Just because you aren’t technically old enough to cast your vote in a ballot box, doesn’t mean you automatically have no voice in the democratic process. As long as an individual is mature enough to develop well thought out judgments on political issues, there is no prerequisite age to make a difference. Here are just a few ways you can make a difference in months leading up to election day.Volunteer Every young person has ample training at talking on the phone. Well, making phone calls is just one of many important tasks that running a successful political campaign requires. Similar activities may include stuffing envelopes, handing out fliers/t-shirts/goodies, putting up signs and recruiting other volunteers. Don’t expect to walk into any major administrative role, but every contribution counts on the campaign trail, just like every vote counts toward each candidate’s total. Don’t think presidential campaigns are the only ones requiring work either. Local and state government officials also need help and are more likely to let competent high school students get involved.Donate Even if you can’t contribute your time due to a demanding course load or heavy schedule of extra-curricular activities, cash donations are equally well received. Understandably, most teens have less discretionary income as they are yet to enter the full-time workforce, however even the smallest of financial contributions fall into very appreciative hands. If you feel as though contributing to a national campaign would be like dropping water into the ocean, consider contributing on an individual cause basis, directly supporting issues that may go underfunded.Write The power of the written word goes beyond the boundaries of age. (more…)
Never before has politics been subject to such a high level of all-inclusive interactivity. Without a viral presence, perhaps the 2008 Presidential election would have followed a different course. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, along with a wide variety of other platforms, have irreversibly changed the course of history, with older community members now struggling to keep up with what comes to younger crowds as second nature. If nothing else, follow a candidate or cause you support and get similarly aligned friends to do the same. Use skills you’ve honed in your free time to your advantage on the political front. To be honest, people over the age of 25 are only beginning to understand the power of mediums such as Facebook in the way that those who have grown up with regular access to social media are already accustomed to. If you can help to accrue an internet following by presenting well-articulated points and/or unique, original thoughts in a creative way, the news media and of-age voters will undoubtedly take notice. The key is illuminating your logic and rationale in a way that either has never been seen before or is distinctively memorable. This can be achieved using a variety of different strategies, whether via powerful emotional appeals, striking imagery or timely use of humor, to name a few, though finding a middle ground to relate to or persuade a wide range of viewers is easier said than done. (more…)
Not only can becoming politically involved at a young age make a tangible difference in the community around you, it can also alter the trajectory of your education. As you begin applying to colleges your senior year, not only will they look at your academic record, but a strong, diverse resume showcasing a well-balanced personality can go a long way. College admissions is growing more and more competitive across the board, with more than enough highly qualified applicants readily available to fill freshman slots at prestigious universities nationwide. GPA’s and SAT /ACT scores will always have a place in the process, but a unique background and breadth of life experience will continue to play an expanding role in admissions more selective positions and scholarship opportunities. Colleges love to see a capacity for leadership and a willingness to expand horizons beyond what’s normal for the typical high school student. This doesn’t mean sign up for every club listed on the first day of school and attend a meeting or two over the course of the year. It’s an invitation to get involved, in the truest sense of the word. What good is it to blanket your college application with a laundry list of obscure organizations if you can’t even muster a few authentic words about what the experience means to you in an interview or essay? (more…)
