lol Island, I need a button of that!
Chris, you definitely don't need to hold an elected office to make a (positive) difference. I started becoming involved about ten years ago by testifying for our state senate on matters about which I felt strongly. in this case, youth crime legislation and gun control. (against) this is something that any citizen can do. I really took to the whole political process like a duck to water and continued by becoming invloved in organizations with which I could identify and helping them further their goals. a year and a half ago, I began working with the staff of one of our state senators and helped him develop his portion of our state budget, and in writing legislation. I also have made several trips to Washington D.C. to meet with US Senators and Congresspeople to discuss higher education issues and bring back the US federal budget for disemmination at our local level. there is much more that I have done that I can't even remember, but the best part is that this work over the years led to building strong relationships with Senators and Congresspeople (both Repubs and Dems) that have lasted to this day
many Senators and Congresspeople have job shadow programs that will give you a real good idea of what their jobs entail. if you like what you see, it is very likely that someone could put you to work on a volunteer basis. this would definitely give you an idea of whether you liked it or not. contrary to popular belief, our politicians are mostly very hard-working, level-headed individuals with integrity and the will to get things done. and the process is not near as cynical as the average observer would like to think. these are serious people doing serious work on serious issues
there is a little irony here too. I currently am the head of our state organization that represents community and technical colleges at the state and federal level. last weekend our staff attended a state college conference where we were one of the presenters. our subject? how to get involved in leadership and politics
I have not yet had the desire to run for elected office, (I'm just not ready for the obligatory allegations of late-night rendezvous with certain wooly mammals
) but my involvement with state and ferderal leadership continues as an intermediary between international companies and foreign governments
btw: I didn't write this to say "geee, look at meeeee" (although it's starting to look that way
) but rather to illustrate how one person can make a difference simply by getting involved. no one ever asked me to do this, I started with no special training; only with the desire to get involved and become active in the process. there is lots of work to be done out there, and those in office are usually very receptive of those willing to help. it will definitely give you an idea of what our political process is all about and give you insight into its inner workings. if nothing else, it will definitey give you a perspective and understanding that no barstool political analyst can match
