Have you ever asked yourself how to be a good citizen in today’s world? Or have you ever wondered what does it mean to be a good citizen? The definition of being a good citizen varies from person to person. Every people has a lot of things going on in their own countries. The meaning of being a good citizen is mostly based on people’s political beliefs and their positions on certain issues.

However, what it means to be a good citizen extends beyond the black and white of politics. It makes no difference where you stand on the political spectrum. What’s important is how you contribute to making this country a better place to live. What does it mean to be a good citizen? It means helping make the area and country you live in a better place for everyone.

Now if you’re looking for inspiration about how to be a good citizen, keep reading…

1. Be a Contributing Member of Society

Being a contributing member of society means that you need to be productive to your society. Being productive also means being useful or that you must actively contribute to a society’s improvement. A productive member of society is someone who contributes to the society to which he or she belongs. Therefore, being one is essentially a prerequisite for being a good citizen. A productive member of society is a good citizen because they contribute positively to the country.

2. Obey the Law

Sometimes it’s hard to follow the law. And the law itself can be tough or unjust at times, but it is still the law. And it is your responsibility as a citizen to follow them and encourage others to do the same.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

A good citizen should practice the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle, just as they should conserve resources.

Reducing your waste keeps the landfill from filling up. It also prevents potentially hazardous materials from entering rivers, streams, oceans, and waterways. Recycling and reusing materials save money and resources. It helps your country save money on waste disposal. Furthermore, it reduces the need for virgin materials to make new products and conserves the country’s resources.

4. Participate in Social Issues

We must admit that most of us are only interested in social issues when they affect us. However, being a good citizen also entails becoming involved in issues affecting the country, even if they do not directly affect you. This does not necessarily imply taking to the streets and participating in rallies and demonstrations. Being aware of these issues and educating others on them is a good place to start. Though actively contributing to the resolution of those issues would be preferable.

5. Conserve Resources

Natural resources are a country’s most valuable assets. That is why contributing to resource conservation is a service to your country.

Besides, resources like water, in particular, are vital to people’s survival. You may not think much about not turning the faucet off or not fixing a leaking pipe but in some areas, all that wasted water can already cost a life.

6. Be a Proud Patriot

Patriotism is defined by the dictionary as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” This is why patriotism is one of the most important characteristics of a good citizen.

When you love someone, you only want what is best for them. When you love your country, the same thing applies. You don’t want anything bad to happen to it. Instead, you want it to improve and become the best it can be. Even you’re willing to make sacrifices if necessary to achieve greatness for your country.

7. Be a Mentor to Someone

One of the most valuable gifts you can give to your country is sharing your knowledge. No civilization would have thrived if our ancestors did not share their knowledge. That’s why mentoring someone is a great way to be a good citizen. You can see after-school teaching opportunities on your local school board. If you have the skill to share, you can also offer internship opportunities to young people in your community.

8. Keep Your Home in Order

The family is the fundamental unit of society. People’s values and beliefs are first formed in their homes. Therefore, keeping your home in order makes a positive contribution to society. This also means present yourself well to the world, doesn’t mean wearing business casual Polo shirts always but take pride in yourself and belongings.

9. Pay Your Taxes

Every citizen who earns an income has an obligation to pay taxes. So, if you want to be a good citizen, you must pay your taxes accordingly. It’s pretty easy to do yourself. In fact, you can file a basic tax return for free. The government uses your taxes to build roads and bridges, as well as to fund schools and the military. That’s why paying taxes is an important contribution to your country.

10. Develop Your Skills and Talents

Your skills and talents are your most valuable contributions to the country.  Your country has benefited from your talent in some way, whether you’re talented in the sciences, arts, sports, or others.

And if you earn a living from your skills, the taxes you pay go toward nation-building. Your well-developed talents will enable you to compete in international events that bring honor to your country. Therefore, cultivating whatever skills and talents you have will benefit your country a lot.

11. Give Back to the Community

We have a moral obligation as citizens and human beings to look out for others that are in need.  You should Give back to your community if you want to be a good citizen. It is what defines us as a society. You can do it by making charitable contributions, volunteering for non-profit organizations, or helping the poor and the sick. Giving back to the community means you improve the lives of others. By doing so, you have fulfilled your duty as a citizen.

12. Show Respect to Everyone

You are a good citizen if you show respect to everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. The way you treat others reflects the type of society you live in. Therefore, respecting other people’s cultures, beliefs, and traditions is a contribution to your society and your country.

13. Vote in Elections

Participating in a vote means you care about your country. Your vote can make a difference, whether it’s for your local school board or national elections. Voting is your right and responsibility as a citizen. Also, not every people around the world has the right to vote. That’s why we should not waste the opportunity to vote. 

14. Have Zero Tolerance for Injustice

Millions of people around the world face injustice every day. However, only a few people have the courage to confront it. And there will be no real change if we don’t care about the injustices going on around us. Also, it is our duty as a citizen to defend those who are unable to defend themselves.

Being a good citizen might not be easy, but it is also not difficult. You only need a little selflessness and a lot of love for your country and its people. But it all comes down to your choices. And you always have a choice to be a good citizen.

15. Stay Humble & Practice Gratitude

When you stay humble you have an easier energy about you and one of the keys to being a good citizen. Being humble and practicing gratitude puts you in a more abundant and agreeable mood. This makes people treat others the way they would like to be treated and emits an easy energy making everyone feel comfortable.