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Yearly Citizenship Ribbons
We all recognize the necessity of responsible,
active citizens at every social and economic level for a well
functioning democracy, but how do we promote citizenship in a
large, diverse, non-authoritarian, sophisticated nation? Psychological
studies clearly show that positive reinforcement is the most
effective motivator.
People of all walks, from exhibitors at state
fairs to Olympians and Oscar nominees enjoy receiving tokens
of recognition for their accomplishments. A voluntary, national,
community run program with yearly Citizenship Ribbon awarded
is the positive reinforcement needed to promote the kind of citizenship
our democracy needs to flourish in the next millennium.
FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM:
- The program is voluntary.
- Tests are given and the ribbons are awarded once a year.
- The core test, for adults, is similar to what an immigrant
takes to become a citizen. The core test for children is an age
appropriate version of the adult test.
- The test changes each year to reflect current political, social
and science topics.
- People would have different test questions based on:
a) Their age, to reflect the different concerns and responsibilities
of each age. There may even be some gender specific questions.
b) The age of their children, if they are parents. Parents need
to be aware of the different levels of parenting children need.
There needs to be community programs where parents can take advantage
of the knowledge available.
c) Their occupations. (teacher, civil servant, elected official,
banker, business man, etc.) Different occupations have particular
civic responsibilities.
d) Property ownership, both residential and commercial. The major
eyesores in the nation are unkempt commercial properties. Those
who have property have particularly benefited from living in
our society and therefore have an added duty back to society.
- Points are to be given for hours of documented, unpaid, service
with registered civic organizations such as charities, hospitals,
nursing homes, Big Brother and Big Sister programs, community
clean-up campaigns, public schools, etc. Points would not be
given for helping youth competitive sport programs because these
organizations already have reward programs and if included could
too easily overwhelm the whole volunteer system. The formation
of local "Precinct Pride and Care Associations" would
be encouraged. These would be the same precincts already established
for voting purposes.
- Parents would get extra points for taking childhood development
classes. See 5b.
- A uniquely colored ribbon would be awarded each year. Although
the tests vary, the ribbons awarded in a particular year are
all the same.
- The tests are pass/fail. There is no grade. You have to earn
so many points to qualify for a ribbon.
- Study guides would be available for the written parts of
the tests.
- Ribbons would be awarded the last day of December. They would
be worn the first week of the new year, the week before and on
Independence Day.
- The year would not be shown on the ribbon. You can tell the
year by the colors used.
- The ribbons are of a flat knot design.
The Yearly Citizenship Ribbon program is one
of the Utopian ideas discussed in the book, 4000, THE FIFTH
MILENIUM, Six Revolooshunairy Iedeeas.The book can be purchased
from Aster Esprit Press, 16265 Dahlgren Road, King George, VA
22485, $14.95, which includes shipping.
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