7(a). Read up on an issue at the State Department

Optional May not apply

This may not apply to you. You have not answered "Which two will you do for requirement 7?" yet. Answer it and this step will either settle or drop off.

Find something on the U.S. State Department website that interests you and learn more about it.

Where this step comes from

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2026-04-14), Requirement 7(a)