To be a minor in this very politically charged decade is rough; there’s so many important things to fight for yet people tend to suppress the opinions of minors and minors can’t vote. There are some ways, however that you can do your duty as a citizen, and learn more about the political world as well.

The first and arguably most important step to becoming a politically involved minor is to find out what you consider to be most important when voting. A lot of minors are easily swayed by what their parents, teachers, or other role model’s political views are, and so it’s harder for them to develop their own opinions. Take some time to evaluate common political stances and create an opinion for yourself, instead of just taking on someone else’s.

The next step one should take while getting involved is to pay attention! Listen to the news! Read the international newspaper! Watch informational news programs!  If someone doesn’t pay attention to the world around them than their opinion within politics will most likely be ill-informed and biased. There’s plenty of things happening out there that will shape who someone is politically, and will assist them in figuring out what’s most significant to them.

Once you’re well informed and opinionated, you can begin to truly participate. There are plenty of ways to take those uber-important opinions to the next level and spring into action by doing your part and making a difference.

If there’s something you’re particularly passionate about, then find out who your representatives are and write them. Their job is to be there for the citizens of their state and listen to what they have to say so they can, well, represent you. You can find your representatives and how to contact them here- http://www.house.gov/representatives/ Also, make sure that when you do end up contacting them, be polite and respectful, they are busy people with an important job to do- they deserve respect just as much as the next guy!

Another thing you can do is campaign for a candidate. Although you can’t vote for them, you may as well try and do everything in your power to get those who can to! Go to the certain candidate’s website and sign up, if possible. Sign up to receive emails and online newsletters that will fill you in on what they’ve been doing and how you can help them. You can also donate to their campaign if there’s an option.

Engage in a healthy debate with those you care about. It’s important to hear other people’s opinions so you can get the full spectrum of ideas.  Don’t insult others, be open-minded and respect opinions that may be different than yours.

You are the future, and if you don’t start getting involved now, it’ll be harder to get involved in the future. You’ll be eighteen and registering to vote soon, enough, may as well get a head start!