Become a Politician

Political Parties are a means by which politicians, voters, and platforms can be united. Under the banner of a political party politicians generally vote, and act upon the influence and platform (ideology) of the Party and Party officials.

Voters often choose who to vote for based upon which party the Politician is affiliated with and not always the ideals of the politician. This is especially evident in local and state elections where the politician campaigning is less recognizable to the voters.

The United States is a multi-party system, but favors two parties in particular. These political parties are the Republicans (Grand Old Party-GOP) and the Democratic Party. The majority of all legislatures and executive branch members on the national and state level are only from these two political parties. If you are interested in looking at multiple parties you can check out 25 political party websites here: Political Parties

The importance of getting involved in your party is to meet like-minded people that will help you in the future to get elected to different offices. This becomes important because the party is the life-blood to your early elections, and the only way to become President.

Ways to get involved

Help the party by volunteering to help your neighbors register to vote. Look for donations for local candidates and the party itself. Go to conventions on the state and local levels. Go to town hall meetings and other political meetings held by the party.

Meet the leadership of the party through emails, phone calls, or personal visits. Know your local officials and candidates. Be of service to them. Meet State legislators and get involved in the issues they face.

1. Know why you are running! This is what will motivate you and voters will want to know.

2. Know why you are better than your opponent and be able to explain it to others well. Your opponent most likely has great attributes as well so do not discount them, just explain clearly why you would be a better choice.

3. In the beginning hold small private meetings with possible volunteers and fundraisers. Be specific about your ideas and your goals. Get them behind you. Tell them what they are really in-store for. Let them know your expectations. Then find out theirs.

4. Fundraise night and day! A politician, while campaigning is nothing more than a full-time fundraiser. When you are meeting people fundraise. When you are driving, sitting, or not in meetings call and fundraise. Money is the life-blood of your campaign. Good ideas and strong values wont get you elected if you can't share them with others.

5. Fill your staff positions with volunteers. This could mean recruiting at local colleges, community centers, high school government classes, etc. You can find skilled graphic artists, web designers, flyer distributors, and phone callers this way. Don't pay anyone you don't have too! This will save you lots of money and allow you to spread your message further.

6. Save money everywhere you can. Get discounts for buying in bulk. Look for ways to save money constantly. If you are always fundraising, it seems like a waste to be misusing your hard earned donations.

7. Be transparent. The donations you receive need to be recorded. Know when, where, and who gave you the money. Also know where it will be going. This is not only the law, but a great way to be throughout your political career. People feel like they can trust you.

8. Have a budget and most importantly stick to it!

9. Know what your constituency really thinks. It is important that you stick to your values, but you need to know what values voters want to hear about!

10. Listen. Too often politicians spend time talking and not enough time listening. Listening is often where your greatest ideas will come from. Listen to advisers, friends, family, and especially voters and other politicians. Don't be afraid to listen to your adversaries. Just because someone does not agree with you, does not mean that all their ideas and solutions are bad.

Your campaign can stagnate fast if you are not careful. It only takes a few days to loose the momentum you have been working for all along. Often political campaigns are plagued with early efforts and a period of withdrawals. Volunteers dry up, donates cease to exist, and within a week you are broke.

That's when the polls change too! Don't hit the brick wall. Remember, campaigns are like sprint races. Watch a 100 meter run sometime. Athletes give everything for under 10 seconds! The key though is that they hold nothing back.

Likewise your campaign is short. It is no more than a year, unless it is Presidential, and requires you to give everything for the entire duration.

How to Become a Politician

Become a Politician