Found a non-inclusive requirement in Cit in Society MB

[Armymutt]

This requirement makes some assumptions and forces a Scout to lie or not get the merit badge:

9. Document and discuss with your counselor three or more areas in your life outside of Scouting where you feel you can actively provide stronger leadership in:

I have a Scout who goes to school, comes home, and does Scouting.  That's it.  So are Scouts who don't have other activities unable to earn Eagle?  The Scout lives in the country with no neighbors around.  He doesn't play sports due to his grades being bad this last semester.  The areas of his life are Scouts, family, and school.  You'd think this would have been more well thought out, considering the MB is all about consideration of others.  

[qwazse]

1 hour ago, Armymutt said:

… family, and school.  …

Well, there’s two.

Sounds like leadership in his academic trajectory is of immediate importance.

Are the family farmers? Have their own business? There might  be one or more things that he can do to represent them.

Religious life? Is there something he’d like to do for his faith community?

How about on the ride to or from school? Maybe he can get to know one thing about each classmate.

The requirement shouldn’t be overthought. It’s to help someone realize that leadership opportunities are everywhere.

Give the kid at least one simple idea that you think suits him, and ask him to come up with three more.

For some kids, structured activities are a no-brainer. For others, it’s noticing little things where they can make a contribution.

Be positive, and hopefully this kid will come back to you with some nice ideas.

[Armymutt]

Nope.  Parents work for the govt.  Church is in and out.  Parents take him to school.  About the best we came up with is a YMCA camp he goes to for summer day care.  

[skeptic]

You have some possible options, it seems.  But, if that is not enough to meet it, a discussion of what that means and how it might be applied in some other area in which he might have an interest.  

[mrjohns2]

4 hours ago, Armymutt said:

9. Document and discuss with your counselor three or more areas in your life outside of Scouting where you feel you can actively provide stronger leadership in:

This is question can be looked at as where you can improve on using the word stronger (as in, stronger than today). Not areas that you provide strong areas of leadership in. He can provide stronger leadership in Church, if they became more involved. He could provide stronger leadership at YMCA camp. He could provide stronger leadership at School. He could provide stronger leadership at home by leading family activities instead of parents doing it (planning a trip for example or growing vegetables). 

You and the Scout can put yourself in a box you can't get out of. Or you could choose to encourage the scout to think more expansively. 

[BetterWithCheddar]

A few more suggestions:

• take responsibility for portions of a family reunion (differentiated from immediate family)
• assist with a local parks and rec event (doesn't require an ongoing commitment)
• participate in a school service project (again, doesn't have to be an ongoing commitment)
• contribute to an online discussion (with parent supervision)
• write a letter to the editor of the local paper (civic engagement)

I hope this Scout is able to earn Eagle, if he desires, but I would think improving his grades should take priority over a merit badge. Not every Scout needs to aim for straight A's, but passing all classes is a fair expectation.