Jocelyn Law - 3 Ways to Kickstart Your Political Journey
By Jocelyn Law
Elect Her - Peer Support Circle class of 2020
How can you move from an interest in politics into a political activist?
Many of us will have a long-standing interest in national political issues, but if you know you want to take an active role yourself, it can seem daunting finding a way in – especially if you’re a woman. The Parliament Project runs a Peer Support Circles programme, which is great for political novices or women who’ve been involved for a while.
I took part in the programme in the winter cohort of 2019/20, and really enjoyed the highly interactive format, which brings together women from across the UK and from different parties in online sessions.
I found the programme very rewarding, gained new perspectives from the women I got to know and had a valuable opportunity to reflect on my own experiences as a community and political activist. After our final session three things stood out for me as critical when embarking on your political journey.
1 Get involved in local campaigns or causes you believe in
Many of us look on politics as being the means to bring about positive change. If you want to deepen your involvement in politics, it really helps to get involved in campaign issues that are local or of personal interest to you. This can help raise your profile – but beware, people will be suspicious if they sense you’re getting involved simply for personal gain.
Working on a campaign or cause gives you valuable experience. It helps you put into practice your own professional or voluntary expertise in a community setting and you learn to work with diverse people or local stakeholders. You will learn to build networks and to identify people in the community or in politics who can help your cause. If you want to stand for elected office it really helps if you’ve worked on a campaign, you will understand what issues matter to people and how frustrated they may feel trying to get “something done.” Whatever their views, people are likely to respect someone who has knowledge on a local issue, or who has spent time working for improvement.
2 Nothing beats practical experience
If you want to stand for political office, you will need to get out and meet the electors – so get involved in your local party.
This may seem daunting, but political parties are like other voluntary groups, they will welcome you if you will give up some of your time to help with admin or deliver leaflets. It’s really helpful to get experience of meeting the public. This ranges from being on a stand on the high street, getting people to sign a petition, or by canvassing. These situations give you the opportunity to develop your persuasive skills and teach you how to deal with different types of people. Ask to be paired up with someone who has previous experience – you will get great tips and insights from people who have been through it all before.
3 Developing your personal story is key
Both these earlier steps will help you here! If you want a role in politics, either as a party official or in elected office, you will need to persuade people to give you their support.
Whether it’s the public or a selection panel, people really do respond to your personal story. You do need to show that you understand policies and the implications for people’s lives. But, sharing what motivated you to get involved in politics, is vital.
Spend time thinking about your own personal reasons for your activism, what aspects other people might identify with and think of some good examples you can bring into conversation. Why should someone stand and talk to you on the doorstep when they could be watching a box set?
Being able to show your authenticity is critical. If people can understand your passion or identify with you through experiences you share, they will be interested in you and what you have to say. People do respond to authenticity and will appreciate your honesty – even if they don’t agree with all your views.
You can follow Jocelyn on Twitter at @JocelynLaw1.