Political Activism
HCC Political Science Club
Roundtables:
The Political Science Club has no formal membership and is open to any and all HCC students. Our most common event is a pizza-fueled roundtable discussion. We put the chairs into a large circle, sometimes two or more deep, and debate a hot topic of the day. The term "roundtable" is meant to imply that everyone has a voice and is free to express themselves. However, some students prefer just to listen and not comment themselves, which is fine. We follow no rules except that participants should debate the issues and attack each others' arguments without attacking each other personally. Occasionally a faculty member may redirect the conversation back to the topic if it strays too far, but we don't specifically have any restrictions or rules. Well... except that you can't just steal the pizza and leave.
Me Too: How should we evaluate claims of sexual misconduct against public officials?
Thursday October 18, 12:30-2:00 pm: Katy Campus Cyberlounge
Are American Elections Legitimate? Should we trust our elections? Are they accurate and fair?
Thursday Nov. 29, 1:00-2:30 pm: Katy Campus Cyberlounge (1550 Foxlake Dr.)
What happened to Civility, Tolerance, Transparency, and Restraint?
Thursday Jan. 29, 1:00-2:30 pm: Katy Campus Room 382 (1550 Foxlake Dr.)
The Wall
Wednesday Feb. 27, 12:30-2:00 pm: Cyberlounge, Katy Campus (1550 Foxlake Dr.)
American Socialism? Is there a newfound acceptance of socialism, especially among younger Americans? Is it just a matter of how we define the term?
Tuesday April 9, 12:30-2:00 pm: Katy Campus-Katy Room #231, (1550 Foxlake Dr.)
Should President Trump be Impeached?
Thursday, Sept. 19. 12:30-2 pm: Katy Campus-Room #231; (1550 Foxlake Dr.)
The House of Representatives is slowing moving toward an impeachment attempt. This is an issue that divides Democrats especially, because many believe that it could wind up helping President Trump's reelection prospects. The Senate vote to convict an impeached official (which follows a successful impeachment vote) requires a 2/3 supermajority vote. Given that the Senate currently has a Republican majority, that seems unlikely.
Also, some Republicans have welcomed the prospect of an impeachment vote. Some are "Never Trumpers" who oppose him, and others think it will end the "witch hunt" and strengthen Trump's reelection bid.
Where is the US Economy Headed?
Thursday Oct. 3, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 231 (Katy Room); 1550 Foxlake Dr.
Tax Cuts, Infrastructural Spending, Deficits, Trade Wars.
Should we Abolish the Electoral College?
Tuesday Oct. 22, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 231 (Katy Room); 1550 Foxlake Dr.
What is the effect of the Electoral College on the American presidential election? Should it be abolished?
Will President Trump be Re-Elected?
Thursday Nov 14, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 231 (Katy Room); 1550 Foxlake Dr.
Will he be removed from office or resign? Will Republicans stick with him?
The Great American Middle
Tuesday Feb 18, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 224; 1550 Foxlake Dr.:
What happened to the Great American Middle in politics? Can Americans still be bipartisan, moderate, objective, or pragmatic?
Is the Best Way to Nominate a Candidate?
Thursday March 5, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 224; 1550 Foxlake Dr.:
Primaries, Caucuses, Super Tuesday, and Superdelegates!
TBA
Thursday March 26, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 224; 1550 Foxlake Dr.:
TBA
Tuesday April 14, 12:30-2: Katy Campus, Room 224; 1550 Foxlake Dr.:
HUFLIT PowerPoint
It was a honor and great fun to speak with you all! Please feel free to email or message me if you have questions.
The Reel: Free films
Contact members of US Government
Center for Civic Engagement
HCC Center for Civic Engagement
Register to vote, learn about upcoming elections, FAQs, etc.
Texas Voter Registration Form
If you don't want to register via Turbovote (the above link), which assists you in other ways as well, you may choose to register with this form.
Voter Registration (online form)
You may also check your registration at this site.
The Run Different Campaign Academy
The Run Different Campaign Academy is looking for young people interested in improving our democracy by running for office or helping on the campaigns of other young people.
This is a nonpartisan initiative led by the HCC Center for Civic Engagement, and no experience is necessary. We’re focusing on the November 5th, 2019 local elections. You can also get GOVT 2389 course credit for your involvement with the Campaign Academy.
The first meeting is Wednesday, February 27th @ 2pm in the LHSB Room 408, Central Campus. Subsequent meetings will be held at other HCC campuses.
Come change the way campaigns run by being you!
