From Kyle Robisch, Chair of the Kansas Youth Advisory Council:

I just wanted to take a minute to urge all of you to come out to the 2010 US Public Service Academy Youth Conference this July! I went to the Conference in 2008 and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I met face to face with numerous members of Congressmen and Congresswomen’s staff and in several cases actually met face to face with various Congressmen. I was even able to personally secure the endorsements of two Congressmen from my state that weekend, which made it well worth it! And the cost of the trip is unbelievable, you get a whole weekend in DC for a price you can’t get anywhere else.

Jocelyn Gruber, a Youth Advisory Council member since April 2009, sent a letter to Tom Brokaw, NBC journalist, asking for his support of the Public Service Academy earlier this year. In a personalized handwritten note (nice touch), Brokaw applauds Jocelyn’s efforts, but goes on to say that he, as a journalist, cannot help build; he can only report and comment.

Well, we say, get to reporting and commenting then, Mr. Brokaw!

The effort to create the academy will only be achieved through broad dissemination of this phenomenal idea to citizens of the United States of America. And dissemination is what people like Tom Brokaw do best.

Mr. Brokaw, you might not be able to work it in on NBC, but you do have the capacity to build, maybe not buildings, but public support.

Case in point: Jocelyn chose to write to Brokaw after hearing about a speech he gave to her brothers, midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. In his remarks Brokaw challenged the midshipmen to connect with siblings and other youth, encouraging them to join in community and military service.

This is exactly what Jocelyn is asking for with the Public Service Academy. Brokaw used his voice at the Naval Academy to “build” action amongst the midshipmen. Now we need to ask him to broaden the scope and include the U.S. Public Service Academy. Ask him to “build” action amongst audiences he speaks with, encouraging them to learn about and support the Academy. He has already agreed that it is a fantastic idea. What’s the hold up?

Already lawmakers from both aisles are supportive of the idea and legislation is moving along, but more Americans need to know about this. Adding more famous faces like Brokaw’s would be a welcome addition to the publicity effort, helping engage citizens, increase awareness, and push the campaign forward.

After the initial contact with Brokaw, Jocelyn isn’t deterred. “I immediately sent him another letter stating that, yes, he could help and should help and listed other famous people that are supporters of the Academy.”

Over three dozen USPSA supporters have written Mr. Brokaw letters already. Join us and ask Mr. Brokaw to use his voice, as a celebrity, journalist, and opinion leader, to spread the word. And better yet, after writing to Tom Brokaw, find a spokesperson you think would make a good supporter and try to get him or her to use his or her “platform” to support the Public Service Academy. Be sure to us the results of your efforts!

You can reach Tom Brokaw at NBC, Inc., Attn: Tom Brokaw, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112.

And if you think snail mail letter-writing campaigns aren’t effective, think again. I accidentally sent 1500 magazines to a man in Iowa and got everyone’s attention. Just make sure you encourage the recipient to recycle the paper afterward.

— In addition to her role as a YAC member, Jocelyn Gruber is the current title holder for Miss America Outstanding Teen - Miss Greater Johnstown (PA) Area Outstanding Teen. Jocelyn’s platform in the scholarship program is the US Public Service Academy.