Parents are presented with invaluable opportunities daily to imbue their children with the importance of citizenship in the community. Children learn by doing. So, the key to seizing those golden examples of citizenship that occur in everyday life is for parents to provide living, tangible, hands-on examples of citizenship in action. When citizenship is a concept that is learned, the love of citizenship is one that is nurtured through positive experiences and through a sense of giving back to the community.

Here are examples that you, as a Citizenship Team, can share with parents to empower them to point out examples of citizenship to their children, thus teaching them about the values and rewards of being a good citizen of the community. We suggest that you copy the following pages and distribute them to parents.

Eight Ways to Teach Your Child About Citizenship

1. Take every opportunity to define what citizenship means to you. If you are involved in community civic activities, explain what motivated you to do so. Point out how the entire community benefits from acts of citizenship and volunteerism.



2. Scan newspapers and other reading materials for examples of local individuals who are portrayed as being involved with worthwhile community events. Perhaps some are members of local citizen groups, such as Rotary, Lion's, etc., and are pictured helping to raise money for a certain cause. Explain to the children that all members of the community benefit when such activities are undertaken, and that it's important for every member to give back to the community in some way whenever possible.



3. If possible, share a story on how you or someone you know has been helped by a charitable civic organization. Examples may be giving blood (American Red Cross); helping with vision (Lion's Club); or a Down's Syndrome individual being employed by a local sheltered industry (The Helping Hands of Goodwill Industries). You may also relate how a relative has enjoyed the volunteer efforts of a group, such as taking pets to visit older adults in nursing homes. The point to be stressed is the intrinsic good will - for all involved - generated by such involvement, and the good feelings that are enjoyed.



4. Ask children about their opinion of professionals and/or local athletes and celebrities who visit hospitals, support charitable foundations, or make appearances for worthy causes to sign autographs for their fans. Most likely, such actions will engender a positive image. Then, ask what they think of those who fail to do such things, spurn autographs seekers, and do not become involved in community activities. Typically, the response to that type of behavior is negative and the individuals who exhibit such behavior are considered to be selfish. Then, drive home the point of the importance of community involvement by explaining that they have a similar obligation to give back to the community.



5. Sportsmanship and citizenship are virtually synonymous, so use the examples of athletes. The same tenets that drive citizenship, including respect for self and others, also drive sportsmanship. When there is an opportunity to illustrate sportsmanship - for example, an athlete who helps an opponent off the playing field - point out that helping others is a valuable aspect of both.



6. Discuss how you personally practice citizenship in your everyday life. Explain, for example, why you belong to a service club, or why you volunteer for various activities, such as helping out at your church or synagogue. Describe the good feelings you get from doing those good deeds, and how they enrich your life.
   
   Also explain that citizenship is made up of smaller good deeds that are no less important than the larger, more visible deeds. Examples could be paying taxes, giving blood, and supporting local charities - and all reflect aspects of citizenship in subtle, but important, ways.



7. Give examples of individuals children might know who exemplify citizenship. Take advantage of that unique perspective and explain how those who live around you exercise their citizenship skills in their lives, and how that gains for them respect.



8. Define expectations regarding citizenship. Help children set tangible, realistic goals that allow the practice of good citizenship by helping out in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:
   
   
   • Hospitals always need volunteers to deliver flowers, newspapers, magazines, or fill water pitchers. The list is almost endless!
   
   
   
   • Inquire about volunteer opportunities for local chapters of the Special Olympics or Association for Retarded Children (ARC).
   
   
   
   • Seek volunteer opportunities at nursing homes in your area. Often, seniors enjoy visits from young people. One of the more successful experiences young volunteers have had in this area is when they bring a puppy or kitten with them during visits.
   
   
   
   • Help children look around the neighborhood for activities, ranging from street clean-ups to mowing the lawn of an elderly neighbor.