November 2018 General Election
League of Women Voters of Houston 2018 Voters Guide
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to informing voters. They publish this Voters Guide, consisting of candidates' written answers to questions, to assist voters with their choices. It also includes other helpful information for voters. The 2018 General Election is on November 6.
Harris County 2018 early voting locations
Barack Obama addresses seven excuses that people make for not voting.
November 5 2019 General Election
Paid Poll Workers Wanted!
In an effort to recruit Election Day poll workers, including bilingual English and Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese speakers and high school students, for the upcoming November 5, 2019 Joint General and Special Elections, the Harris County Clerk’s Elections Division is once again launching the Step up to Serve campaign.
Poll workers are the backbone of Harris County elections. Working at a polling location during an election is a unique opportunity for citizens to step up and serve their neighbors as a PAID poll worker to help ensure access to the voting process.
From September 3 through September 27, the #StepUpToServe social media campaign will target students and civic-minded voters with the goal of recruiting at least 800 new Election Day poll workers.
For more information and to apply, see the hyperlink:
November 5, 2019 Elections
Information about State Constitutional Amendments and Houston-area elections.
Acceptable Documents for Texas Voter ID requirement.pdf
Local Political Parties
Republican Party
http://www.harriscountygop.com/
-----713-838-7900-----
To volunteer, click on the link:
Democratic Party
https://harrisdemocrats.org/
-----713-802-0085-----
To volunteer, click on the link:
Libertarian Party
http://www.lpharris.org/
-----713-467-2989-----
To volunteer, click on the link:
Green Party
http://hcgp.org/
-----713-866-6285-----
To volunteer, click on the link:
Texas Democratic Party: Paid Canvassing Position
Canvassing is an effort to identify and register supporters, recruit volunteers, get out the vote, and generally help a party's candidates during elections. Ms. Robinson is seeking HCC students who would like to take the first step in getting involved with politics. This position is flexible and pays $15/hr.
E-mail Nicole Robinson, Canvass Recruiter for the Texas Democratic Party
(2990 Richmond Ave. Suite 180, Houston, Texas 77098) at:
[email protected]
Women in Politics
Internships
Internship in Washington DC
Apply for a "leadership experience," offered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Washington DC. There are one-week programs, summer semesters, fall semesters, or spring semesters. Many scholarships are available, both for this program and for college in general.
Harris County Republican Party Internships
Help Republicans get elected in the November General Election. No prior experience necessary. This is your chance to get involved and get a start in politics! There will be opportunities to work with different departments within the Party if you prove you are ready for that next step.
(See the next pdf for the application.)
Application for the Harris County Republican Party Internships
Harris County Democratic Party Internships
Help turn Texas Blue! The 2018 elections are an historic opportunity for Democrats and for you! Hardworking, passionate, future leaders will gain hands-on exposure to party politics, strengthen their understanding of the political process, and prepare for political opportunities. CLICK ON THE HYPERLINK TO APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 28.
City of Houston Pathways Internship Program
• enables students to explore career possibilities, gain experience, develop marketable skills
and establish professional connections. In some cases, an internship can even lead to a
great job;
• is unpaid, but may count towards course credit if approved by the college or university;
• offers a flexible schedule with shifts from 8 hours to 40 hours per week.
Applications are due Nov. 5 - Nov. 28.
City of Houston Summer 2019 Jobs Program
This summer, city departments are opening their doors to provide opportunities for you to earn while you learn about what it takes to serve the residents of the nation’s 4th largest city. Most positions are for 32 hours per week, at $8.00 per hour. The 2019 Summer Jobs Application will open February 11th and close March 23rd.
To be eligible to participate in the program, you must be between the age of 16 and 24 by June 10th, and live in a City of Houston council district.
Internship for Sylvester Turner for Mayor Campaign
This internship is a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach students the nuts & bolts of campaigns, receive mentorship from experienced campaign staff, and hear from a variety of political guest speakers. The program was curated for a wide breadth of students; interns will interact with and learn from the campaign’s Field, Data, Operations, Communications, Political, Finance, and Policy departments.
Write to "[email protected]" if you have questions.
Sheila Jackson Lee internship (US Congress, Texas District 18)
This comprehensive internship program is designed to expose students to the inner-workings of a Congressional Campaign. Interns will receive hands-on experience in areas like canvassing, phone banking, organizing, data entry, and volunteer coordination. Interns will work directly under the supervision of the Campaign Chairman, Coordinator, and Field Organizer. Interns will contribute to each of the critical areas of the campaign including, Finance, Data, Field, Operations, and Political activities. Email '[email protected]' with any questions.
Click here to apply: