rebelling against low expectations

How do I make a difference in politics as a teenager?

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ALLIE WRITES: With caucuses, primaries and other elections coming up in the United States, I’ve been thinking a whole lot about politics lately. I feel like I can’t do very much, since I’m not old enough to vote. I try to stay educated on current issues, but how can I make an impact in the political world as a rebelutionary who can’t vote?


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are submitted by real rebelutionaries who are looking for godly answers to tough questions and lively conversation with other young adults. You can join the conversation by commenting below. If you'd like to submit your own discussion question, email us at [email protected].

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  • Basically, just get the your thoughts out as kind and logically as you can. Social media’s great for that, just don’t rant.

  • The legal association our homeschool is affiliated with has a program called Generation Joshua which is designed to help teenagers make a difference in politics and our nation. I’m sure that’s not the only one. If you look hard enough you’ll probably find other organizations like that. Also, the old standby of writing letters to representatives/government officials is also something you can do.

  • To expand on Kyle’s comment I just want to say that Generation Joshua is the greatest tool for knowing more about Government. Last summer I went to their camp IGovern and I learned so much. It was amazing. Then I also went to their two day simulation ICommand, yet again amazing. They also have Student Action Teams, clubs in many states, and curriculum. I really highly suggest you check it out. 🙂
    Also don’t forget to talk to your parents. My dad is big on politics and keeps up with all that stuff while at work. So I always learn a lot when discussing it with him. Good luck!!

    Here is the link to their website. http://www.generationjoshua.org/dnn/

  • How old do you have to be to join generation Joshua, and can somebody give me more details. I went to the site and didn’t find much info.

    • To go to the camps you have to be 14-19. (Although the eastern camp is 14-18 I believe) There is East, West, and Statecraft camps. East and Statecraft are in Virginia in June, and West is in the mountains of Colorado Springs, CO. in July. The camps are pretty much government simulation. There is Congress and Senate, and everyone is in one of the two. There is also an election that anyone can run for president during. There is a lot more to it and I would love to talk to you or anyone about the camps and Gen. J in general if you would like. 🙂 Just send me a message and I will give you my email so I tell you more about it. I am really passionate for this organization.

  • I’m not personally involved in politics- I simply don’t have the passion nor the capacity in my life right now. However, here are some ideas that come to mind for you:

    1. Write a letter to your Rep. or Senator about something that concerns you and maybe add something you admire that they’re doing. I hear that that really does impact them(at least most of them).

    2. Stay informed. This really should be no. 1, but this is the most effective way of making a difference. You can’t impact things if you have no idea what’s going on. CNN is great for quick information, The Wall Street Journal is excellent for thourogh imformation- plus it’s written from an objective standpoint. No political support.

    3. Find a campaign that you feel that you can support and go volunteer! Every campaign needs help!

  • Politics is very interesting to me, and I have been thinking of how to make a change.
    1st is find a reliable news source to get your information from. http://www.onenewsnow.com/ is my preferred site, but different people have different preferences. You should always know what’s going on with your country, whether you have an interest in politics or not.
    2. Find out if you can support the campaign for the congressman, governor, state rep, or some other political campaign going on in your state or town. it’s a great way to find out more about their cause, as well as support something for the benefit of your town and state.
    3. Start a blog or website where you give your thoughts on things or what other people are doing concerning elections of any kind. I just got one up myself not long ago at www.http://godslawandorder.wordpress.com/ .
    That’s my 2 cents; hope it helped, Allie.

  • I’ve been thinking about this too as I follow this election more closely than any other before. We all can contribute immensely through genuine prayer — that counts a lot since we know God hears all our prayers.

    I checked the Generation Joshua page; it looks great, but I’m not exactly clear what they do (aside from some general education events?). The best bet for getting involved — also the trickiest — is knowing someone on the inside who is already serving in some capacity. The other thing you can do is volunteer to help at an event when the presidential nominees come to your state (e.g., I’d be volunteering for Rubio if I were in South Carolina right now!).

    • Hey Christos! I was reading through your comment and saw that you were interested in Generation Joshua…. Anyway, I’ve gone to one of their events at a homeschool conference (I believe they also do summer camps), and what they did was pretty much a mock presidential election for teens. We had individual caucuses and anyone could “run” for president if they wanted; also we had to campaign for and support our own group. It was fantastic and really got me thinking more about politics and our government. Hope this was helpful 🙂

      • Hey Rachel,

        Yeah that sounds like a good exercise for people in their high school years! Quite related to that, but on a year-long / every year and more competitive basis, is the policy debate activity — very engaging and educational!

        • Generation Joshua has the week long summer camps which are so, so good. (I’ve been to one and am returning this summer). There are weekend camps as well in the fall, these are new. And they also have SATs, Student Action Teams, which are groups going around to promote politicians who have good ideas and godly morals. Then there are also the classes and conferences. Some states even have clubs which are involved in state politics. It’s all very fun, and the staff is the best. There is also a real connection to God within this group. I really love it and really suggest more people get involved.

  • I enjoy politics; the mystery and complexity partnered with the importance of politics within our nation keeps me intrigued. As a senior in high school with a Parent involved in local education boards, and regional political coalitions, I receive an abundance of information, facts, and talks on the affects that our local, state, and national governments has all around us. Though we may be young, there is something to be said for keeping informed regarding any sort of politics- and ALWAYS- know where you stand on pertinent issues. Our nation does not need young people who are easily swayed by what they see on commercials or here during a news reel on the radio; but, our nation needs young people who stand firm in their beliefs and represent Christ in all of their political standings!

rebelling against low expectations

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