How to Keep a Political Journal

It is a time of great unrest in many countries. Many issues demand immediate attention such as pirates overtaking ships from many countries, unauthorized development of nuclear weapons in certain countries, violence on voting day in many lands, terrorism attacks and protests against governments. A political journal helps one sort out feelings about happenings in one's country that relate to the political world. It is also fascinating to keep a political journal as one documents historic events for future generations to read about.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Glue or tape

1. Purchase a journal with blank or lined pages. Pick a journal with at least 100 writing pages-enough to document a significant period of political events. The journal may have a plain cover, any kind of photo or graphic or a photo that somehow relates to the country where you reside. On the first page of the journal list the date and year you will begin writing in the journal. Break the journal into sections with headings such as: "In the News," "War Timeline," "My Political Viewpoints," "Political Arguments I Have Had," "How the World is Changing Politically" and other topics of interest.

2. Keep the journal in a specific place, like a desk drawer. This ensures you will always be able to find the journal when you want it. Some people like to keep the journal on a coffee table so they see it all the time and thus are reminded to write in it.

3. Write about the details of significant political events. Give facts about the event and also describe your emotions about the event. Be as specific as possible. Give enough information so that someone unfamiliar with the event would be able to understand the event and why it happened. Describe commentary on the news about political events and add your personal reaction--whether you agree or disagree.

4. Continue writing every time something of importance happens in politics. For example, write about events such as inaugurations, political protests, wars, elections, political campaigns or even the pets of presidents. When you receive emails from friends about political events include them in the journal, too. Document the daily world of politics in the journal via pasting in headlines from the newspapers.

5. Write frequently in the journal. It is cathartic to write about upsetting events. Thus a political journal is a "therapy" of sorts during difficult times. Keeping a journal of politics from the world or in one specific country will create a family heirloom that will teach future generations much about the state of today's world. Be sure to provide as much historical information about your political viewpoint as possible in the journal. Write about how you formed your political opinions and who shaped your opinions and in what way.

Tips & Warnings

• * You may want to make this project a group effort. An entire family could contribute journal entries. * Use a sturdy journal that will hold up to ongoing writing. * Take the journal out as you watch the news, then write in the journal about politics discussed on the news. * Don't forget to keep writing in the journal.