# Community on Screen Part of the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/guide/index.md) *5. Community Through Film* > **5.** With the approval of your counselor and a parent or guardian, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community. ## The Power of Storytelling Movies have a unique ability to show us what citizenship looks like in action. Through film, you can see how real people — or fictional characters inspired by real events — stand up for their communities, fight for change, and inspire others to do the same. This requirement asks you to watch a movie with intention. You are not just watching for entertainment — you are watching to learn what makes someone a valuable community member. ## Choosing Your Movie You need approval from both your counselor and a parent or guardian before watching. When choosing, look for films that show: - An individual or group making a positive difference in their community - The challenges of standing up for what is right - How communities come together in times of need - The impact one person's actions can have on many Here are some categories to explore — your counselor may also have suggestions: ### Films About Community Leaders and Advocates These movies show individuals who saw a problem and refused to look away. They organized, spoke up, or took action to make things better for everyone around them. ### Films About Community Resilience Some of the best stories are about communities facing adversity — natural disasters, economic hardship, or social challenges — and finding strength in each other. ### Films About Young People Making a Difference Several excellent films feature young protagonists who discover they can change their community, even when adults doubt them. > **Tip** > > Documentaries can be excellent choices for this requirement. Real stories often resonate more deeply than fictional ones, and they give you concrete examples to discuss with your counselor. Ask your local librarian for documentary recommendations about community activism. > **Did You Know?** > > The documentary genre was pioneered by filmmakers who wanted to show real social conditions and inspire communities to take action. Some of the earliest documentaries focused on housing, labor rights, and public health — the same kinds of community issues you might explore in this merit badge. ## Watching with Purpose As you watch the movie, think about these questions. You do not need to write formal answers, but keeping them in mind will make your discussion with your counselor much richer. **Viewing Guide** — Questions to consider while watching - [ ] Who is the main character or group, and what problem do they face? - [ ] What motivates them to take action? - [ ] What obstacles do they encounter, and how do they overcome them? - [ ] How do other people in the community respond to their actions? - [ ] What is the turning point — the moment when things start to change? - [ ] What is the outcome? How is the community different at the end? - [ ] What qualities does the main character show that make them a good citizen? ![A Scout watching a movie at home with a parent, with a notebook and pen on the coffee table ready for note-taking](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/guide/scout-watching-movie?v=245d5b05) ## Discussing the Movie with Your Counselor Your counselor will want to hear more than a plot summary. Focus your discussion on: ### What You Learned About Citizenship Connect the movie to the concepts from Requirement 1. How did the characters demonstrate rights, duties, or obligations of citizenship? What values drove their actions? ### The Qualities of a Good Community Member Think about the specific traits the main character showed. Were they brave? Persistent? Compassionate? Good at bringing people together? Which of those qualities do you see in yourself or want to develop? ### Real-World Connections Does the movie remind you of anything happening in your own community? Could the same kind of action work where you live? What would you do differently if you were in the character's situation? > **Be Prepared! If Your Counselor Asks a Tough Question** > > Sometimes counselors push Scouts to think deeper. If you are asked something you had not considered: > - **Step 1**: Take a moment to think. It is okay to pause. > - **Step 2**: Be honest. "I had not thought about that" is a perfectly fine starting point. > - **Step 3**: Work through it out loud. Your counselor wants to see you think, not recite a perfect answer. [Common Sense Media — Movies About Community](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/): Age-appropriate movie reviews and recommendations. Search for films about community, citizenship, and social justice. ![A movie screen showing a scene of diverse community members gathered together in a town square, viewed from the perspective of an audience member](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/guide/film-community-impact?v=d49ddbc3) --- --- - Previous: [Investigating a Community Issue](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/guide/req4/index.md) - Next: [Taxpayer-Funded Services](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/citizenship-in-the-community/guide/req6/index.md)