African American Civic Engagement

ATTENTION YOUTH: YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW!

Ready to make a difference?

It’s time to step up, take action, and shape your future by joining the government and public service sectors! Whether you're passionate about leadership, policy, law, or serving your community, opportunities are waiting for YOU—and it all starts at age 18!

✅ Serve your country or community in the Military or National Guard!
✅ Get your foot in the door with internships and jobs in government agencies!
✅ Get hands-on experience in law, becoming an attorney, or working as a public defender!
✅ Run for office! Whether it’s city council or state legislature, YOU can be the voice of change!
✅ Volunteer and join impactful programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps!
✅ Work alongside state legislators and judges—become the next generation of policymakers!

EVERY STATE HAS ITS OWN OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU:

State-specific internships, jobs, and volunteer programs tailored to YOUR community.
Explore local government roles, city council, and even law enforcement right where you live.
Leadership programs, youth councils, and political campaigns waiting for YOU to get involved!

HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED:

Check out available positions, internships, and volunteer opportunities in YOUR state!
Apply for youth leadership programs and political campaigns to get your feet wet!
Run for office and represent your community at the local or state level (YES, you can do this at 18)!
Visit websites like USAJobs.gov, your state’s official government portal, or local city sites to find positions that match your passion!

Why Join?

Make a real impact in shaping the policies that affect your community and country.
Build a career that matters, whether it's in law, military, public health, or urban development.
Gain experience that will help you grow as a leader and create a network that lasts a lifetime.

⚡ This is your chance to take charge of your future! Don’t wait—get involved, get informed, and start your journey to a career in government today!

👊 Take Action Now:
🔗 Find opportunities near you!
Explore state and local government roles | Start volunteering with AmeriCorps

THE FUTURE IS YOURS. READY TO STEP INTO IT?

African American Civic Engagement

Below is an outline of general state-level opportunities in the following categories:

1. Executive Branch Careers (State-Level)

A. State Military or National Guard (18+)

What it is: Serving in the state's National Guard or State Military Forces.
Opportunities: Similar to federal military service but focused on state-specific needs such as disaster response, state defense, or supporting local law enforcement during emergencies.
How to Get Started: Each state has a National Guard or State Military Force. Visit your state's National Guard website for more information (e.g., California National Guard, Texas National Guard).

B. State Agencies and Departments (18+)

What it is: State-level government jobs, such as working in public health, transportation, environmental protection, or law enforcement.
Opportunities: Entry-level roles in various departments like the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, or the state’s Office of Public Safety.
How to Get Started: Visit state government job portals. For example, California State Jobs, Texas State Jobs.

C. Volunteer & Service Programs (18+)

What it is: Many states have volunteer programs focused on community service or social issues, such as AmeriCorps State programs.
Opportunities: Volunteer coordination, social service programs, disaster relief, or environmental programs.
How to Get Started: Check with your state’s volunteer programs or use the national AmeriCorps site.

2. Legislative Branch Careers (State-Level)

A. State Legislative Internships (18+)

What it is: Assisting state senators or representatives with research, communication, and legislative duties.
Opportunities: Research assistants, communications assistants, and legislative staff positions.
How to Get Started: Most state legislatures offer internship programs, such as California State Legislature Internships, Texas House of Representatives Internships.

B. Run for State Office (18+)

What it is: Young adults can run for state legislative positions like the State House or Senate (age requirements vary by state).
Opportunities: Legislative positions representing districts in the state legislature.
How to Get Started: Research your state’s election laws for office eligibility (age requirements vary, but you can run for lower-level state positions in many states at 18-21). For example, in California, you can run for the State Assembly at age 18.

C. Political Campaigns and Advocacy Groups (18+)

What it is: Getting involved in local or state-level political campaigns or advocacy groups.
Opportunities: Campaign organizing, outreach, communications, and political activism.
How to Get Started: Get involved with political parties or advocacy groups that focus on state-specific issues. Websites like ActBlue or Ballotpedia provide campaign information.

3. Judicial Branch Careers (State-Level)

A. State Judicial Internships (18+)

What it is: Interning at state courts to assist judges and clerks with legal research and administrative tasks.
Opportunities: Internships or clerkships with state judges, assisting with case management or legal writing.
How to Get Started: Many state courts offer internship opportunities. For example, the California State Courts Intern Program or New York State Court Internships.

B. Becoming a State Attorney or Public Defender (Law School Required)

What it is: Becoming a prosecutor or public defender at the state level after completing law school.
Opportunities: Working as a state prosecutor, district attorney, or public defender in criminal or civil cases.
How to Get Started: Attend law school and pass your state’s bar exam. Check local district attorney offices for internships or assistant roles, like California District Attorney or Texas Office of the Attorney General.

C. State Supreme Court Clerkships (After Law School)

What it is: Serving as a clerk for a state supreme court judge or justice.
Opportunities: Working directly with justices on high-profile state cases.
How to Get Started: After law school, apply for clerkships at your state’s highest court, such as California Supreme Court Clerkships.

4. Local Government Opportunities (State and Local)

A. Local Government Jobs (18+)

What it is: Entry-level positions with city or county governments in areas like urban planning, public works, housing, or parks and recreation.
Opportunities: Jobs in local departments like public safety, urban planning, housing and development, or environmental health.
How to Get Started: Check your local city or county’s website for available positions. For example, Los Angeles City Jobs, Chicago Government Jobs.

B. City Council or County Commissioner (18+)

What it is: Youth can run for city council or become a county commissioner, often with lower age requirements for local office.
Opportunities: Elected positions at the local government level to shape policy on community issues.
How to Get Started: Learn about local election laws and run for office in your city or county. Check your city or county elections office for more details.

C. Local Police or Firefighter (18+)

What it is: Becoming a police officer or firefighter at the local or county level.
Opportunities: Patrol officer, detective, firefighter, emergency medical technician.
How to Get Started: Check your local police or fire department websites for recruitment and academy information. For example, NYC Police Recruitment or Los Angeles Fire Recruitment.

5. Volunteer and Service Programs (State-Level)

A. State-Specific AmeriCorps Programs (18+)

What it is: National service programs, including positions specific to each state, focusing on education, health, community engagement, and disaster response.
Opportunities: AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps State, or AmeriCorps NCCC.
How to Get Started: Visit the AmeriCorps State Programs Directory and search for state-specific service opportunities.

B. State-based Volunteer Programs (18+)

What it is: Each state has unique programs for youth to volunteer in local communities, parks, schools, and nonprofits.
Opportunities: Volunteering for environmental causes, education programs, disaster relief, or public service initiatives.
How to Get Started: Search for volunteer opportunities in your state through local government websites or nonprofit networks.

6. Youth Leadership Programs (State-Level)

A. State Leadership Conferences and Youth Councils (18+)

What it is: Many states offer leadership programs and youth councils focused on government and policy-making.
Opportunities: Developing leadership skills, learning about state governance, and participating in youth advisory boards.
How to Get Started: Look for state-specific youth leadership programs like the California Youth Leadership Program or Texas Youth Advisory Council.