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Part One Personal Development
newspapers, and become active in
citizens’ groups. It is important that you
maintain an ongoing interest in what is
happening in your local community and
in your country. Critical thinking about
the issues will give you the background
you will need to meet your citizenship
responsibilities. You are only one person,
but your vote can make a difference.
Citizenship Citizenship
Voting is both a right and a
responsibility, as is keeping up on
current events so you can vote
intelligently. You will be reaching 18
soon. At that time, you will gain the
right to vote on government matters.
You should be learning all you can
about your government—local, state,
and national. Listen to the news, read
A Citizen of Your Local Community
Your local community is where you live and go to school or
work. Every member of the community plays a part in keeping it a
good place to live. In many communities, citizens have a real sense of
community pride.
As you enter adulthood, you can begin to make a difference in your
community. You can become more involved. You can play a part in
making or keeping the community a good place to live.
You can begin to make a difference in your community by showing
you care. Is an older adult living alone in your neighborhood? Picking
up a carelessly delivered newspaper and placing it by the door is a
simple, caring gesture. Perhaps you could offer to mow the lawn or
shovel the snow. On a crowded bus, just offering your seat to an older
adult will show you care.
In one neighborhood, a young man was upset because of the
accumulation of trash on the streets. He started picking up the trash on
Saturday mornings. Children came out and helped him. Other teens and
adults started picking up the trash in their yards. Within two months,
the street was clean and orderly. A young teen showed he cared about
his neighborhood, and he made a difference.
Your local community has many organizations that can use your
help. They are always looking for volunteers. Volunteerism is giving
or offering services of your own free will. Show you care and take an
active part in making your community better by volunteering your time
and talents.
Teen Focus