JLBC Cadet Corps: Citizenship
Communities in many roles—student, neighborhood resident, sports participant, arts participant, volunteer, worker/entrepreneur, voter or soon‐to‐be voter, and perhaps as a participant in town meetings, neighborhood groups, and other community forums.
A combination of formal and informal learning supports this growth. Formal education supplies the concepts that underlie civic participation:
Understanding of democracy, voting, and elections
The structure of local, state, and federal government
The US Constitution
History of democracy and civic participation
Informal learning supplies the experiences that reinforce a desire to connect with and contribute to the community. Early experiences like elementary school field trips to local businesses, organizations, parks, and historic sites show students how others contribute to the fabric of the community. Participation in youth programs, such as sports, arts, technology, and recreation, communicates a sense of a caring community to children growing up. Children's community experiences with their families—shopping in neighborhood stores, going to local parks and playgrounds, and attending local events—shape a sense of community. Community connections with police through day‐to‐day interaction, special events, youth/police sports, and other events shape a sense of community. Career speakers and career‐related field trips and job shadows help youth begin to see themselves in various professional roles in society and beyond.
Many contextual learning and youth leadership projects explore civic connections through various hands‐on projects in the community, such as organizing food and clothing drives or community clean‐up days, history walks, museum exhibits, veteran appreciation events, and many other exciting projects. (Leonard, 2012)
If you think about it, the JLBC Cadet Corps is all about civic awareness. We encourage Cadets and units to be involved in their school and community, volunteer to help others, and play a role as part of their community. We want you to grow up to be adults aware of what is happening in your community and who play an active role. We want you to understand the systems that make our government-run and play your part in them as responsible citizens.
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