At the White House Project we encourage women to ‘lead a political life.’ It’s a catch phrase, yes, but it’s also a responsibility, a “should,” a directive. But what does it really mean? What if you’re not that interested in politics, or just really busy? We want you to know that you can lead a political life just by taking a few simple steps. Here’s how to get started!
Leading a political life can be as easy as engaging yourself in the world around you. Catch up on current events. Explore a variety of perspectives—in print, online, and over the airwaves. Share your opinions and insight with others. Start a blog—or comment on ours. You can even write your own pieces for Divine Caroline!
You can be a leader at work and at home. Stand up for what you believe in. Be a problem solver. Rally co-workers or friends. Make your voice heard. Attend town council meetings and write to your local newspaper. Become an expert on issues you care about, and make others aware of them.
As the 2008 presidential election kicks into gear, opportunities to be part the political process spring up each day. You can volunteer for the Democrats, the Republicans, the Green Party, the Libertarians, or the Socialist Party or be an Independent.
Register to vote if you have not, and then encourage others to do the same. Get the facts on candidates to make informed choices on Election Day. Plan a meet-up for a discussion or host a debate-watching party. Why not pose a question to the candidates yourself? In fact, why not learn how to run for office yourself? The White House Project hosts events and sessions that will take place around the country in 2007 and 2008.
Leading a political life doesn’t limit you to red, white, and blue. You can fight to save the planet, or protect human rights. Work for abortion rights or for the right to life. Campaign for fair trade coffee. Keep America beautiful. Spend a year developing local leadership. Take a stand against poverty. Check out Idealist or VolunteerMatch to find more ways to get involved in your community.
By Jessica Riegel
Related Story: “A New Way to Engage in Political Change”
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