I think I’ve spent enough time talking about my feelings on the A-political type. People don’t “do politics,” but politics still does you. My passion is finding ways to eliminate this excuse and making politics more tangible for young minds. It’s all a game, and when you know how to play, you begin to understand the world better.
I think when we start giving real and easy ways to start in politics is a much better approach than yelling at people who might have no idea where to start. 2026 is the year we all get involved!
Read Politics
It sounds obvious, but some people need a constant reminder. I always tell people to download a news app (literally any one you want) and allow notifications. It will be a kind of reminder throughout the day to read about what’s going on, even if it’s quick. It’s also a good way to remind yourself not to go to social media first. If it’s on the little computer everyone carries in their back pocket, it’s accessible. I personally have the Reuters app and the AP news report app.
Register to Vote
No matter how many people tell you that your vote doesn’t matter, it does. Whether it’s a federal, state, or local election, you are making a difference. There are many ways to make our voices heard, but voting is one of the most impactful. To figure out how to register in your state, go to https://vote.gov/. It will show you step-by-step instructions.
Find your Reps
Whenever someone asks me about how to get involved in Politics, I always say to start local. Most people want to know how things affect them, so the best way to do that is to understand what’s going on in your town. To put it as simply as possible, States get divided up into voting districts, and each district has a representative. I urge you to look up what voting district your town is in, and then find who your representative is. Next up would be to find your senators. You can find your Representatives here and your Senators here.
Don’t call your ex, call your Reps!
So, once you’re in the know about who represents you, the fun begins. Yes, you can call them. Calling your Senators and Representatives is one of the most direct ways to urge them to do something. When there is an issue that you may be passionate about (a bill being passed or not), you can call and tell them what you think they should do. If you don’t know exactly what to say, you can look up scripts! Most time,s you are asked to leave a message, but in cool opportunities, you may be able to speak directly to them. There is an app called “5 Calls” that you can download, which lists prudent issues and gives you exact scripts to use!
Put down Roots
Much like starting at the local level, Grassroots Organizations always need help. These are organizations that use community mobilization to advocate for an issue. They rely on volunteers to help with events and other actions they may take. There are Grassroots Organizations for literally any issue. Think about things you’re interested in and see if you can find some orgs that advocate for it, see if they are active anywhere near you!
Take a Class
One piece of advice I have been told over and over is that while in college, you should take classes outside of your major to broaden your horizons. Most introductory courses are a great way to be introduced to basic political theories in a non-partisan way, while also learning the history behind them. You’re already paying tuition, you might as well use it to your advantage!
Join a Club
Sometimes taking a class can be a lot. I know that most times when you take a class where everyone is in the same major, it can be intimidating. Joining a club may be a way to mitigate that. In College there is basically a club for anything, and it is a great way to make new connections and learn something new without having the pressure of exams or assignments.
Read and Watch
CONSUME MEDIA!!! We all fall into the doom-scrolling rabbit hole, and I know a lot more about brain rot than I probably should, but consuming political media such as documentaries, movies, books, articles, etc., is probably one of the best ways to become in tune with politics. It makes things more personal when you get to understand other people’s experiences. Here is a list of books that I highly recommend looking at
Social Media
I know I always say that you can’t believe everything on Social Media, but it is still extremely helpful as a tool. Sometimes a breaking story or political issue will reach me through Instagram before I get the news report. If you don’t have people close in your circle to talk to, finding pages that reach you through some of the most used apps today may be the route to go. I will say again, though, that Social Media is not a verifiable source. Anything a political influencersaysd should be fact-checked.
Go to a Protest
Much like the ‘No Kings Protests’ that have gained notoriety, protests are another way you can make your voice heard publicly. You can find protests happening near you with a quick Google search, or even through social media!