| n be challenging to discuss politics across | | | | Facebook, they're inviting each other to join |
| generations without someone melting down | | | | causes and catching fire about the issues. |
| (usually you) or tuning out (usually them), but it's | | | | But web-surfing's not just for teens, especially not |
| not impossible. Here are six traits of adults with | | | | this election. Geeks are jamming the web with |
| the power to engage teens and inspire them to | | | | tools to inform all of us about the candidates and |
| activism. | | | | their positions. Five websites in particular can help |
| Be teachable. A conversation isn't about one | | | | even the most undecided voter make a choice. |
| person sharing knowledge and information with | | | | Expert Voter: Provides a handy-dandy one page |
| another. That's better known as a lecture (or so | | | | matrix of clips with the candidates sharing views |
| I've been told). Listen to teens, allowing them and | | | | on Iraq, immigration, energy, nuclear proliferation, |
| others to inform your opinions. | | | | healthcare, education, social security, taxes, and |
| Be honorable. It's okay to take issue with a | | | | campaign reform. |
| candidate's positions, but disparaging his or her | | | | Fact Check: Monitors the truth of what is said by |
| character is a definite turnoff to teens and | | | | major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, |
| twenty-somethings. To everyone, in fact. | | | | debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. |
| Be flexible. Your candidate isn't Jesus. Teens | | | | Match-O-Matic: Developed by ABC and USA |
| appreciate hearing how we disagree with the | | | | Today, this interactive site quizzes you on your |
| person we support. Give them the grace to do | | | | views to see how you match up on the hot |
| the same, and don't take differing opinions | | | | issues with the candidates. |
| personally. Endorsing your candidate's opponent | | | | Ask Your Lawmaker: Users submit questions and |
| doesn't mean a young person is repudiating your | | | | vote on them, and then journalists track down |
| authority. Although it might. | | | | lawmakers in Congress and on the campaign trail |
| Be controversial. Surprise and provoke them once | | | | to get those questions answered. |
| in a while by saying something radical, starting | | | | Vote Smart: Volunteer citizens provide biographical |
| with "I totally disagree with _____" or "I 100% | | | | information, voting records, issue positions, |
| agree that ____." | | | | interest group ratings, public statements, and |
| Be passionate. Caring deeply about an election is | | | | campaign finance information so you can find out |
| contagious. Young people who watch us thinking | | | | who your candidates are really representing. |
| deeply and talking freely about our opinions will be | | | | These are nonpartisan resources, and |
| more likely to do the same. And they'll be more | | | | user-friendly for teens and adults alike. Why not |
| likely to vote now and in the future if they | | | | send your teen a link or two to show off your |
| remember us faithfully trekking to the ballot box | | | | cyber skills, as well as to demonstrate your desire |
| during primaries and elections. | | | | to make informed decisions? Despite their |
| Be web-savvy. More and more, teens are | | | | technology addictions, teens are still open to adults |
| influenced by the viral power of the web. Through | | | | who listen, care, can admit when they're wrong, |
| sites like YouTube, MTV Think, MySpace, and | | | | and aren't afraid to take a stand. |