Want to know how to be a good citizen? You may think it sounds overwhelming at first, but it’s quite simple: just be a nice person! If you start caring about the
planet and all the people on it, everyone around you will do the same. So let’s start an epidemic. We’ve come up with 10 ways to help you be even more amazing than you already are.
1. Educate Yourself Be informed about what’s going on in the world and in your community.
Empower yourself as both a citizen and a person by staying aware. Read the newspaper, listen to the radio, watch the news, and research on the Internet. Talk to your neighbors and pay attention to what’s going on in your neighborhood.
2. Be Kind to Others If we all made it our duty to perform one act of kindness a day, the world would be a much happier place. It’s as simple as complimenting a co-worker or giving a hug to someone feeling blue. Make it a goal to be nice to everyone.
3. Listen Are you a good listener? When talking with others, do you give them your full attention? Remember, it’s hard to hear when you have your
cell phone or your iPod in your ear. Try going a day without them. You’ll be surprised what you learn. Take the opportunity to listen to what’s going on around you as well as to what your own heart and body are telling you.
4. Volunteer Give back to your community in any way you can. Be open to helping others and make it a daily goal to help at least one person. Get involved in a program you really believe in or start your own. You don’t have to join an organization to give back. Do the grocery shopping for a sick neighbor or drive a friend to the Laundromat. The little things are just as important.
5. Mind Your Manners on the Road Whether you’re
driving, walking, on the bus, or riding your bike, be courteous to those around you. Driving can be stressful at times, especially when you’re stuck in traffic, but try to stay positive. Remember, everyone else is stuck in it too. Instead of speeding up at the first sign of a blinker, why not slow down and let the person over? When you’re on the bus, offer your seat to an elderly person, and when biking or walking, be aware of others around you.
6. Be Conscious of the Planet The earth is a beautiful place, so let’s keep it clean for ourselves and future generations. Every little act counts. Pick up your trash and use your recycling bin. Walk, ride your bike, or carpool whenever you can. On your next trip to the store, make an effort to buy local,
organic food and
eco-friendly products.
7. Vote Election time is your chance to share your ideas and make your voice heard. If you don’t like what’s going on, this is the time to say so. It’s important that we all do our part. Voicing your opinion is more than just voting for the next president. Attend hearings in your community or vote for the next PTA president at your child’s school.
8. Be Grateful Life can be hard sometimes, but try to focus on the
positive. Instead of focusing on what you don’t want or don’t have, why not focus on everything you do have? Try making a list of all the good things in your life and refer to it whenever you’re feeling down.
9. Be a Mentor Set a good example and be conscious of people who may look to you as a role model. Offer advice and guidance when it is needed, and remember to sit back and listen too. Everyone has something to teach. Show integrity and others will follow.
10. Love Shout it out from the rooftops—spreading
love is one of the most important things you can do to be a good citizen! Keep your heart open to life and everyone around you.
—Laci Chiodo
