friends, and troop. Ready to grow into the kind of leader people trust to do the right thing? 🙂

Why The Citizenship in Society Badge Is Important

At its core, the Citizenship in Society merit badge focuses on ethical leadership and respect for every person’s identity. You’re asked to think through how equality, equity, and inclusion connect with the Scout Oath and Law, then apply those ideas to real-life situations.

What Are The Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Requirements?

For Citizenship in Society, most Scouts start with requirements 1, 2, and 4, since those shape what you’ll say later for the scenarios and discussions. After that, batch your conversations: do requirements 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 across a few planned talks with family, your counselor, and other Scouts.

There are no projects or service hours required, but lots of conversations and reflection, so scheduling time with people is the real “gatekeeper” here. Most Scouts can finish this badge in 1-3 weeks.

Req #	Requirement Summary	Requirement Group	Difficulty	ScoutSmarts Notes & Tips
1	1. Before beginning work on other requirements for this merit badge, research the following terms and explain to your counselor how you feel they relate to the Scout Oath and Scout Law: identities, diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, discrimination, ethical leadership, and upstander.	Key Concepts & Definitions	Medium	Make a simple two-column chart: Term on the left, “How it connects to Oath/Law” on the right. Bring that to your first meeting. Looking up each word on a reliable site (or with a parent/teacher) and then tying it to a specific point in the Oath or Law (like “Helpful” or “Kind”) will make your discussion smoother and more personal.
2	2. Document and discuss with your counselor what leadership means to you. Share what it means to make ethical decisions. (a) Research and share with your counselor an individual you feel has demonstrated positive leadership while having to make an ethical decision. (It could be someone in history, a family member, a teacher, a coach, a counselor, a clergy member, a Scoutmaster, etc.) (b) Explain what decision and/or options that leader had, why you believe they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of that action	Leadership & Ethics	Medium	Choose someone you already know a bit about (like a teacher, family member, or a well-known historical leader) so you do not get stuck in research. Write 3 short bullet points: what the choice was, what options they had, and what happened afterward. Use those bullets when talking to your counselor so you remember all the details.
3	3. Consider ethical decision-making. (a) Think about a time you faced an ethical decision. Discuss the situation, what you did, and how it made you feel. Share if you would do anything differently in the future and if so, what that would be. (b) List three examples of ethical decisions you might have to make in the future at school, at home, in the workplace, or in your community, and what you would do. Share how your actions represent alignment with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. (c) Explain to your counselor how you plan to use what you have learned to assist you when that time comes, and what action(s) you can take to serve as an upstander and help other people at all times.	Personal Ethics & Reflection	Medium	Before meeting your counselor, jot down one real situation from your past and three realistic future situations (like cheating, gossip, or pressure to exclude someone). Note which points of the Law you would use as guides. This requirement is 100 percent conversation-based, so having notes will keep you from freezing or forgetting good examples.
4	4. Repeat the Scout Oath and Scout Law for your counselor. Choose TWO of the following scenarios and discuss what you could do as a Scout to demonstrate leadership and your understanding of what it means to help others who may seem different from you: (a) Scenario 1: While at camp, a youth accidentally spills food on another camper. The camper who gets spilled on gets angry and says something that is offensive to people with disabilities; their friends laugh. What could/should you do? (b) Scenario 2: Your friend confides in you that some students in school are making insulting comments about one of their identities, and that those same students created a fake social media account to impersonate your friend online and post messages. What could/should you do? (c) Scenario 3: A new student in your class was born in another country (or has a parent who was born in another country). Your friends make rude comments to the student about their speech or clothes and tell the student to “go back home where you came from.” What could/should you do?	Oath, Law & Real-Life Scenarios	Easy	First, practice saying the Oath and Law out loud until you can do it smoothly. Then, pick the two scenarios that feel closest to what you have actually seen in school or online. For each, write what you would say in the moment, who you would tell (if needed), and how you would support the person being hurt. Linking your actions to points like “Brave” and “Kind” will impress your counselor.
5	5. Document and discuss: (a) Ideas on what you personally can do to create a welcoming environment in your Scouting unit. (b) An experience you had in which you went out of your way to include another Scout(s) and what you did to make them feel included and welcomed. (c) Things you can do to help ensure all Scouts in your unit are given an opportunity to be heard and included in decision-making and planning.	Inclusive Troop Leadership	Medium	If you cannot think of an example for 5b right away, pay attention during your next two or three meetings or campouts and intentionally include someone who is new or quiet, then use that as your story. For 5c, talk with your SPL or Patrol Leader ahead of time about how they run patrol corners or PLCs, and bring those ideas to your counselor.
