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How does one become active in politics at the national level as a politician?

I am moderate and would like to get my ideas out there. I feel a job as a political representative would be best for me. I don't know how to get there.

government politics sociology
Thank you comment icon I think clubs, and networking groups are a great place to start! R. S.
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Leah’s Answer

Start at the organizing level, find an initiative in your community you are passionate about. Work with those volunteers, learn from leaders, and network with your group. You'll start to find your voice and how you might approach policies, then you can think about what level is best for you (e.g., local, state, federal).
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Kim’s Answer

Eleanor,

There are moderates within both the Democrat and Republican parties. There are also third parties. When you say "moderate" what exactly do you mean? There are many variations on the ideological spectrum - it's not a simple linear progression from ultra-liberal to ultra conservative. For example, I consider myself fairly conservative when it comes to financial policy, but more liberal about individual rights. Try these surveys:
https://www.theadvocates.org/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/where-do-you-fit-take-the-pew-political-party-quiz

How to get involved:
Find candidates you most relate to. Get involved involved in their campaigns. Go door-to-door. Work on mail out or phone drive efforts. Work on fundraisers. Don't be afraid to start with lesser campaigns that are poorly funded - they need the extra help! (city council in small cities, state offices, etc)

Find out how the party platform is created in your state. In Texas, there are conventions, starting at the state senate level. Become a delegate to the convention. For us, this starts with the precinct caucus. Meet people, get involved, listen more than you talk, but be enthusiastic! Understand you won't find a candidate you agree with 100%, but seek out those closest to your beliefs and help them in their campaigns. Keep contact information for everyone you meet - candidates, their assistants, other volunteers, journalists, etc. You will need this when you launch your own campaigns!

In school, take history, political science, speech, debate, journalism, public administration, etc. Learn America's history. Learn how they do it in other countries. What has worked, what hasn't, and why.

That's a lot, I know! It's just that there is so many aspects to a campaign! Oh, and, run for office. Student Gov't, local office, etc.

Keep your private life private, be careful of what you say and do publicly, as you will definitely see it again down the road.

Good luck to you!

Kim
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Jerry’s Answer

As a first step take courses in both politics and history. Having an academic background would help.

Secondly, read up on the state of current politics.

Third: get politically involved locally. Volunteer. It's a good time for it. Understand that you will probably not agree with all of the political ideas of whomever you are volunteering for. At this point you have to understand the mechanics of running for office and which issues motivate which voters and how to get them to vote for a specific candidate.

At the moment you appear to be behind the learning curve. Therefore it is important to have not only an educational background (neutral politically) plus learning the basics of how to motivate voters. Plus, of course, keeping up to date regarding the current political situation not only nationally but also locally.
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Michele’s Answer

Taking the initiative to volunteer for a local, state, or federal campaign is an excellent stepping stone. Whether you're canvassing, knocking on doors, or making calls to remind people to vote, your contribution matters. Securing an internship with an elected official or a government agency is another promising path. Don't hesitate to connect with the elected officials in your area or near your school, as they're likely to be open to collaborating with you. Hone in on a specific area of expertise, such as labor rights or environmental issues, and demonstrate your knowledge. Remember, there are also non-profit organizations that participate in political organizing, which could be another exciting opportunity to explore. Your journey in political involvement is just beginning, and every step you take brings you closer to making a difference.
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Karissa’s Answer

The best first step would be to join an organization for youth in politics. There are no groups for moderates but you could join liberals (democrats) or conservatives (republicans) and see what you like about each party and then integrate those values into your outlook. Later you can break away from these groups and do your own thing.

You can find out more about "Young Democrats of America" by visiting https://yda.org/
or Young Republicans National Federation at https://yrnf.com/
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Brett’s Answer

It's probably best to start locally at the state level. Intern with your state or federal member of congress or get involved in a campaign to learn about the process. Congressional offices in home districts provide real services to constituents, which is good to learn about. Build your network through campaigns or associations with like-minded people. Spend a semester or week, summer, etc. in DC through an educational program to get exposure to DC. If you're ultimately going to become a candidate yourself, you'll need to raise money and support along the way.
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Ethan’s Answer

Boosting your knowledge about local, national, and global politics is a fantastic idea, but don't forget to also work on your communication skills. Why not get involved in your community? You could join a grassroots campaign or even intern at a congressional office. There, you could answer phone calls and chat with local residents - a perfect way to practice your communication skills. With these skills, you'll be able to build strong connections with potential employers, community leaders, and people who share your interests. These connections could become your cheerleaders, excited to see you achieve your career dreams.
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