high school leaders

The Democracy Matters High School Leaders Program is an internship for high school students. Interns raise awareness at their school about voting, democracy, and social justice issues. Supported by DM staff and DM materials, interns develop leadership and organizing skills including outreach, public speaking, and writing. Interns receive a certificate of achievement and a letter from Democracy Matters to send to colleges and universities of their choice. Being a high school advocate is a first step towards becoming a paid DM intern in college. More than one student can become a DM Leader at their high school.

DM Leader goals

  • Find a teacher who can serve as an advisor to supervise and sign off on your progress. Your advisor will be an ally in your efforts, helping you to involve other faculty and students in putting together successful campaigns.

  • Organize educational events at your school thorugh an assembly, class, discussions, or student club focused on protecting and strengthening our democracy. Possible activities: registering students to vote, or contacting elected officials, or holding a “mock” election, or inviting expert speakers, elected officials and others to educate students on important social issues, or in other ways emphasizing the importance of voting, speaking out, and becoming civically engaged.

  • Write a two-page research paper outlining the ways in which voting or money in politics influences an issue of your choice (environment, healthcare, national defense, civil rights, etc.)

  • Coordinate a group of students to do school or neighborhood outreach programs to educate people about the problems and solutions to getting big money out of politics and people back in.

Leader Resources

  • A subscription to the Democracy Matters monthly E-News.

  • Materials and supplies needed for your organizing (pins, movies, flyers, stickers, etc.)

  • Support and mentoring by the experienced Democracy Matters Staff.

  • Networking with other DM students.

APPLY TODAY

Don’t wait to get to college to be politically active and make a difference. Apply now to be a DM High School Leader. Send your contact information and a brief resume to joanm@democracymatters.org.