6	6. With your parent or guardian’s approval, connect with another Scout or youth your own age who has an identity that’s different from yours. (This means a trait, belief, or characteristic different from you.) (a) Share with each other what makes the different aspects of your identity meaningful/special to you (b) Share with each other ONE of the following options: (1) Option 1—A time you felt excluded from a group: What was the situation? How did it make you feel? What did you do? Did anyone stand up for you? What did you learn? Would you do anything differently today? (2) Option 2—This imaginary situation: You’re attending a new school and don’t know anyone there yet. You notice they dress very differently than you do. At lunchtime, you decide you’ll try to sit with a group to get to know other students. People at two tables tell you there is someone sitting at the currently empty seat at their table, so you end up eating by yourself. Discuss: How would that make you feel? What could the students have done? If that happened at your school, what would you do? (c) Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the discussion with the other Scout or youth.	Peer Conversation & Empathy	Medium	This requirement takes coordination, so line it up early. Ask a parent or leader to help you choose someone and set a time. Bring a short list of questions about identity, belonging, and how they like to be treated, so the talk does not feel awkward. Right after the conversation, write a paragraph about what you learned so it is fresh when you meet your counselor.
7	7. Identify and interview an individual in your community, school, and/or Scouting who has had a significant positive impact in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you feel your community, school, or local Scouting group does not have such an individual, then research a historical figure who meets these criteria, and discuss that person with your counselor. (a) Discover what inspired the individual, learn about the challenges they faced, and share what you feel attributed to their success (b) Discuss with your counselor what you learned and how you can apply it in your life.	Role Models & DEI Impact	Medium	Ask a teacher, librarian, or Scout leader to suggest someone who already speaks about inclusion or fairness. Prepare 4 to 6 questions about their motivation, obstacles, and advice for youth. Take notes during the interview and pull out 2 or 3 lessons you can use in school, online, and in your troop.
8	8. With the help of your parent or guardian, study an event that had a positive outcome on how society viewed a group of people and made them feel more welcome. Describe to your counselor the event and what you learned.	Historical Event & Social Change	Medium	Choose an event you might already be covering in school (such as civil rights actions, laws expanding rights, or major court decisions) so your research overlaps. Make a simple “before and after” chart: How people were treated before, what changed, and how people were treated afterward. Use that chart when explaining the event to your counselor.
9	9. Document and discuss with your counselor three or more areas in your life outside of Scouting where you feel you can actively provide stronger leadership in: (a) Making others feel included. (b) Practicing active listening. (c) Creating an environment where others feel comfortable to share their ideas and perspectives. (d) Helping others feel valued for their input and suggestions. (e) Standing up for others.	Personal Leadership Action Plan	Easy	Pick 3 to 5 situations from school, sports, clubs, or your neighborhood. For each, write one concrete action you can take (for example, “invite the quiet kid in math to our group” or “put my phone away when a friend is talking”). Bring these as a mini action plan to review with your counselor.
10	10. Discuss with your counselor how stereotyping people can be harmful, and how stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Share ideas you have for challenging assumptions and celebrating individuality.	Stereotypes, Prejudice & Respect	Easy	Think of one or two stereotypes you have seen in media or school and how they affected people. Then list 3 practical actions to challenge assumptions, such as getting to know people as individuals, correcting rude jokes, or choosing respectful language. Having real examples and specific actions will make your discussion much stronger.
11	11. Scouting strives to develop young people to be future leaders in their workplaces, schools, and community environments. As you look at your current involvement in school, your family, Scouting, your job, and/or community, think about how you can have a positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion. (a) Describe your ideas on how you can and will support others with different identities to feel included and heard at your school, workplace, and/or social settings in your community. (b) Explain how including diverse thoughts and opinions from others with different identities can: Make your interactions more positive. Help everyone benefit by considering different opinions. (c) Give three examples of how limiting diverse input can be harmful. (d) Give three examples of how considering diverse opinions can lead to innovation and success.	Future Impact & DEI Leadership	Medium	Treat this like a short outline. Make four labeled sections (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) on paper. Under each, add bullets with examples from classes, group projects, games, or troop planning. This makes your conversation with your counselor clear and shows you have a practical plan for how you will lead.

