A citizen is a member of a country. A good citizen helps make the community a good place for everyone. You can be a good citizen right now!
Key idea
A good citizen follows the rules, tells the truth, helps others and takes care of shared places. Grown-up citizens also vote.
Why it works
A community is shared by everyone in it. If each person picks up trash, waits in line and helps a neighbor, the park stays clean and people treat each other kindly. Community helpers do this as their job, but every citizen can help a little every day.
Common mistake
Some children think "citizen" means only grown-ups or famous people. Anyone can practice good citizenship by sharing, helping and caring for the community. Voting waits until you are 18, but helping can start today.
For the grown-up: Pick one small act of good citizenship to do together this week, such as picking up litter in a park or making a card for a neighbor.