posted
Here is my story; my career is in Human Resources Information Technology, which has nothing to do with politics. However, I’ve always had a yearning to pursue political affairs.
How does one get into politics?
I have no idea where to start, who to talk to, or what to get involved in. Any ideas?
Can someone who has no direct contact with political figures or political/law degrees become a successful civil servant?
What would be the preparation and steps to becoming a political figure to represent the people?
Posts: 82 | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
It depends on your city, but generally, I think that there are two groups of issues. The most important group, and least spoken of, concerns figuring out how best you can serve, what you want to do and why.
The second group is mechanical. Talk to your local party. I imagine they are going to tell you "No," or "wait," unless you are connected or wealthy, then you are going to have to run anyway, gather signatures, and at the end, get more votes than the next guy. All of the stuff that falls under the second catagory won't make you worth a damn as a person or a politician-- and we all know worthless people and politicians-- unless you've thought hard on the questions concerning the first group.
Posts: 5600 | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
If you don't mind being more involved in the bureaucracy and governance part of things, consider applying for one of the many committee positions your city offers.
Also, avoid school board elections like the plague (unless you have particular familiarity with the politics of those in your area). They're frequently bloody.
Do, however, go to school board (and city council, and other) meetings. It'll be useful experience, plus, when you decide to run for one of them you can talk about having attended one of them for X years (or months, or whatever; so long as you go to at least half the ones in that period you should be fine) and use that to one up your opponent, who unless a sitting member almost certainly won't have been going at all.
Posts: 15770 | Registered: Dec 2001
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