Can anyone recommend some political extra curriculars I can take leadership in? I am already volunteering for a campaign. I also can’t travel a lot due to a family member’s health condition so i would prefer it be at home or in my surrounding area (so rip internships). Can anyone give me some ideas or help me brainstorm? thank you!
Speech and debate.
Do you have a local public access tv station? Many of them have a government program that records local elections and city/school council meetings etc. that you might be able to get involved with. You might also have a local Democrat or Republican party you can call and ask if there are ways to help out such as making phone calls. If your school doesn’t already do mock elections around the time of the Nov election perhaps talk to your principal about organizing that (results don’t really mean anything but it can still be interesting). Maybe talk to your mayor or someone from the city about organizing a registration drive for high school seniors who may be 18.
Attend city council meetings and if at all possible, volunteer for them in some capacity. Not only is this a standout activity, it is great preparation for real-life politics and civil service. Many councils need people to do research during study sessions. You can also just attend all the meetings and keep a blog for your neighborhood.
If you live in a small town there are probably more opportunities than if you live in a huge city but you’d be amazed how accessible neighborhood councils can be.
Maybe start a political column / editorial section in your school newspaper? If there’s a certain political cause you’re passionate about (ex: the environment), you could build around that by campaigning, writing letters to representatives, raising money, joining action groups, or starting a club in your school or community. Could you look into job shadowing or volunteering with local politicians?
What about Model UN? My school also has Amnesty International, a Current Events Club, and a women’s empowerment club, which could be considered related to politics.
Does your HS, community college, etc. offer classes on political science or government?
Don’t worry about internships; I doubt many high schoolers are traveling for internships in politics anyway!