THE CHOICE 2008

ADDITIONAL LESSON IDEAS: Voter Mobilization

 

Direct students to the "Young Voter Mobilization Tactics" booklet created by the Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University.

• Break students into small groups and tell them they have been given $100,000 to create a nonpartisan voter mobilization campaign for 18-to-24-year-olds in their state.
• Have them create a plan for spending this money. In doing so, have them decide which three pieces of advice (from the "Mobilization Tactics" booklet) they will be sure to follow.
• Also, ask them which three pieces of advice they will not follow.
• After students present their spending plans to the class, ask:


• What are the most surprising patterns from this research?
• What are some of the most empowering patterns from this research for young voters?
• What are some of the most important ways to tailor this research to young voters in your town? In your state?

 

Internet Resources

Rock the Vote
"Rock the Vote uses music, popular culture and new technologies to engage and incite young people to register and vote in every election." Students can register to vote, watch videos, read youth perspectives on the election and listen to the music of Rock the Vote artists.

 

CIRCLE (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement)
This site offers research and information about "the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25."

 

The Campaign Finance Institute
This nonpartisan institute, affiliated with The George Washington University, provides information and research about campaign finance and campaign finance reform.

 

Related Lesson Plans on PBS Sites

Linking Youth, Politics, Social Media

 

By the People -- Campaign Finance Simulation