Citizenship 101

“The Scouting Program fosters development in youth and helps them become good citizens of their communities and loyal adherents to their religious heritage.”

– Rabbi Binyamin Walfish

American Rabbi

Some of you older readers may remember a day when it was encouraged to be a good citizen.  I can even remember when you got a good citizenship award in school (now that dates me).  Now you are fortunate to find a person who can even tell you what a good citizen is.

                The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as: the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community.  These "qualities" are like those of good manners, you know them when you see them but you don't see them a lot.  Too often people are too busy looking out for their right, their entitlements and their stuff to worry about the rights of others.  But like good manners, citizenship is all about others first, not me first.

                One of the personal lessons I was not really prepared for as a Cub Scout leader was finding that most boys did not understand what citizenship was.  The idea of protecting the rights of others, following the Constitution and the order of law were concepts they were not taught in school or at home.  Yet, without good citizens we have no country.

                Being a good and productive citizen is something each of us must strive to achieve.  There are many ways we can accomplish this.  One is to follow the laws and to do what is right, not because there is a penalty if you do not, but because it is the right thing to do.

                Another important part of being a good citizen that far too many have allowed to fall aside is to be involved in government.  I am not talking about complaining about government, or posting you political views on social media.  To be involved means that we are taking an active part in our local, state and national government.  Run for office, volunteer or work in a position that will cause change and promote good, citizens.

                We could go on forever talking about the wrong there is in our government today (and there is great wrong).  How they are dishonest, lack integrity and that our rights as citizens are being taken from us.  But all that talk, no matter how right it is, means nothing if we do not make the changes needed.  We still have a government chosen by the people.  So, how do we make it better?  We become the people who hold the offices.

                The days when we believed that anyone could become President are not over.  It can happen if we insist that it happens.  Good citizens do not sit back and give up, they fight for the right.  Good citizens do not wait for change, they make the change.  We can change our city, state and country for the better.  By doing so, we teach those youngsters coming up that they too can make a difference.  Remember, the future belongs to them.  Let's make it better now so they can make it great once more.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey