| How to Get Involved in Local Politics Posted: 14 Oct 2017 05:00 PM PDT People get into local politics for reasons as varied as having a say in their community, trying to make a difference or wanting to change policies they don't agree with. Getting involved can initially seem daunting if you don't know where to begin, but with research, volunteering, and using your voice, you can become an involved citizen. EditBecoming Active - Research your elected officials. If you're new in town or just haven't paid much attention, you may not know who is in charge of your local government. With the whole world at your fingertips, it's easier than ever to find out. [1] A simple Google search will pull up information about all the elected officials in your community. Knowing who represents you is a critical step to being an informed and active citizen.
- Register to vote. You are eligible to vote in elections for the area in which you live. Update your voter registration if you change addresses. Some ways to register are to:
- Go to your state or local election office.
- Go to the department of motor vehicles.
- Register online, if possible. [2]
- Join a political party. Political parties work together to elect officials who hold their beliefs. Based on your own beliefs, values, and ideas for government, choose the party that is right for you. Register to join the party of your choosing with your state board of elections. You may be able to register for your chosen party when you register to vote.
- Attend meetings. City council, board of education, and other board meetings are typically open to the public. As boring as they might sound to some people, they will help you understand the inner workings of your government and see your representatives in action. [3]
- Some meetings allow for audience input. Come prepared with questions about policies, rules or viewpoints you'd like clarification on.
- Stay informed. Local newspapers and tv stations will keep you in the loop on the latest happenings in your government and in the political field. Subscribe to newsletters and papers online. Follow your representatives and the media on Twitter and Facebook.
EditVolunteering - Work on a campaign. The candidate will be grateful for as much or little time as you can give. Knock on doors, make phone calls, and support events. This is an exciting opportunity to get to know other people in the organization and the community and to gain invaluable experience. Volunteering on a campaign will give you the foundational understanding you need if you think you might want to run for local office one day.[4]
- Work for a party organization. The headquarters of the local political party is bustling with activity. Help stuff envelopes, answer the phones, and respond to emails. You will learn the ins and outs of how the organization is run, and set yourself up to take on more responsibility in the future.[5]
- Serve as a poll worker. Help with registration, logistics, and supervising a precinct on election day.[6] To see if you can serve, find out the following:
- If you must be a registered voter.
- If there is an age requirement.
- If there is a residency requirement.
- If a political party affiliation is required.
EditUsing Your Voice - Attend town hall meetings. Town hall meetings differ from most meetings that election officials attend because they are created to interact directly with constituents. Attending one is a way to speak directly to your representatives about issues that matter to you. Most town hall meetings are under-attended, but they are free and take place in public places.[7]
- Check your official's social media accounts and website or just call their office to find out when the meetings take place.
- Go with a friend to your first few meetings to feel more comfortable.
- Prepare a question to ask if there's a topic you want to know more about.
- Contact your representatives. Let them know how you think they are doing, what you want to see them do differently, and what you appreciate about their service. There are many ways to contact your representatives:[8]
- Use social media.
- Call and speak with their staff members or leave a voicemail.
- Write a letter.
- Write an email.
- Visit their office and speak in person.
- Donate. Local politics run off the money they receive from voters like you. Use your money to support causes and candidates you believe in. Give to candidates you believe in, political parties you are affiliated with, and the groups who are doing the groundwork. [9]
- Vote. This may sound obvious, but it's the most effective way to have a say in your local government.
- Set a reminder for election day.
- Make time in your schedule to vote in person, or mail in your ballot ahead of time.
- Be the change you want to see. If you don't like what your representatives are doing, take action.
- Run for a local government office. There is no better way to create changes locally than by running for office yourself. Once you choose the office, fill out the paperwork, assemble a team, and begin knocking on doors and making yourself known. If you're affiliated with a party or group, ask them for support.
- Join a citizen advisory board.[10] Work with other community members to give your unique perspective on issues that affect you. Participate by doing research, taking public testimony, reviewing reports, and creating recommendations for local problems.
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| How to Walk the Runway for Male Models Posted: 14 Oct 2017 09:00 AM PDT Walking the runway is like an art form. Making changes to your normal stride might feel strange at first, so work on making your walk look natural. Posture is key, so keep your shoulders back and chest out. Keep your face in a neutral expression and, above all, do your best to project confidence. With some practice, you can perfect your walk and, hopefully, start booking gigs. EditStriding with Confidence - Walk with your toes facing slightly outward. As you stride, your feet shouldn't cross over each other in an "X," like women's feet do when they walk the runway. Instead, the classic male runway walk is a "V" formation, in which the toes point out slightly. Try not to point your toes out too much, or you might look like you're waddling.[1]
- The "V" formation broadens the body, emphasizes the upper torso, and gives the strut a slight swing while preserving masculinity.
- Keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet. When your foot lands, try to place the ball of your foot down first, then land your heel. It might feel weird at first, but keep your weight balanced on the balls of your feet as you walk.[2]
- Keeping most of your weight on the balls of your will make your stride more elegant.
- Take longer strides than you normally would. While your stride needs to be longer than your normal gait, you shouldn't look awkward or like you're on stilts. Practicing will help you make your stride longer but appear natural instead of clumsy.[3]
- Adjust your speed to match the music. As for the quickness of your step, let the music guide your tempo. Try to match your walk's rhythm to the beat of the music.[4]
- The music that accompanies fashion shows is usually chosen to help the models pace their walks.
- Pose for a three to five second count. At the end of the runway, pose with your hand on your hip, one leg out, and the other foot forward ready to pivot. Stand still for three to five seconds, then use your pivot foot to turn back for your return walk.[5]
- Your pose can vary, and you can work with your designer to create a pose that's suitable for the show.
- If you nail your pose, photographers will have a better chance of getting a great shot that you can add to your portfolio.
- Turn by pivoting in a graceful, continuous motion. After you've posed, turn on the ball of your pivot foot as you pick up your other foot and reverse directions. As you pivot, your face should be the last part of body to turn away from the audience.[6]
- Try not to make a quick pivot as if you were doing a pirouette. Instead, try to make your pose, pivot, and turn in one continuous, fluid motion.
EditMastering Posture and Expression - Keep your shoulders back, chest out, and stomach in as you walk. Hold your shoulders back and keep them still, but not to the extreme that you seem robotic. Just try not to let them bounce up and down as you walk. In addition, keep your chest out and stomach in, so you appear broader and taller, which will emphasize your masculinity.[7]
- Let your arms sway naturally as you stride. Without letting them touch your sides, try to keep your arms close to your torso. That way, your lower arms will sway freely and naturally without swinging too wildly. Further, keep your hands and fingers relaxed, and don't ball your hands or hold them in fists.[8]
- Try to keep your fingers naturally straight without overextending them. That way, you won't look like you're missing any fingers in photographs.
- Focus your eyes straight ahead. Find a focal point directly ahead and lock your eyes on it. Don't shift your eyes around or look down at your feet. Your head should point slightly downward with your chin roughly parallel with the floor.[9]
- Depending on your designer's instructions, you can look away from your focal point to make eye contact with the audience during your pose.
- Keep a natural, neutral facial expression. Unless your designer tells you to, don't smile during your walk. Without locking or pursing them, keep your lips closed, relaxed, and natural. While your facial expression should be neutral, it should still convey confidence.[10]
- Project confidence as you walk. Confidence is key on the runway. As you walk, try thinking about how great you look. Tell yourself you're the best looking person in the room and your posture and facial expression will reflect it.[11]
EditPerfecting Your Walk - Watch runway shows to see how styles vary. Every runway model has their own style of walking and posing. Watching recorded runway shows will help you learn the basics and allow you to get a feel for how individual models develop their unique twists.[12]
- You can find plenty of relevant videos on YouTube by searching for "male model runway shows."
- Set up a practice runway at home. A long hallway is the perfect place to practice your walk at home. Run a strip of masking tape down the center of the hallway to help you stay in a straight line. If you have one, hang a tall mirror at the end of the hallway, then play some music and practice walking, posing, and turning.[13]
- Practice your walk every day. If you're just starting out, you should practice your walk, pose, and turn for at least an hour every day. Once you start booking gigs, you should still practice several times a week, especially if your designer wants you to master a new turn or pose.[14]
- Even the most experienced professional models have to practice regularly.
- Seek out constructive criticism. Looking natural is a major part of walking the runway, and you can have a friend watch your walk and let you know of any awkward spots. While they can give you basic feedback, you should try to find someone with professional experience who can offer constructive criticism.[15]
- If you're friends with any professional models, ask them to watch you walk. If you don't already have one, look into getting an agent, and consider taking walking classes.
- Keep in mind male runway models are typically between 6' and 6'2" (about 1.8 to 1.9 meters) with a lean, muscular build.
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| How to Become a Marine Posted: 14 Oct 2017 01:00 AM PDT The Marine Corps is a way of life that requires great physical and mental strength. You will need to consider what career specialty you'd like even as you continue to hone your body. Meet with a recruiter to enlist. After passing some preliminary tests, you'll be shipped off to boot camp for basic training. With determination, perseverance, and a little research, you too can become one of the Few and the Proud. EditGetting Ready to Enlist - Decide if the Marines are right for you. Before committing to becoming a Marine, figure out how being in the Marines will improve your life. This commitment requires a significant amount of time and effort. You may also see combat. Being in the Marines should set you up on a career path you can pursue when your contract is up.[1]
- Marines are a proud group of people and this branch of service is said by many to be the most intensive. Make sure this is a better fit for you than other branches of the military.
- The Marines offer health care, financial, and educational benefits. However, you should join for the challenge rather than for benefits.
- Wait until you're old enough to enlist. In the US, you cannot enlist in the Marines until you are 17 years old. As soon as you become of age and finish high school, speak to a recruiter. Anyone up to age 28 is eligible to enlist with the Marines. After age 28, you'll need to speak to a recruiter to get a waiver.[2]
- Residents of other countries should consult their government for specific requirements for their Marine programs.
- Complete the education requirements. The minimum for enlistment is being a legal resident of the US and having a high school diploma. To be an officer in the Marines, you need a bachelor's degree from a four-year university program. The Marine Corps offers officer training for students who are in the process of earning their four-year degree.[3]
- You may be able to get into the Marines with a GED, but it is difficult. Recruitment can be very competitive.
- Become an Enlisted Marine after high school. The proper time for joining the Marines depends on your circumstances and what rank you want to achieve. Once you have a high school diploma, you can become an Enlisted Marine. When you do this right after high school, you may not have the same college experience your friends are having. However, the Marines can pay for your education.
- Even if you go to college first, you can enlist. Make sure you aren't interested in becoming an officer before you choose this route.
- Become an officer with a four-year college degree. Many officer candidates choose to do their training in the summers between school terms. You can also apply for the training after earning your degree. Officer candidates are leaders in the Marines, so the program is a little more competitive than basic enlistment.[4]
- It is possible for an Enlisted Marine to become an officer, but oftentimes it's difficult to make the switch.
- Enlisted Marines and officers work together but are trained differently.
- Pass the initial fitness test. Military training is tough. Before you ever apply, begin running and training. Eat foods low in fat and high in protein, such as fish and chicken. You don't need to be perfect to enlist. Make sure you can pass the initial strength test (IST) by doing two pull-ups, 35 crunches in two minutes, and a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) run in 13 ½ minutes. Doing even better than that prepares you for the scored fitness tests in boot camp.[5]
EditContacting a Recruiter - Find a recruiter in your area. Go online to the Marine Corps's official website. At the top of the page, you'll see the words "Contact a Marine." Click this and fill out your information to get in touch with a local recruiter. You may also look for recruiting offices in your area. Search online or in a phone book for contact information.[6]
- Write down questions you want answered. Your recruiter is there to help you become a successful Marine. They'll interview you, but you should use the opportunity to clear up any uncertainties. Some questions you can ask them include: Which service option is best for me? What job training am I qualified for? How can you help me get a college education?
- Service shouldn't be taken lightly. Make sure you fully understand all your options before enlisting and picking a career path.
- Pick a job specialty to pursue. While "every Marine is a rifleman" is true, the Marines also offers career options from pilots to photographers. Search for the military occupational specialties (MOS) online before you arrive. Recruiters can help guide you to one that's right for you. You'll have to choose your specialty when you enlist.[7]
- The best MOS is one that you'll enjoy and will also help you make a living in the civilian world.
- Ask about guaranteed specialty training. Recruiters may be able to guarantee you a spot in a training school or duty station. When discussing your MOS, make sure to bring this up. Ask the recruiter how they can guarantee you'll get the career path you pick. Specialties are competitive with limited space available for candidates, so this can prevent difficulties down the road.
EditCompleting Enlistment Testing and Training - Visit a processing station for the aptitude test. Wear comfortable clothing and get a good night's rest. The ASVAB measures your verbal, math, and academic abilities. It consists of ten sections ranging from word knowledge to mechanical knowledge and coding speed. This test determines your qualifications.[8]
- A counselor will use these scores to inform you of MOS opportunities. You should research these in advance.
- Get a physical exam. The physical is held after completing the ASVAB. Bring personal identification, including a birth certificate, Social Security card, and any documentation of medical problems throughout your life. You should also get a list from your recruiter of personal items to bring. The Marines will test your health to make sure you are fit to enlist.[9]
- Upon passing the test, selecting your job specialty, and swearing in, you may be asked to leave immediately for boot camp.
- Ship off to boot camp. You will be sent to boot camp immediately or within a few months of taking the Marine oath. If you live east of the Mississippi River, you'll head to the Parris Island Recruit Depot in South Carolina. If you live to the west, you'll head to the San Diego Recruit Depot in California. For thirteen weeks, you'll get up at 5:00 AM, train, and go to sleep at 9:00 PM.[10]
- Complete combat and field training. The first week of boot camp is processing and academic work. The second week is about discipline. After that, your body will be tested. You'll start out learning how to fight and move on to water survival and weapons training. Near the end, you'll learn field skills like setting up a tent. After a grueling final test that covers all that you'll learn, you'll spend the last week graduating.[11]
EditContinuing Training as a Marine - Stay in shape to pass physical fitness tests. Every six months, you will have to pass a physical fitness test. These are similar to the initial fitness test you took when enlisting. A perfect score on their fitness test is achieved by doing 20 dead-hang pull-ups, 100 crunches, and completing a three-mile (4.8 km) run in 18 minutes. You'll need to continue to care for your health so you can continue to be a Marine.
- For women, the perfect score means a flexed-arm hang for 70 seconds, 100 crunches, and completing a three-mile run in 21 minutes.
- Begin your specialty training. After you finish boot camp, you get to move on to the career specialty you settled on during enlistment. The Marine Corps will direct you to schools at military installations around the country. You will need to wait until the school has an opening before you begin.[12]
- Begin officer training school. During or after your collegiate experience, you can begin officer training. Officer training happens in the summer at Quantico, Virginia. Most undergraduates will take the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), which is either ten full weeks or two six-week sessions. Seniors and graduated Marines will take the Officer Candidates Class (OCC), which lasts for ten weeks.[13]
- Contact an Officer Selection Officer about these courses. They can found by searching online or by speaking with someone from the Marine Corps.
- These courses are designed to assess your potential as a leader.
- Ask about the Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. Marines accepted into this program are permitted to go to college and get a degree from a four-year program. You will also undergo officer candidate training to become a second lieutenant. This program is for active Marines who want to go to a four-year college. Speak to your officers to apply.[14]
- Teamwork and discipline is important in a platoon. Make friends with your fellow Marines.
- Boot camp is tough. It takes a great physical toll. You will get dirty and need to yell while speaking.
- Don't enlist "open contract." Make sure you know exactly what your job will be before you sign up. It's four years of life, so make them as enjoyable and productive as possible.
- Keep your family and significant other, if you have one, informed about your choices. Remember that your service affects them too.
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