By Debra Karplus
6 January 2010

 It’s a new year and, like many other people, you’re ready for a change. You want a career that means something and you want to make a difference. Politics appeals to you, but how do you get started?  There’s no college major or class that prepares you to become a politician.  American presidents have come from diverse backgrounds such as attorney Bill Clinton, actor Ronald Reagan, peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, and Army General Dwight Eisenhower.  

 Most presidents, governors, congressmen and senators entered politics at the local level.  Like them, you should start small and become interested in issues and elections where you live.  Illinois-born Hillary Clinton, for example, lived in Arkansas where she was politically involved, was first lady in Washington D.C., became United States senator while residing in New York, and is currently Secretary of State.  She’s lived in many places and brought her political acumen wherever she went.  You can, too!  Possibly you’re still in your college town; become active there.  Be persistent and don’t let yourself get discouraged by the hard work or by rejection.  Have you ever heard of a politician that everyone liked?
 

Before you start planning what you’ll wear to your inaugural ball, assess your reasons for wanting to become a politician.  What issues excite you?  Do you have a party affiliation: Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Green Party?  Does party even matter, initially? Many experts claim that party preference isn’t a prerequisite for getting involved in local politics.  And perhaps most important, do you have the personality that welcomes life in the public eye?  Many people simply can’t handle living in that fishbowl.

It’s what you know…

 A politician is typically a savvy public speaker and has developed an excellent memory—especially for people’s names.   If you are not yet proficient at these skills, perfect them now.  Additionally, you must be well-versed in current events at all levels of government.  

 Know your community and become aware of what voters want.  For example, maybe your school district’s trying to pass a referendum to raise sales tax; this would allow the building of a new school. But voters are skeptical and lack confidence in the school administration.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization located around the country.  Their educational and advocacy programs are not only for women: they provide information at the local, state, and national level.  Check out their web site and participate in their forums.

 Attend local meetings of city council, school board, or commissions such as neighborhood or public works.  While learning about city or county issues you’ll see Parliamentary Procedure at work.  Also referred to as Robert’s Rules of Order, U.S. Army Major Henry Martyn Robert established protocol for conducting meetings.  His fourth edition published in 1915, sets meeting guidelines that are still used most everywhere.

…and who you know

 One avenue to getting elected is to meet politicians of all political affiliations.  Attend social events of Democratic or Republican parties in the community or on your college campus, and fine-tune your networking skills.  Someone you meet at one of these functions might be a perfect mentor when you’re ready to begin your campaign.

You also want people to know you; you’re unlikely to win any election without some name recognition.  Volunteer at political offices to mail newsletters or answer phones, become a board member or commissioner, or assist with causes such as making your town more environmentally friendly.  Serve as an election judge; you’ll need to declare your party, Democrat or Republican.  The pay is low, the hours are long, but it’s an excellent way to view politics from the inside.   At the county level, precincts are the grassroots of all politics.  Each precinct has a chairperson. You may be elected or appointed as a precinct captain.   This is a terrific way to start your political career.   If there are issues about which you feel strongly, writing letters to the editor to your local newspaper is effective.  You’d be amazed how many people actually read those and remember your name.

If you have any skeletons in your closet, clean up that dirty laundry before getting involved in anything politically.  Those ghosts will undoubtedly return to haunt you.  Nobody’s seen much of Senator John Edwards since his alleged affair!  And, be sure to vote, no matter how minor the election; those school board elections really do matter.  

 Get your ducks in a row, live a clean life and you might enjoy a promising political career at the local, state or national level.  It’s a satisfying way to make a difference and influence history.  Create your strategy today.