How do you get started in city politics's?

Question

How do you get started in city politics's?

Answer 1

You can do and internship or take an entry level position in one of the elected officials offices.  Many of these offices offer constituent work as entry level positions.  This will get you a chance to see what it is like to work in politics in the city and by working directly working on constituent concerns you will get an idea of what issues are important to the community.  Being around the office will give you a glimpse into the issues that are important from an overall standpoint.

One of the best things that you can do is become familiar with the structure of your city government including who does what.  A knowledge of how the city functions and the various city processes will help you in the long run.  

Here are a few other things you can do:

1) Volunteer for neighborhood groups like block clubs or community policing organizations--anything to become more involved.

2) Track the city council's agenda and attend meetings or read transcripts so that you can track important issues.

3)  Become familiar with who the key players are.

4) Volunteer to work on a campaign.

Answer 2

I have been elected to so many things, but never got involved in civic politics.

For example I was elected Chairman of the Board of a county-wide United Way agency Teleshare, President of the Bible Society, Treasurer of the Ministerial Association, and President of a local Sertoma service organization, etc,  

The full list is VERY long from committees of church leaders, college administation (St Clair College), hospital management (Chatham Public General Hospital), a community-wide home repair campaign for lower income residents, and much more.

All I ever accomplished in civic politics was vote "religiously", and serve on the local "Recreation Committee".

I dared to ghost write a speech for an alderman candidate once, but he lost.

I think networking is the first step to any thing you desire to accomplish, from charitable good works to political canidacy.  

If you try to skip a step, and run out of nowhere, then you need an endorsement from Oprah, or else you are probably out of luck.

I have a book called "Make friends and influence people",  that comes fist.

I heard former Canadian Prime Minister Martin interviewed on TV today, and he was less hung up about loosing a federal election that a loser in a political convention (never even nominated) who admitted it took a year to get over the loss.

Martin said something profound.  It is not abouut getting elected.  It is about getting some things DONE!!!  

He is a good will ambassador for Canada now that he is out of office, like America's Jimmy Carter, Bush 1 & Clinton 1, and he seems to be happy and satisfied getting things done.

Have you ever helped some candidate run for election?

In high school I managed the successful candidacy of the school student president although I was asked to run myself), and even managed a Prom Queen's campaign!!!

If you try to skip a step, and run out of nowhere for an elected position, I have never tried that, but I often see others try and fail.

But you can accomplish a lot in life by just rolling up your sleeves, and looking around for something that needs doing.

Answer 3

Become informed about issues facing your city and those facing YOU.

Learn who has been appointed to commissions and boards; also, learn as much as you can about the current elected representatives (mayor, council, etc) and their past relationships with civic or volunteer organizations.

Contact your City Clerk to learn meeting schedules and show up at these meetings.

Contact your representative/assemblyman and senator in your state's capitol.  Determine you they have or can assist in the promotion of the issues you want advocated.  The interplay of state & local elected folks is crucial for any successful municipal plan.

Good luck on your adventure in democracy!

Answer 4

talk to the counselperson for your district.  volunteer to be on a committee or do research for the council person.  Also, find a non governmental organization dealing with a primary concern you have and become active there.  There are other ways, too but these will give you a place to begin where you will be welcomed and encouraged.

Answer 5

Get involved.  Get active in the community.  Then, if you want to run for an office, you must have a signed petition on file with the City Clerk's office (must be signed by eligible voters) before the filing deadline.  Good luck!