Also, make sure to check out the full Citizenship in Society badge page and requirements from Scouting America.

Why Scouting America Includes The Citizenship in Society Badge

The Citizenship in Society badge is all about who you are when no one is watching. You learn to slow down, think through tough situations, and choose what is right instead of what is easy. This badge trains your judgment so you can handle real-world gray areas, not just simple yes-or-no rules.

As you work through these requirements, you will practice listening, empathy, and ethical decision-making. These are the same skills that help you be a better teammate, classmate, and friend. When you can understand people who are different from you, you become someone others can trust and follow.

Citizenship in Society also prepares you to lead in school, sports, work, and your community. You learn how diversity, equity, and inclusion make groups stronger and more successful. Thinking ahead about your choices and how they affect others will set you apart as a leader who builds people up instead of tearing them down.

Who The Citizenship in Society Badge Is Great For

This badge fits best for Scouts around Second Class to Star rank, usually ages 13 and up, who are ready for serious conversations. You do not need to be a big talker, but you should be willing to think deeply and be honest. If you like discussing real issues and how to live the Scout Oath and Law in modern life, you will connect with this badge.

Citizenship in Society lines up well with interests in leadership, teaching, law, psychology, social work, coaching, and community service. It also supports athletes, student leaders, and anyone who wants to create a better troop culture. Learning to include others and stand up for what is right is a huge asset in almost any career or hobby you choose later.

Citizenship In Society didn’t exist when I was a Scout, but I wish it did! Hearing from the Scouting community about how this badge helped them to find the words and choices to better support the people in their lives was so powerful! It truly sounds like this badge pushes Scouts to step up as upstanders in every area of their lives.

– Cole K

Insider Tips to Finish Citizenship in Society Faster

Citizenship in Society is not hard on paperwork, but it does take honest thinking and conversation. If you stay on track and prepare before meeting your counselor, you can complete it efficiently in under 3 weeks while still getting a lot out of it.

1. Start with Requirement 1 early (gatekeeper). You must research and understand the key terms before working on anything else. Make a simple one-page sheet with each term, a short definition in your own words, and how it ties to the Scout Oath and Law. Bring this to your first meeting.
2. Batch your “reflection” requirements. Requirements 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, and 11 all connect to leadership, inclusion, and ethical decisions. Write notes or short paragraphs for each in one notebook or document so you can see patterns and avoid repeating yourself.
3. Prepare your leadership examples in advance. For Requirement 2 and 7, pick your leaders early (a coach, teacher, or historical figure) and jot down: what tough choice they faced, what they did, and the results. Have 3-4 bullet points ready before you meet your counselor.
4. Treat Requirements 3 and 6 like honest journaling. Spend 10-15 minutes writing about your real experiences or the imaginary scenarios. You do not need perfect stories, just truthful ones. Counselors can tell when you are being real, and that is exactly what this badge is aiming for.
5. Plan Requirement 6 with your parent and counselor. This one involves another Scout or youth and your parent’s approval. Text or call a friend ahead of time, agree on a time to talk (in person or video), and use the requirement as your conversation outline so you stay focused.
6. Use Requirement 7 as an “interview project.” Find someone in your school, troop, or community who encourages inclusion. Email or ask them: “Could I interview you for 15 minutes for a merit badge?” Prepare 5 questions about what inspired them, their challenges, and what they learned. Take notes and summarize for your counselor.
7. Batch all your “positive change” examples. Requirements 5, 8, 9, and 11 all deal with making groups more welcoming. Pick one Scouting example, one school example, and one community example. Reuse pieces of those stories as needed so you are not inventing totally new examples for each item.
8. Talk directly with your counselor about expectations. Early on, ask: “Would you like written notes, or is a conversation enough?” and “How long should my examples be?” Knowing their style helps you prepare the right amount and avoid extra work.
9. Use the Scout Oath and Law as your anchor. For any situation or scenario you are not sure about, ask yourself: “How does this line up with being helpful, kind, and brave?” Then explain that thinking to your counselor. This keeps your answers focused and meaningful.
10. Schedule fewer, deeper meetings instead of many short ones. Because this badge is discussion heavy, aim for 2-3 well prepared meetings. Bring all your written notes so you can move through multiple requirements while you are already in a thoughtful mindset.

