Published: March 14, 2022
CU on friday

Have you ever thought about working for change in your community, your state or your country as a public servant? Perhaps you want to know more about your rights as a voter? Do you daydream about the United Nations (UN) and international affairs? You don’t have to go far to make a difference and connect with Buffs who have similar interests. 

From politically focused internships and voting in local elections to attending international conferences, here are a few ways to get involved if you’re interested in public service, or a career in politics or international affairs.

Get involved and vote for your CU Boulder representatives

There’s no better time to make a difference on campus than right now. CU Boulder Student Government (CUSG) is the official governing body of the nearly 34,000 students at CU Boulder. In the upcoming spring 2022 elections starting April 4, you have the power to vote for new tri-executives and representatives-at-large. Being an informed voter by attending debates or town hall events is a great way to learn more about student politics at CU Boulder. Plus, there are other ways to get involved with CUSG to ensure your voice is heard.

Make a difference in your community

If you’re looking to learn about how to engage in your community’s political process or discover the resources available to you as a student activist, check out Activate. Activate is your first stop to understanding your role as a voter in your community. Don’t forget that 2022 is a midterm election year, and the perfect time to register to vote and vote in your local elections. 

You can make a difference while you put classroom learning into real-world action. Participating in the CU in D.C. internship program will give you the chance to spend time living, studying and working in the nation’s capital. You can gain work experience at your internship in the daytime and continue your CU coursework with evening classes. CU in D.C. allows you to network, learn more about U.S. politics and grow your abilities professionally, personally and intellectually.

Pursue your interests

Your passion doesn’t have to lie in politics to make a difference. For example, CU Mini Law School is a seven-week series designed for non-lawyers, and is a great way to learn what law school is like. There are no required readings, tests or homework assignments–just a great opportunity to learn about the law.

Attend one of Career Services’ weekly Pre-Law Tuesday Talks from lawyers, law schools and judges across the country giving pre-law students insight from their experiences.

If you are still looking for a way to get involved, remember that BuffConnect has over 500 student organizations for you to browse through. The list is organized by category to help you find and explore organizations. Try searching the “government and politics” category to find an organization that sounds interesting to you. 

Get involved with international events

You don’t have to leave campus to learn about international politics or get involved in world affairs. The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) is a free event each spring, open to everyone on campus and in the Boulder community. The conference allows you to learn from a diverse group of experts and engaging panelists from around the world. Attend sessions to be inspired by exchanging ideas, acquiring knowledge and gaining new insights.

If your interests lie in learning about the traditions and heritage of other cultures, then the CU International Festival (iFest) is for you. This annual festival happens in the spring and is the largest student-organized event on campus. Learn about different cultures through booths, performances, food and interactive activities. For a deeper connection, join the iFest committee and be part of a diverse group of people to celebrate cultural diversity on campus.

Attend events

A great way to meet people who share your interests and learn something together is by attending events. Be on the lookout for activities you can be a part of to learn more!

Try things on your own

If you’d like to explore on your own or with a friend, here are a few suggestions of activities you can do in your own time.

  • Make sure you’re registered to vote.
  • Vote in upcoming local elections.
  • Research your local legislators and politicians.
  • Spend time in the library researching how your local government works or other countries’ political systems.
  • Volunteer or join a political party or non-partisan group you follow.
  • Volunteer to register voters.
  • Attend city council meetings.
  • Take a political science class.
  • Meet with friends to discuss a cause and contact your legislators to make change.

For more tips and resources for getting involved, visit the Student Affairs website, check out student events, download the CU Boulder Life app and be sure to follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!