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In the past presidential campaign, there was a great amount of discussion about "rocking the vote" and the importance of young voters.

But with that election over, there are still plenty of reasons to stay politically active. This does not always involve voting, which means teens under 18 still have a voice.

"It's up to younger people. If they believe in certain principles, they need to make sure classmates hear those ideas," said Patrick Coyle, the vice president of Young America's Foundation. Coyle was one of several speakers at the foundation's Reagan Ranch Center conference in Santa Barbara, Calif., in March. The conference is designed specifically for conservative-minded teens and focuses on ways to get involved politically.

Whether you're a Democrat, Republican or independent, there are many ways for you to get involved at your school and in your community.

So what are some ways you can get involved? Start at school. Is there already a club for the position you support? Join and get involved. "Take small, simple steps to get where you need to go," Coyle said. "You must start somewhere -- that'll make you more comfortable."

Coyle first got involved in politics through a local club in his days at the University of Pennsylvania. If you're already a part of a club and want to become even more involved, see about joining a local campaign.

With a lot of state elections coming up, including the Democratic primary in June and the governor's election in November, it's a great time to find a candidate you support and help him or her out. Don't be nervous about calling the candidate's office up and volunteering. "Political campaigns will welcome your involvement. They'll embrace you with open arms," Coyle said.

In an age of new media and young people with strong voices, there's no better time to get involved. Coyle, who has done everything from eating lunch with Ben Stein in his Beverly Hills, Calif., home to flying on private jets with Ann Coulter and Oliver North, agrees. "By being politically active, you'll have life experiences you wouldn't have had otherwise. It opens doors for you."

For more information on the Young America's Foundation, please visit www.yaf.org.