The Most Important Skills You’ll Learn

Citizenship in Society helps you build judgment, empathy, and courage. You will practice how to respond when someone is being left out, teased, or treated unfairly, and how to think ahead about the impact of your choices.

These skills follow you everywhere – into group projects, sports teams, jobs, and leadership roles throughout your life.

• Ethical Decision-Making: You learn to pause, think through the options, and choose what aligns with your values. In life, this helps you avoid peer pressure and make choices you are proud of years later.
• Empathy and Active Listening: You practice really hearing other people’s stories and identities. Outside Scouting, this builds stronger friendships, better teamwork, and more trust with classmates, coworkers, and family
• Conflict and Bullying Response: You think through what to do when someone is being mocked or excluded. In real life, this skill helps you be an upstander who can calm situations and protect others.
• Self-Awareness and Identity: You reflect on your own identities and how they affect your perspective. As an adult, knowing who you are helps you set boundaries, respect others, and grow from feedback.
• Critical Thinking about Stereotypes: You examine how labels and assumptions hurt people. This helps you approach new people and ideas more fairly, which is valuable in any career that works with others.

If you keep these skills in mind while you earn the badge, your conversations with your counselor will be extremely thought-provoking. If you carry them forward into life, you will be the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. Now, we’re ready to go over FAQs so you’re prepared for any questions that may come up as you complete this badge!

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge FAQs

Is Citizenship in Society required for Eagle?

Yes. Citizenship in Society is an Eagle-required merit badge. For your Eagle rank, you must earn all of the required badges, including this one, and then add enough elective badges to reach at least 21 total. Your work on this badge will also support your Eagle leadership style and project planning.

How hard is Citizenship in Society compared to other merit badges?

On a 1-10 scale, I would put Citizenship in Society around a 3. There is very little homework or technical content, but it does ask you to think deeply and talk honestly. If you prepare examples in advance and are willing to share, the badge is very manageable.

What is usually the hardest requirement for Scouts?

Requirements 3 and 6 are often the toughest because they ask for personal stories and real feelings. Many Scouts are not used to talking about times they felt excluded or confused about what to do. If you treat it like a conversation with a trusted mentor and not a test, it becomes much easier.

Can I work on this badge at any age or rank?

Yes, there is no official age limit. However, it is usually recommended for Scouts around age 13 or older who have some life experiences to reflect on. First Class or Star Scouts often get the most out of it because they have already led in their patrols and can connect better to the leadership and inclusion parts.

Do I have to write essays for all the requirements?

No. Most counselors will accept thoughtful conversations instead of formal essays. Still, it is smart to bring bullet points or short notes for each requirement so you remember what you want to say. Ask your counselor at the start what format they prefer.

Why is this badge focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Scouting America wants future leaders who can work with all kinds of people and treat everyone fairly. Learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion helps you understand how different experiences shape people, how unfair treatment affects them, and how you can help create safer, stronger communities.

Can I use examples from sports or clubs outside of Scouting?

Definitely. Examples from sports teams, band, youth groups, jobs, or school projects are all great. The key is that you clearly explain the situation, what you did or would do, and how that lines up with the Scout Oath and Law and the ideas of inclusion and ethical leadership.

Resources For Earning Your Citizenship in Society Badge

Helpful Citizenship in Society Resources

These links will support your work on the Citizenship in Society merit badge.

Official Scouting America Citizenship in Society Page ScoutSmarts Citizenship in Society Badge Guide Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Worksheet

Use these resources alongside short written notes for each requirement so your meetings with your counselor stay focused and productive.

If you’re earning Citizenship in Society, you are taking on one of the most character-focused badges in Scouting. So, stay honest, listen carefully, and connect everything back to the Scout Oath and Law. If you can do this, you’ll come out of earning this badge with a clearer sense of who you are as a leader.

If you’d like a deeper reference, follow along with the ScoutSmarts Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Guide. Put in the effort, ask real questions, and you will be ready to lead with courage and respect in whatever future you choose! Ready to become an upstander? Let’s start earning this important badge!