So, we were ready... and even though I can't say the same for Cameron, this was one of the few pictures where I have a normal expression.
This is straight mesmerizing... or at least, whatever I was looking at was. Btw, Masters of Ceremonies ftw.
DERP. that's what it looks like I'm saying...
This is a man dressed to kill, yet with a smile so tender.
The Politico Gang and The Duque
In this blurry picture, I'm sitting next to Vaibhav and Kaylee waiting for the HOA meeting to start. Epic.
In this blurry picture I'm checking out these plans for a multi-faceted performing
arts building that they want to build somewhere in Anthem.
In this blurry picture, Vaibhav and Kaylee have come to join me in examining the aforementioned plans.
In this blurry picture, I'm giving one of the board members my contact info so that they can "get back to me" on my idea for starting a First Friday-esq scenario right here in Anthem.
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My Community Service Duties Essay
In order to analyze and evaluate the importance and effects of volunteering in a community, I set out to gain first-hand experience in the world of political participation of free will. For my first volunteer duty, I was elected to be one of the moderators for a bi-partisan political forum held at Boulder Creek High School. My role as moderator was to facilitate the proceedings of an introductory/welcome speech; to ask each politician the pre-constructed questions; and give a conclusive, ending speech. Although it was unfortunate that, due to a prior arrangement, neither the republican candidates nor the other parties could show up, we were still able to inform the public about political issues and party agendas.
The next setting of community service was the Anthem Community Center. There, I sat and listened to all the future plans for renovation and construction. They discussed the different plots of land that could be utilized for stores and multi-purpose buildings as well as ways to make already popular spots even more functional and appealing. In order to assert my opinion and be a part of this change, I presented a comment to the board that there ought to be a more artistic and cultural scene, just like there is downtown with their art walks, local street bands and “mom and pop” restaurants. Luckily, I found someone interested enough to take down my information so as to have someone to refer to for a more detailed schematic, so to speak.
A Summative Essay on Political Participation
According to Hans Klein, the Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, political participation is defined as such: “political participation refers citizens’ seek[ing] to influence public affairs. Political participation can take many forms, the most notable of which is voting in elections, but also including joining a political party, standing as a candidate in an election, joining a non-governmental advocacy group, or participating in a demonstration.” For one to be a part of their local or federal political atmosphere in a volunteer station, they must take it upon themselves to seek out a job – one in which they do not profit from monetarily – and to the best of their ability, they must make an attempt to influence others in a way that would benefit society, in their own opinion. Hans Klein mentions voting in elections as his primary source and advice, and although this is extremely underrated and necessary, it is not the most effective way one could influence society. Now if one takes it upon them to promote ideals through speeches, flyers, or any other means of communication, one could theoretically provide a candidate with hundreds or thousands of votes, as opposed the one he would provide on his own.
Lincoln Allison brought up a good point when he asked the question: what constitutes politics? He stated, “[We] assume that activity within a political party or an organization which regarded itself as a pressure group should count as political participation, but what about activity in other sorts of organizations, such as sports associations and traditional women's organizations? Although not overtly political, these organizations set the context of politics, give their active members administrative experience and are capable of overt political action if their interests or principles are threatened.” While some groups and activities are regarded, without a doubt, as political, there are many shades of grey due to the fact that “politics” is such a broad term used quite loosely. As Mr. Klein said, a couple of the ways one can take part in politics is to help a candidacy or even take part in a demonstration. While joining a political party or funding a candidacy is definitely role in politics, promoting a special interest group or taking part in a demonstration is easily arguable as to how direct or effective such activity is. One could side with either argument but must take into consideration this: whether or not the actions of an individual reach the white house is not important, only whether the actions of the individual make others think twice about who they vote for. Because that’s what it comes down to: informing the public –usually in a manner that benefits your social and fiscal beliefs.
To think of it in its simplest form, political participation is the attempt to sway society’s beliefs in favor of matching your own, whether that is simply by voting to elect a candidate who you believe will make the best decisions, or by joining an influential group and using that to facilitate political change. On a grand scale, one person may not make much difference, but to get others involved and join your cause will result in exponential growth in progress. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself and stay informed so that you can properly help to better society through your political advocating.
Work Cited:
Hans Klein (2005, June 1) The Right to Political Participation and the Information Society. Retrieved from http://www.ip3.gatech.edu/research/Right_to_Political_Participation.pdf
Lincoln Allison (2003) Political Participation. Retrieved from http://www.answers.com/topic/political-participation
Analysis of Thematic Implications Essay
As a volunteer to my community, my duties have had a role in shaping the world I live in. As for the magnitude of my impact, I know not, nor the number of people I helped, but I do that I did, in fact, make a difference. When I moderated for the Political Panel at Boulder Creek, I brought light to the ignorant about issues concerning our community and state and what politicians were planning to do about them. During the forum, politicians were able to share with the community what they stood for and how they planned to attack the issues that faced us. This not only helped those that attended, but all those who were told of said issues after the fact. In my service as an audience member at a community council meeting, I contributed my opinion in hopes for a better future. Whether or not my suggestion will be put into effect has yet to be seen.
Now from a general point of view, looking at my “forms” of community service and how they affect society as a whole in any given place, the type of services I performed is political. More specifically, I helped to shape the thoughts and political ideals of those around me. Anyone in a state could accomplish like I have done or through many other paths. I chose these two because they were the most readily available to me. The same effect would manifest itself in other projects like participating in a rally/demonstration or even helping to promote a political ideology.
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