American Govt AP Political Volunteer Assignment

I want you all to get involved in the political process, gain insight into how campaigns work, and have some fun doing so! Your assignment is to work approximately 2 hours a week from now until Nov. 4. (That’s 8 hours total).

Here is a list of some websites to start your search:

•JOHN MCCAIN

http://california.johnmccain.com/

http://www.marinformccain.org/volunteer.html (events in Marin County)

•BARACK OBAMA: Events for Barack Obama in the area: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?orderby=zip_radius&zip_radius[0]=94901&zip_radius[1]=15&radius_unit=miles&country=US

There are 115 events listed happening in north and east bay.

East Bay for Obama (Oakland)

http://barackobama.meetup.com/157/

•Find your local assembly/state senate race and volunteer for a candidate.

•Find your Congressional representative and volunteer for a candidate.

•California Secretary of State: Information on ballot propositions in Nov. 2008

http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/ (see our website too) There are several controversial issues on this ballot including matters of criminal justice, minors and abortion, same sex marriage, and alternative fuel sources.

Written requirement:

•Submit a form which documents the hours that you worked, dates of work and the tasks that you completed. Have an adult in the campaign sign the form. Include a phone number. You may participate in a variety of activities, by the way--work on the Obama campaign and on Barbara Lee’s campaign, for example. You may also count time spent in meetings during lunch at MA. Any time spent at a “victory” party on Nov. 4 counts, too!

•Write a 2-3 page reflection which considers the following questions:

Briefly describe what kind of work you did for the campaign (or for the issue). Did you learn anything about the nature of political campaigns? political process? What were the “highlights” of your work ? Any challenges in the work? What would you change, if you could?

OR

You may present a lunchtime educational session on one of the propositions on the ballot in November. You would prepare to speak for about 15 minutes and then answer questions. A powerpoint presentation will be used to help you communicate that information. You’ll turn in the powerpoint for credit. I’ll give you a rubric soon, if you are interested in this option. Check with me about scheduling this option.

Deadlines:

•Make the calls/contact by Fri. Oct. 10 and commit to the work you’ll be doing. I’ll be asking you to write down your information and turn it in to me in class.

•Work Form and Reflection OR Presentation/Powerpoint due: Nov. 7

Worth 100 points