How to Get Politically Active

Our world is constantly changing. You can do your part to foment change by embracing political activism and making your voice heard. You don't have to be a high-ranking official or even know one to to be politically active. All it takes is strong character, unshakable faith and steadfast commitment to a cause.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine your values. In order to be an activist, you must first have a strong knowledge of what you stand for. When your core values are clear to you, you are ready to voice your politics.

2. Research politically active groups you're interested in joining. Know what a group stands for before aligning yourself with one. For example, two people can agree to never mistreat animals. Yet one might strongly identify with PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) politics while the other does not. Find a group with principles that mirror your own.

3. Practice political debate by discussing your politics with friends and family members. Using finesse, explain your views in a calm, straightforward manner. Remember, it's a discussion, not a speech. Respectfully listen to the other person's views. Don't be pushy or abrasive, or your audience will tune out your words. No one appreciates a political boor.

4. Write your elected officials. The process is the same whether you want to make changes in your community or in your country. Take time to write a clear, concise letter, explaining the changes you want to see. Provide contact information in case the recipient has questions for you. You can contact most officials by mail, email, fax and phone. See our Resources section for links to your officials.

5. Get busy! Think of positive ways to make your voice heard. Find a cause you believe in, and do something about it. Create some political buzz by calling your local radio station and request an interview. Make flyers and t-Shirts. Organize a fundraiser or a peaceful demonstration. Think big, and enlist the help of like-minded people. One motivated person really CAN make a difference!

6. Vote. The overwhelming majority of American citizens neglect to exercise this basic right. "I'm too busy" is not a valid excuse. Absentee ballots are available for many types of elections if your schedule keeps you from attending an event. Your voice is just as important as the next person's is. Don't be afraid to make it heard. If you don't like the candidates the major parties nominate, consider third party candidates.

Resources

• Find local, county and state elected officials.
• Find your officials at Congress.org.

[gabrielle3]

on 9/17/2008 Great article! Also, check out this article about political activism. It also lists from benefits of getting involved politically.

http://pathaspire.com/extracurric/activism/