Club_Officers_Handbook_2016

Ruritan Community Service Committees (continued) Citizenship & Patriotism Committee

Purpose: To foster love of our country and pride in being a citizen by promoting activities and philosophies which enable each of us to become more aware of our unique rights and responsibilities which are ours because we are Americans. The areas for consideration should include the following: Community Pride, Holiday Observation, Voter Registration, Armed Forces, Veterans Day, Community Flag Display

Club

LOOK AT YOUR COMMUNITY

SUGGESTED PROJECTS 1. Promote good citizenship through workshops, programs, and distribution of appropriate literature. 2. Promote appropriate observances of July 4th and other patriotic holidays. 3. Sponsor several boys and girls to functions such as Boys State and Girls State, Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, Medal of Honor Adventure etc. 4. Sponsor a patriotic poster, photo, or essay contest. 5. Extend proper recognition to members and veterans of the armed forces. 6. Honor D-Day Veterans and give a donation to Ruritan’s partner, the National D-Day Memorial . Hold a D-Day Veteran appreciation dinner in your community or sponsor a D-Day Essay Contest in your schools. 7. Support a night-time (lighted) display of the American Flag in your community. 8. Promote/Educate community on proper use of U.S. Flag. 9. Encourage voter registration and election participation. 10. Recognize “Family of the Year” or “Citizen of the Year.” 11. Appoint a “Welcoming Committee” to welcome newcomers to your community. 12. Sponsor parades or participate in local parades. 13. Erect a monument to recognize heroes or historical events in your community. 14. Use your club’s Rudy Bear to spread joy at the community July Fourth parade.

1. Do your citizens exhibit community pride and spirit? 2. Do you welcome new residents into your community? 3. Does your community have patriotic programs on July 4th and other occasions? 4. Are community celebrations and parades held? 5. Are historical markers and monuments in your community properly maintained? 6. What is the relationship between people that live in town and the people that live in the community around the town? 7. How many organizations are there in your community through which its members and volunteers can work to improve the community? 8. Does your town have a radio station, TV station, or newspaper? Are they helping to create good citizenship and pride in your community? 9. Are American Flags displayed on appropriate days? Are they displayed at meetings, sports events, etc.? Are they displayed on Flag Day, June 14? 10. What percentage of eligible voters are registered? Do they go to the polls on election day? Do they vote only in certain elections such as those for the presidency or state or local contests? 11. Are citizenship and patriotism emphasized in your schools? 12. Are members of the armed forces given proper recognition and respect? 13. Are the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem used at public events?

Ideas For Your Community ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

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Revised 8/2016