<p>I am really interested in government and politics. In what ways (besides school courses) can I show this to colleges? Should I call the state capitol and see if I could do some volunteering? Any ideas would really be appreciated!</p>
<p>I'm curious about this, too. I've signed up for a bunch of volunteer services, but no one has seemed to have taken any notice of me...</p>
<p>Yeah, I what you mean. It is hard to get in contact with the people coordinating things and even harder to get them to really notice you. It seems that there are so many different opportunities for those interested in the field of science, but so few opportunites for those of us interested in govermental things. :(</p>
<p>Help out with local political campaigns including with organizations like Move on Pac (if you're liberal), which have things going on all of the time that one can volunteer with.</p>
<p>Start a political club at your school.
Volunteer with the political party of your choice.
Get involved with local political campaigns supporting initiatives and issues.
Write a column on polticial issues for your school newspaper or create political cartoons for it.</p>
<p>Kelsey - look outside your school to the regional and state student government associations. Run for office, volunteer for a committee, check out the requirements to run for County Board of Ed student rep. In our state there are tons of opportunities to be involved on the regional and state level that are not available on a school basis. The down-side is that it may require a bunch of travel. If you're going to be a Jr or Sr next year, consider entering the Senate Youth Program scholarship competition <a href="http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/%5B/url%5D">http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/</a></p>
<p>Does your school do MUN or JSA? Maybe you can talk to your government teacher about starting such a group. Look at your state Board of Ed website and see if they point to any statewide groups that you're interested in that you wouldn't necessarily hear about at your local school. Good luck!</p>
<p>You also may be able to work as a legislative messenger for a week or so during the legislative session. The students who get this usually have done previous volunteer work for the legislator who selects them. Check with your state legislators about such opportunities.</p>
<p>Also, being involved in student government connects with your interests. Even if you don't get elected, it may be possible to serve on a committee or help in other ways, which could help you learn a lot about politics and be in line for an elected position later. You also can help friends who are running for student government offices by serving as their elections manager, for instance.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for all of the ideas everyone!! mcmom, the Senate Youth Program sounds really cool! Also, what is MUN and JSA? Northstarmom, do you know how students go about volunteering for a legislator? Should I just call my local legislator, or do you think he'd be too busy and uninterested?</p>
<p>Here's the links for Model UN and Jr State of America...</p>
<p>Both sites discuss starting a chapter at your school.</p>
<p>Also look at your state Dept of Legislative Services website for programs offered to high school students such as student page, and find out if there's a local Teen Democrat/Republican group you could join.</p>
<p>I found the link for the Minn House of Rep page program
<a href="http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/edprog/introletter.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/edprog/introletter.asp</a></p>
<p>The JSA Summer School and Symposium look really interesting. Does anyone know how competitive the program is? They don't really include any statistics.</p>
<p>And is it bad for me to not have any leadership experience? I'm a sophomore and only seniors can hold leadership positions in my school.</p>
<p>I heard that around 50% get into JSA but that could be wrong. IT IS A LOTT OF WORK! but it is perfect for someone who loves government and politics. i went and even took AP Gov and Pol.</p>
<p>I agree, the JSA program does look really cool. It sounds very selective. Thanks for all of the help eveyone!! You really have given me a great start to my quest to get involved! Thanks again!</p>
<p>I have managed to gather quite a few legislators telephone numbers. What should I say when I call? Lol, sorry for all of the questions and for sounding so annoying and needy!!</p>
<p>Any ideas on what to say?</p>
<p>Bump...bump</p>
<p>Please...anyone??</p>