Charles Clymer

Charles might seem like your average senior high school student, but you would be wrong. As Clymer would tell you, your average 18-24 year old doesn’t care about politics or voting, let alone would they consider running for city council, but that’s just what 18 year old Charles did when a set was vacated in December of 2004. The Austin-American Statesman describes that Charles is “the youngest known council candidate in history, makes $6 an hour taking pizza orders, wears braces, lives with his parents in East Round Rock and cast his first ballot in the Nov. 2 general election.” As an avid debater, Charles became interested early on in important issues of the world. His main goal in running for office has been to encourage more political participation among people in his age group and reduce cynicism. Although Charles didn’t win his race he certainly achieved his goal.

View Charles Clymer's video or read the transcript

Learn More

• Rock the Vote
• What Kids Can Do

• Voice & Action: Active or Passive
  
  Trustee: Barbara Brown, Amy Wong Mok, or Charles Clymer
  Grade Level: 10-12
  Time: 65 minutes
  Description: Students analyze and describe the concept of political participation.
  
  
• Nominate An American Trustee
  
  Trustees: All
  Grade Level: 9-12
  Time:5-6 45 minutes classes
  Description:The students will define community leadership, conduct library and internet research, write a report on a community leader and submit the nominee on the website.
  
  
• Young and Elected
  
  Grade Level:10-12
  Time:90 minutes
  Description: Examine challenges and successes young leaders face when campaigning, fund raising, and dealing with potential voters.
  
  
• Civic Engagement for Us?
  
  Trustee: Charles Clymer
  Grade Level: 10-12
  Time: 90 minutes
  Description: Examine forms of civic engagement and responsibilities of government at various levels.
  
  
• A Matter of Age
  
  Trustee: Charles Clymer
  Grade Level: 9-12
  Time: Two 45 minute class periods
  Description: Students will investigate, research, and give a presentation about young elected officials in their local, state, or national community.
  
  

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