Interning: A Small Step in Changing the World

I can't vote. I'm not registered with the Selective Service. I don't have to worry about paying income tax. Why should I care about politics? Why should any teen?

With the 2010 midterm elections rapidly approaching, youthful political involvement is more pertinent than at any other time of the year.

I used to wonder why I should care about politics. But now, after working for Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) for the last two years, it's hard for me to see why anyone—young or old—wouldn't care.

For better or worse, politics has undoubtedly pervaded almost every corner of American life. From our school's state funding to our local city curfew, it cannot be debated that politicians, and the choices they make, affect the lives of every person regardless of age.

Yet, despite the effect local, state and federal politicians have on the youth of the Beach Cities, many of us are powerless, right?

Voting is what drives a democracy, and therefore most high school students are sidelined because they are simply too young to enter the voting booth.

Wrong.

There are plenty of important (and legal) ways youth can become part of our democratic process. Wearing a sticker and a campaign button, or interning and volunteering can be crucial to any grassroots campaign and a key part of supporting democracy, whether on a national or a local level.

My entrance into the process came when I was 13 and began working as a campaign intern for Lieu's re-election. I agreed with Lieu's stance on many issues and believed he was doing a superb job representing us in Sacramento.

It is never too early to stand up for what you believe in.

After Lieu won I continued working for him but this time as an intern in his district office, which was an outstanding opportunity to learn about California government and continues to be a fantastic experience for me.

Although I am not debriefing classified CIA documents, the work I do at the office is always meaningful. Furthermore, when I undertake an assignment, I understand that it is my responsibility to complete it to the best of my ability.

Some days I help sort constituent letters that come from throughout the 53rd Assembly District or I summarize a project for a staff member.

I have even been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to present a nonprofit organization with a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the assemblyman. My experience in Lieu's office has been nothing short of life-changing.

I hope that as new figures arrive on the scene, other young people my age can find politicians to work with whom they support and believe will make a difference in their community.

It is important for youth to remember that politics affect all sectors of the community. So, it doesn't matter if you don't want to pursue a career in law or public policy.

Interning for your local assemblyman or helping campaign for the next president, senator or city council or school board member, your volunteerism could influence that decisive vote, and be a first step in changing the world. 

Adam Gerard is a sophomore at Mira Costa High School and his student columns have appeared semi-regularly throughout the previous school year on Manhattan Beach Patch.