Sometimes politics can seem far too complicated or advanced for a
teenager to know or care about. There are laws with Roman subscripts that reach
into the hundreds, complex policies, and a variety of different candidates and
viewpoints. It can be mystifying, but politics affect everyone. Even if you
can't vote, you can certainly get involved!
1. Get informed. Talk to parents, friends, teachers, anyone. Read
magazines and newspapers. Watch a YouTube debate or news program. Make sure you
know what's going on both nationally and internationally.
2. Volunteer or campaign for a candidate or party. You can help
advertise candidates by accepting donations, stuffing envelopes, going door to
door, answering phones or doing whatever else a campaign needs.
3. Raise money. Hold a fundraiser - a car wash, a lemonade stand,
anything - then donate the money to the politician of your choice.
4. Start or join a political club. You might be able to start a
club at your school (just check with school administrators first) and get people
involved that way. If you prefer, York County has two clubs of its own - Young
Republican Professionals of York County (www.yorkyrs.com) and the York County
Young Democrats (www.yorkyoungdems.org). There is also the newly-formed York
County Teenage Democrats (see the York Young Democrats page for more details).
5. Vote! This is, ultimately, the most important part of the
political process. If you are 18, you are eligible to vote. If you're not 18,
you can certainly promote the importance of having a say and registering to
vote.
Leave a comment