3 answers
Danna
Student
Ringgold, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
278 views
How can I start getting into politics more, being more involved in my community at a young age?
I wanna be a politician when I grow up I wanna make a change starting now but I'm a sophomore and have no clue when to start
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3 answers
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Hi Danna,
Good on you for being the change you wish to see in the world, at an early age!
For a high school sophomore interested in getting involved in politics, there are numerous ways to engage and start building experience. Here are some strategies and opportunities that can help a student begin their political journey:
1. Join or Start a Political Club at School
- Opportunity: Many high schools have clubs focused on government, debate, or political discussions (e.g., Model United Nations (MUN), Student Government, or Debate Club).
- What to do: If your school doesn’t have one, consider starting a club or organizing meetings where students can discuss political issues, campaigns, or even organize events such as mock elections or debates.
2. Participate in Youth Political Organizations
- Opportunity: Many political parties, advocacy groups, or non-profits have youth branches that allow young people to engage in political activities. Examples include Young Democrats, Young Republicans, or groups like Generation Citizen.
- What to do: Join local chapters of political parties or social justice organizations, attend events, and participate in volunteer work, voter registration drives, and community outreach.
3. Volunteer for Political Campaigns
- Opportunity: Volunteer work on local, state, or national political campaigns provides firsthand experience with the political process.
- What to do: Contact local political candidates, government officials, or campaigns to ask about volunteer opportunities. Tasks may include canvassing, phone banking, attending rallies, or helping with social media outreach.
4. Attend Town Hall Meetings and Political Events
- Opportunity: Local government meetings, town halls, and public forums provide an opportunity to learn about current issues and how politics work at the grassroots level.
- What to do: Attend town hall meetings, city council meetings, or school board meetings to observe how decisions are made. You can also ask questions and interact with local politicians.
5. Write for the School Newspaper or Start a Blog
- Opportunity: Writing for your school’s newspaper or starting a personal blog gives you a platform to express political views, raise awareness about local issues, or even interview local politicians.
- What to do: Start writing articles, editorials, or opinion pieces on political issues that matter to you and your peers. Focus on topics like civic engagement, political activism, or current events.
6. Get Involved with Local Nonprofits and Community Organizations
- Opportunity: Many nonprofit organizations are involved in advocacy, social justice, environmental issues, or human rights. Volunteering for these groups can help you understand the intersection of politics and social change.
- What to do: Look for local organizations working on political issues that interest you (e.g., voter rights, environmental protection, civil rights) and volunteer for their activities or campaigns.
7. Network with Political Leaders or Mentors
- Opportunity: Find political mentors or individuals who can offer guidance and advice. This can include teachers, local politicians, or community leaders.
- What to do: Attend political events and reach out to people who are active in politics. Networking can provide insight, opportunities for internships, and valuable connections for future political involvement.
8. Take AP Government or Political Science Courses
- Opportunity: Advanced placement (AP) courses or local college-level political science classes can give you a deeper understanding of political systems and theories.
- What to do: Talk to your school counselor about enrolling in AP Government, AP U.S. History, or other courses that will give you the foundation for understanding politics, policy, and history.
9. Create or Participate in Political Discussions Online
- Opportunity: Online platforms allow young people to engage in political discourse, follow current events, and connect with others who share their political views.
- What to do: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or start a YouTube channel to discuss political topics, highlight social justice issues, or raise awareness about important causes. Be sure to stay respectful and open to diverse viewpoints.
10. Participate in Local Youth Leadership Programs
- Opportunity: Many local governments and non-profit organizations offer leadership programs for youth interested in politics and civic engagement.
- What to do: Look into programs like Youth Leadership Councils, Youth Government Programs, or Model UN for immersive experiences that teach governance, public speaking, and leadership.
11. Organize or Participate in Political Rallies/Protests
- Opportunity: If there are political issues you're passionate about, you might consider organizing or participating in peaceful protests, rallies, or awareness campaigns.
- What to do: Participate in peaceful, youth-led marches, such as those advocating for climate action or social justice, and help raise awareness for causes that are important to you.
---
Final Tips:
- Be Informed: Stay up to date on current events and political issues by reading newspapers, watching news outlets, or listening to political podcasts.
- Be Respectful and Open-Minded: Politics can involve strong opinions and debates. Being respectful of others' views while advocating for your own can help build credibility and create opportunities for productive conversations.
- Develop Public Speaking Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for a career in politics. Consider joining Toastmasters or participating in debate tournaments to sharpen your speaking abilities.
Hope this helps, and good luck citizen!
Good on you for being the change you wish to see in the world, at an early age!
For a high school sophomore interested in getting involved in politics, there are numerous ways to engage and start building experience. Here are some strategies and opportunities that can help a student begin their political journey:
1. Join or Start a Political Club at School
- Opportunity: Many high schools have clubs focused on government, debate, or political discussions (e.g., Model United Nations (MUN), Student Government, or Debate Club).
