Never judge a congressman until you walk a mile in his shoes — a lesson learned well by San Diego State University political science students.

In political science Professor James T. Smith’s course, The Legislative Process, students are required to walk more than just a mile; they walk an entire semester in a congressional representative’s shoes. But, instead of raising funds, they collect food donations.

Known as the “congressional simulation project,” this assignment goes beyond the textbook and directly into the lives of members of the U.S. Congress.

Fundraising like a pro

Choosing a member of the House of Representatives and portraying that member in floor speeches, committees and marking up legislation was the easy part, participants said. The true challenge was fundraising like a congressional representative, a task designed to correctly understand the pressures and responsibilities of holding an elected position. However, unlike political fundraising campaigns, the students would be collecting paper and food items to benefit a local soup kitchen. 

“My first thought was, ‘Wow! I don’t think I can fundraise that fast,’” said political science major Mary Zhong, who plans to attend law school for research politics and constitutional law. “My first reactions were scared and nervous; I couldn’t complete the project … but when people began responding, my hopes were high.”

Zhong, along with the rest of her classmates, was given about one month to meet a $1 million goal—a goal she surpassed. Though raising $1 million in four weeks is not farfetched for a real congressman, Zhong and her classmates’ goals went far beyond a dollar value.

Donated items lined up in political science office

Gaining experience while doing good

The congressional simulation fundraiser directly benefits the San Diego Catholic Workers, an organization that works to feed local homeless populations. Using a list of items needed by the organization, students drafted letters and made calls to family, friends and co-workers who would be willing to donate.

Each item desired by the Catholic Workers was given a dollar amount based on its scarcity. For example, Zhong’s donated Styrofoam cups earned her $36,000 in her congressional simulation campaign.

“It was for a good cause; a good way to get involved outside of the classroom,” said Austin Lambert, a political science major who also surpassed his goal. “It was somewhat difficult though, because asking for money is always awkward in itself … but it was good experience.”

Campaign success

Students hauled their donated food items into the political science department office, feeling accomplished as the office's walls, shelves and seats were lined with tubs of condiments, bags of sugar and packages of pasta.

It is estimated that the students will raise between $5,000 to $9,000 worth of products for the San Diego Catholic Workers, a much-needed boost before the holidays, and a notch in these future campaigners’ belts.