30 things any would-be politician should do this summer (Part III)

Inspired by Journalism Grads: 30 Things You Should Do This Summer (pointed out to me by Lib Dem Voice’s Stephen Tall), here’s my list of 30 things anyone wanting to become an elected public official should do over the summer.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my Twitter, Facebook and email messages asking for suggestions for inclusion in the list. Whether your idea(s) made it in or didn’t quite make the cut, the final 30 are the better for all that feedback. You can read Part I here, and Part II here.

1. Watch The Thick of It. It’s funny, coarse – and scarily close to the truth.
2. Watch Vote Vote Vote for Nigel Barton. Political idealism meets the public and leaves stage left, chased by a dog. Lists of recommended viewing for politicos are normally full of American shows. This one ain’t American but it’s rooted in our social and political history. More worthy and less fun than a certain US show that involves people walking down corridors talking at high speed, but somehow I doubt you’ll be short of viewing opportunities for that in the years to come – and this one gives you an understanding of the politics of our own country.
3. Talk to the MySociety folks. They’re interesting, full of good ideas for how to improve our politics, full of sensible suggestions for changes politicians can make to help bring that about, and mostly right.
4. Each Sunday, read a newspaper whose editorial line you strongly disagree with. (And don’t be such a bloody liberal as to say “I can see a bit of good in them all”.) It’s no surprise that the most successful politicians often have good friends in other parties – because that helps give them an understanding of different perspectives and also helps save them for myopic partisanship.
5. Get a letter published in a national newspaper. You can say something clear, succinct and interesting on a topic people are interested in, can’t you?
6. Deliver leaflets. Get back into the fresh air and communicate with the public. If you’re not willing to take the time to deliver leaflets, why should other people do it for you?
7. Learn how to triumph over bureaucracy by reading Microsmographic Academica. Brilliant satire that makes for wise advice.
8. Sort out your personal finances. Money worries are the last thing a politician needs, for so many reasons. Understanding how to organise your own finances is also a handy sampler for what to look out for in public sector budgets.
9. Go and visit your local war memorial. I’m a great believer in the importance of politics in helping to sort out those minor inconveniences that blemish our day-to-day lives, but that should never make us forget the larger picture.
10. Take a week off without looking at anything online. No cheating with a bit of browsing via your mobile phone either. Many people in politics end up ridiculously busy, working the sorts of hours that make them pine for the idea of having to work merely as many hours as a junior doctor. Learning to switch off is vital.