Getting into politics is not always a cakewalk for students. You’ve probably wondered how to get involved in politics as a teenager, but were barred by your guardians for being too tender for it. Pressurized by your studies, the idea of joining politics has always remained dormant and vague.
As you join your college or university, you become aware of your demands as a student. But without proper knowledge of the political scenario, the task may seem difficult. Going through this article will answer your major question of yours: ‘How to get started in politics?’
The Role of Students in Politics
The younger generation, especially the students, constitute an indispensable portion of society. Students often find the world of politics intimidating. This is mostly because of the dirt associated with politics. High-school students are unenthusiastic since they are not old enough for voting rights. College students back out because they are skeptical about their voices being shadowed by the more experienced ones.
With these problems in hand, it is high time to eradicate some of the misconceptions. Politics is not always about voting or contesting an election. The first step is essentially developing one’s political awareness. Secondly, politics is also about knowing one’s rights in a community or an organization. Without the participation of the students, it is impossible to present their needs and demands in front of the world. A nation may also run out of experienced and non-corrupt politicians if the educated younger minds decide to back out from the world of politics.
How Can Students Get into Politics?
Being Politically Aware, Participating in Debates and Discussions:
Reading articles based on political essay topics, keeping an eye on the news on a regular basis can help someone become politically aware. Engaging in a conversation listening to the opinions of people from different sides of the political spectrum also helps.
One can join the debate team of their institution and attend events discussing politics. Simulations like ‘Youth Parliaments’ and ‘Model United Nations’ can make one aware of national issues and international diplomacy.
Volunteering
The journey of volunteering can begin from one’s educational institution and does not necessarily need voting rights. It can be for a political party, a candidate, a non-profit organization, or even a social cause.
Volunteering for a candidate during elections includes attending election campaigns and processions, distributing leaflets and pamphlets, and public speaking.
Volunteering for a non-profit organization involves a door-to-door collection of funds, making the people of one’s community aware of a social issue and helping them at the time of an emergency.
Taking Up Leadership Roles
Leadership roles in assisting one’s community or an organization can start from the campus. One can successfully undertake the task of being a class representative and go all the way up to represent the campus on behalf of the students. In this way, one has the power to make students aware of their own rights and demands.
Taking up leadership roles in one’s community counts as well. Taking an active part in solving a social issue in your community can help you to pave your path into local politics.
Joining Unions
Joining a student’s union is like a gateway for student politics. One can conduct meetings and rallies, organize social events and improve one’s network. Co-operating with other unions and community support groups also constitutes an essential part of student unions.
Using the Internet and Social Media
The internet can be used as a political tool to influence the masses. One can resort to social media posts and writing blogs to reach people. It also helps in improving one’s network and reaching out to like-minded individuals interested in politics.
Conclusion
Whether someone is in high school, college, or university, it is never too late or pointless to take a keen interest in politics. The political scenario of a nation or a community ought to limp behind in the absence of the students, the tomorrow’s future.
