Chapter 1 Personal Development 27
of all community members. For
instance, police offi cers enforce laws.
You should respect police offi cers as
representatives of the law.
Respecting other people is
another community responsibility.
The rights of others are protected
by law. For instance, it is against the
law for one person to physically
harm another. Respect for another’s
property is also a responsibility. This
includes anything from bicycles to
homes. If you respect someone’s
property, you do not damage it or
take it without permission.
Respect for community
property, such as parks and libraries,
is also a responsibility. You have
the right to use and enjoy public
property. You share public property
with everyone in the community,
however. You can show good
citizenship by using community
property carefully. Leave parks and
buildings the same way you would
want others to leave them for you—
free from damage and litter.
Volunteering
One way to demonstrate good citizenship is to volunteer in your community.
When you volunteer, you donate money, materials, or time to help other members
of your community.
There are many ways you can volunteer in your community. By contributing
to a food or clothing drive, you are helping people in need of these items. If you
volunteer to organize a drive, you volunteer your time as well as materials.
Hospitals, community centers, and retirement homes offer opportunities
for volunteering. You could spend time visiting people in these facilities. Your
contributions can include reading to someone or entertaining a group of sick
children. Helping clean or prepare meals is another way to volunteer your time.
1. What does becoming independent involve?
2. What is one way to show your parents and others that you are ready to
become more independent?
3. What are some of your responsibilities at home? at school? in the community?
4. What does citizenship mean? Give an example of a way to show good citizenship.
Reading Review
Community Responsibilities
In addition to being a citizen of your local community,
you are also a citizen of a global community. The most
important responsibility you have to your community is to
protect the Earth. Pollution from fuels harms the air you
breathe. Waste dumped into waterways contaminates the
water. How you protect and care for the planet now will
have an impact on the quality of life for future generations.
Global Connections
Protect the Environment
There are many ways you can do your part to help
protect the environment. You could organize a group to help
pick up trash in a park or on roadsides. You might use public
transportation, ride your bike, or walk instead of riding in
a car. You can be more mindful of how much energy and
water you use. Learning to be a responsible citizen can help
you make a difference in your local and global communities.
Go Green
Reading Review
Answers