Analysis of Thematic Implication

Jessica Schildt

Ms. Duquette

AP Gov/Politics

3 December 2010

                        Thematic Implications of Political Participation

            In many instances, political participation and political observation are partners in developing political efficacy. One cannot easily or effectively participate in politics without experience observing them. My community service successfully benefitted the surrounding areas because it combined both political participation and political observation; all of my activities had the common goal of increasing political awareness and communication between candidates/officeholders and the citizenry.

            Through the Politicos club, I fostered voter knowledge and involvement by distributing pamphlets about the district override funds. This was done at football games because they usually attract a large crowd of residents, and the ages vary greatly from teenagers to the elderly. Informing residents about the override increased their chances of voting, as the cause could easily have compelled them to cast their vote. Interestingly enough, the override passed with only a few hundred votes; the margin was so narrow, that it is quite possible that Politicos club’s efforts significantly affected the passing of the override. Politicos club’s final project was the hosting of the Political Panel, which was held on October 25, 2010. At this Panel, the two candidates who were present answered questions designed to inform the public about their platforms in anticipation of the impending November 2 election. I co-hosted this panel, which was an experience that put me directly on the stage with the candidates. All of Politicos club’s events instilled in me a desire to continue participating in the political process and increasing my level of political efficacy, externally and internally.

            With a similar objective in mind, I aided the residents of Pioneer RV Resort in communicating with the governor, their District 1 Councilwoman (Thelda Williams), and the state land commissioner. Typing these letters greatly helped these residents, who lack the technological knowledge to do so themselves. The purpose of their letters is to communicate the needs of the Pioneer residents to the authority that will ultimately decide whether to evict them or not. While I did partially facilitate this political communication, I also observed it as they met together and discussed details about delivering the letters, etc.

Few experiences have been so valuable to me, as well as to the community. Increasing political participation and observation among young people should be a priority of the community; these experiences solidify that statement. From my service, the community received informative pamphlets about the district override, a Political Panel that helped them know their candidates, and letters that increased awareness about the situation of the elderly at Pioneer. Beyond these tangible benefits, however, the community gained the very real hope that the next generation will take pride in America’s political process, and wholeheartedly partake in it.