Last Updated on May 16, 2023 by Kirsten Clementi
What is this new badge?
– 139th Merit Badge (last time a new badge was added was 2017 – Exploration; last time an Eagle badge was added was 2014 – Cooking)
– Launched on November 1, 2021.
– Will be required for Eagle beginning July 1, 2022.
– 31 Scout Executives and more than 60 troops across different regions participated in a pilot program to test out the new merit badge.
What is this badge about?
– Diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
– Read the requirements: http://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/merit_badge_reqandres/CitizenshipSociety_ScoutReqs.pdf
Who can take this badge?
– Any Scout can pursue the Citizenship in Society merit badge.
– Caveat: this merit badge includes some advanced and complex topics, so they do recommend Scoutmasters, Counselors and parents weigh-in on a Scout’s readiness for participation.
– Scouts have the option of pursuing the merit badge individually or in a small group.
– This is not intended to be taught at a camp, or in a large anonymous group online, or in a MB fair.
– Small group: input from the “soft launch” indicated best results for groups of 3 – 5 Scouts, within two years of age, and within the same unit.
Who can be a counselor?
– Counselors who are friendly, courteous and kind.
– Counselors should be skilled in listening and in guiding discussions.
– Counselors are discussion facilitators, not “teachers.”
– Review the Counselor Facilitation Guide.
– Complete the DEI Volunteer Training (30 mins – available online) – GNYC has also scheduled in-person training events.
Why is there no merit badge pamphlet?
– The Citizenship in Society merit badge encourages a self-guided/self-exploration approach to learning.
– The process of earning this merit badge will be different, as it intentionally places the responsibility of research and identification of resources on the Scout instead of using a merit badge pamphlet.
– None of the requirements are meant to drive a particular response or lead a Scout down a path toward a predetermined conclusion.
– While there is no official pamphlet, there is a counselor’s guide to serve as the foundation for the merit badge.
– The intent is for Citizenship in Society merit badge counselors to guide Scouts on their journey of self-discovery and facilitate discussions as Scouts seek to further understand the diverse world we live in.
Why a new badge? Aren’t these topics already covered in Citizenship in the World / Nation / Community? Or American Cultures, American Heritage, Disabilities Awareness?
– As our world evolves, our Scouts must evolve with it in understanding, appreciating, and respecting the differences that make us unique. This badge is an important initiative designed to help Scouts learn about the unique identities and perspectives we each possess, and encouraging a culture – in Scouting and society – where every person feels respected and valued.
– Learning about and understanding different identities and abilities will help each Scout understand what to do to help make other Scouts feel welcomed and find a sense of belonging in Scouting.
– Scouts will learn and grow their understanding of diverse perspectives – and spur positive action.
How does it fit into the list of badges required for Eagle?
– For the rank of Eagle Scout, it can be used as an optional merit badge until July 1, 2022.
– Eagle Scout candidates will continue to use the current rank requirements until June 30, 2022, and will not be required to complete the new Citizenship in Society Merit Badge as long as they complete all of the current Eagle Rank requirements before July 1, 2022. They do not have to submit their final Eagle Scout application; nor complete their Eagle Scout Board of Review prior to July 1, 2022, but must complete all current Eagle Scout requirements before then.
– Starting July 1, 2022, Eagle Scout candidates will be required to complete all Eagle Scout requirements including the new Citizenship in Society merit badge.
– On July 1, 2022, the number of required badges will increase to 14, and the number of optional badges will be reduced to 7. The total number of merit badges will remain at 21.