Please pass along to your Scouts the following prerequisites for the Communications Merit Badge.  This is an Eagle required merit badge, and as such, we treat it VERY seriously. We want you to have the best opportunity to complete the requirements by conclusion of the Merit Badge University or shortly thereafter. However there are matters that must be completed in anticipation.

Read the latest version of the Merit Badge Pamphlet. You may borrow it from your Scout Library; or order it directly from The Atlanta Scout Shop, phone: 770-988-9912 or the national B.S.A. Catalog at 1-800-323-0732.

Prerequisites

VERY IMPORTANT! Please download and print the linked workbook to document your merit badge work. In order for your Counselor to check off a completed Merit Badge, the scout must have also completed the following: (bring your work to show counselor)

Requirement 3. (Page 21) Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group. (If you have your five-minute speech prepared, you can present it to the group during the MB session.)

Requirement 4. (Page 22) Interview someone you know fairly well, like, or respect because of his or her position, talent, career or life experiences. Listen actively to learn as much as you can about the person. Then prepare and deliver to your counselor an introduction of the person as though this person were to be a guest speaker, and include reasons why the audience would want to hear this person speak. Show how you would call to invite this person to speak. (If you have interviewed your subject, you can make your presentation during the MB session.)

Requirement 5. (Page 24) Attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) approved by your counselor where several points of view are given on a single issue. Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Present an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with your counselor. (We will not be doing this in class. If you bring proof you have completed it, then you may be able to complete the merit badge.)

Requirement 7. (Pages 28~34) Do ONE of the following:

a. Write to the editor of a magazine or your local newspaper to express your opinion or share information on any subject you choose. Send your message by fax, email or regular mail.

b. Create a Web page for your scout troop, school, or other organization. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration, and one link to some other web page that would be helpful to someone who visits the web page you have created. It is not necessary to post your web page to the internet, but if you decide to do so, you must first share it with your parents and counselor and get their permission.

c. Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, flier or other printed material for your scout troop, class at school, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration.

Requirement 8. (Page 39) Plan a troop court of honor or campfire program. Have the patrol leaders' council approve it, then write the script and prepare the program. Serve as master of ceremonies. (We will not be doing this in class. If you bring proof you have completed it, then you may be able to complete the merit badge.)