- What to do: If your school doesn’t have one, consider starting a club or organizing meetings where students can discuss political issues, campaigns, or even organize events such as mock elections or debates.
2. Participate in Youth Political Organizations
- Opportunity: Many political parties, advocacy groups, or non-profits have youth branches that allow young people to engage in political activities. Examples include Young Democrats, Young Republicans, or groups like Generation Citizen.
- What to do: Join local chapters of political parties or social justice organizations, attend events, and participate in volunteer work, voter registration drives, and community outreach.
3. Volunteer for Political Campaigns
- Opportunity: Volunteer work on local, state, or national political campaigns provides firsthand experience with the political process.
- What to do: Contact local political candidates, government officials, or campaigns to ask about volunteer opportunities. Tasks may include canvassing, phone banking, attending rallies, or helping with social media outreach.
4. Attend Town Hall Meetings and Political Events
- Opportunity: Local government meetings, town halls, and public forums provide an opportunity to learn about current issues and how politics work at the grassroots level.
- What to do: Attend town hall meetings, city council meetings, or school board meetings to observe how decisions are made. You can also ask questions and interact with local politicians.
5. Write for the School Newspaper or Start a Blog
- Opportunity: Writing for your school’s newspaper or starting a personal blog gives you a platform to express political views, raise awareness about local issues, or even interview local politicians.
- What to do: Start writing articles, editorials, or opinion pieces on political issues that matter to you and your peers. Focus on topics like civic engagement, political activism, or current events.
6. Get Involved with Local Nonprofits and Community Organizations
- Opportunity: Many nonprofit organizations are involved in advocacy, social justice, environmental issues, or human rights. Volunteering for these groups can help you understand the intersection of politics and social change.
- What to do: Look for local organizations working on political issues that interest you (e.g., voter rights, environmental protection, civil rights) and volunteer for their activities or campaigns.
7. Network with Political Leaders or Mentors
- Opportunity: Find political mentors or individuals who can offer guidance and advice. This can include teachers, local politicians, or community leaders.
- What to do: Attend political events and reach out to people who are active in politics. Networking can provide insight, opportunities for internships, and valuable connections for future political involvement.
8. Take AP Government or Political Science Courses
- Opportunity: Advanced placement (AP) courses or local college-level political science classes can give you a deeper understanding of political systems and theories.
- What to do: Talk to your school counselor about enrolling in AP Government, AP U.S. History, or other courses that will give you the foundation for understanding politics, policy, and history.
9. Create or Participate in Political Discussions Online
- Opportunity: Online platforms allow young people to engage in political discourse, follow current events, and connect with others who share their political views.
- What to do: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or start a YouTube channel to discuss political topics, highlight social justice issues, or raise awareness about important causes. Be sure to stay respectful and open to diverse viewpoints.
10. Participate in Local Youth Leadership Programs
- Opportunity: Many local governments and non-profit organizations offer leadership programs for youth interested in politics and civic engagement.
- What to do: Look into programs like Youth Leadership Councils, Youth Government Programs, or Model UN for immersive experiences that teach governance, public speaking, and leadership.
11. Organize or Participate in Political Rallies/Protests
- Opportunity: If there are political issues you're passionate about, you might consider organizing or participating in peaceful protests, rallies, or awareness campaigns.
- What to do: Participate in peaceful, youth-led marches, such as those advocating for climate action or social justice, and help raise awareness for causes that are important to you.
---
Final Tips:
- Be Informed: Stay up to date on current events and political issues by reading newspapers, watching news outlets, or listening to political podcasts.
- Be Respectful and Open-Minded: Politics can involve strong opinions and debates. Being respectful of others' views while advocating for your own can help build credibility and create opportunities for productive conversations.
- Develop Public Speaking Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for a career in politics. Consider joining Toastmasters or participating in debate tournaments to sharpen your speaking abilities.
Hope this helps, and good luck citizen!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re passionate about making a difference! Start by getting involved in your community—join school clubs like debate or student government to build leadership skills. Volunteer for local organizations or causes you care about, and attend town hall meetings to learn how local government works. Look for internships or opportunities with local politicians to gain insight into the political process. Reading about current events and policies can also help you develop informed opinions. Small steps like these will prepare you to make an impact while building connections and experience for your future in politics. You've got this!
A Khan
Financial Aid
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
A’s Answer
Former Attorney-Turned-Left Wing YouTube-Commentator Leeja Miller made a video about how to get involved in local politics and why it's so important. I think it's a great lesson on how to get started. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/gydU_jVVolA?si=EkTa0AhcDwoYqgku
Watch this again, but this time take notes.
Research and brainstorm where to start.
Get it done.
https://youtu.be/gydU_jVVolA?si=EkTa0AhcDwoYqgku
A recommends the following next steps:
Hi A! Can you give some context for the video link?
Sharyn Grose, Admin