Getting young people involved in politics is essential if they are to understand enough about the system of government to effect citizens in the future. Getting involved in politics is more than just running for an office. It's about being in a position to influence those who make the decisions that affect our lives. By starting as young people, the odds are increased that the contacts and opportunities will be available for them to be ready to make a difference later in life.
Certainly, things like getting started in high school and college politics are a nice way to get their feet wet without a high risk. Teach your child that by throwing his or her hat into the ring, it isn't a do or die. It's a learning experience. Someone will win and someone will lose, but it isn't too momentous either way. The main thing is to get a feel for how the system works. There's plenty of time to do more later in life if the urge is there. Voting is an integral part of our system and learning it early creates interest in the overall system.
By their late teens, making the step to join a campaign effort for a local politician can be a great next step. Let your young person see from the inside how organizations are built and extended to reach out to the geographical borders of the constituency. They can get exposed to people who they will read about in the newspaper and see on local TV. If it is an important and hotly contested race, the young person may even get an opportunity to meet those higher up in government who come out to support the local candidate.
This will also build a platform for chances to work in more significant state and national campaigns. Again, whether the candidate wins or loses isn't so important as the learning and contact opportunities. Encourage the young person to keep a diary of the experiences with special care to get the names of even the lesser players. Some of these people may well become movers and shakers over time. Or, they may become important contacts later on.
Another way to get young people involved in politics is involvement with a group promoting a significant cause. Right-to-life endeavors are one example. Human or civil rights causes might be others. These efforts often involve letter writing or phone work. It may mean canvassing neighborhoods or circulating petitions. All of these are excellent ways to become exposed to how the government is affected by the grass roots of society. It will let the young person see that a few people who work hard can create change and public awareness of special needs.
Young people can become volunteers in state and local government. Many times elected officials welcome extra hands to help move their agendas forward without emptying their coffers. While it can be relatively thankless and unpaid, it can pay highly in experience and occasional chances to have influence.
Don't forget to teach them to vote. The ballot is the single most important way to be involved in politics. It is the one time when you are guaranteed to be heard. Your voice might be swept away in a landslide defeat, but when the ballot entered the box or machine, your vote was tabulated and counted just as much as the most important and influential person you know.
