<p>Hi so right now I'm a junior. Myth volunteer work consists of just helping out at the local library. For senior year, im thinking about volunteering for a local politician. Not for transcript boosting but rather the experience.</p>
<p>If any of you have volunteered for a politician before, can you give tips on how to approach and also describe some of the things you did? Thanks.</p>
<p>I was offered (un-paid) internships with some local politicians but declined because I didn’t agree with their political stances and I don’t plan on entering a poly sci field. I took up another internship in a field I actually intend on studying instead. Obviously since I didn’t take up on their offers I really don’t know what I would have been doing, but definitely helping with elections for those who are trying to be re-elected and just overall a lot of the behind-the-scenes works that goes into holding office.</p>
<p>Just look around in your city to see when elections are. But I would actually look to see the local headquarters for the 2012 presidential and get involved locally with them. You’re lucky because you can volunteer during summer going into senior year which conviently lies right along with the 2012 election.</p>
<p>As for approaching them, I don’t think the Rep/Dem local headquarters will have any problem putting you to work this summer. Just tell them that you’re really looking to help out and they’ll likely get you started pretty quick. Good for you for not looking for a transcript boosting. Experience is a good thing too.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>bumpity bump</p>
<p>I’ve done volunteering for local politicians, and have recently volunteered for the Vote Against project (against a marriage amendment here in NC) and the Walter Dalton for Governor campaign.</p>
<p>Approaching volunteering is easy. Politicians are ALWAYS looking for youths to get their campaigns energized. Just add your name to the registry online or in person, and you’ll be told when you can volunteer and for what. Activities I’ve done include: Canvasing (going door to door), phone calls, working at rallies (handing out signs, registering people to vote, etc.), and occasionally your boring sorting paperwork or putting papers in envelopes types of situations, but that’s not too often. </p>
<p>Hours tend to be very flexible and I’ve always had a lot of fun. It’s easy to ‘move up the ranks’ so to speak and actually meet the candidate (which is easy at the local level, but talking with Lt. Governor Dalton’s a tougher climb) I’ve met a lot of great people and have great experience and even politicians and high-ranking campaign members who are willing to speak on my behalf to take to college (since I plan to major in Political Science).</p>
<p>@DavidSSabb94: How did you work your way up?</p>
<p>Put enough time into it, stick around long enough, show genuine interest and a willingness to work, and actually talk to and get to know the other volunteers and your superiors.</p>
<p>Ok, so I think I’ll stop by the office of my us house rep for an inquiry for next year volunteering. Any pointers in how to dress or what to say??
Or should I aim for a more provincial politician that may allow for more freedom of work??</p>
<p>Well, the election cycle ends in November, assuming you’re talking about starting then, that’d be a great place to go. If you’re planning to wait, they probably won’t do much campaigning until 2014 rolls around, so you might want to look for possible local and state elections in 2013.</p>
<p>I’ve never noticed a difference in freedom of work and scheduling between state and national political campaigns, I’d say dress sort of nice to make a good impression, y’know collared shirt and nice pants, but don’t go for a full suit and tie, there won’t be an interview right then and there. Just say who you are and that you’re there to inquire about volunteering, and you’ll be directed to the right person.</p>