Here are some tips for how to write an effective letter urging your senator or representative to support the U.S. Public Service Academy Act.
1) Be personal & polite: Explain who you are and why you are writing the letter. Make sure the representative knows that you are a voting constituent – include your name and address, and make references to your state or hometown in the body of your letter. Also, be sure to mention notable endorsements in your state or district that may help get the representative or senator’s attention.
2) Be short & specific: Clearly explain why you want the representative to support the U.S. Public Service Academy Act. Keep your letter relatively short. Pick two or three arguments that are important to you and emphasize those. Some arguments you might consider:
- The U.S. Public Service Academy fills an important need in American society. With over 90% of federal service leadership eligible to retire in the next ten years, we need passionate young people to enter the public sector. The Academy will not only funnel all its students toward careers in the public sector, but it will also serve as a symbol of the importance of civilian public service for keeping America strong.
- The Academy will help America attract its top young people into public service careers.
- The Academy has broad bipartisan appeal – this is an American idea with support from people ranging the political spectrum from Mike Huckabee and Sandra Day O’Connor to Hilary Clinton and Madeleine Albright.
- Young Americans deserve to have one federal service academy that gives them the opportunity to serve in areas outside the military.
- The Academy is a worthwhile investment in our future public leadership.
3) Be neat & clear: Write legibly or type and make sure you tell them exactly what you want them to do – they should vote for or co-sponsor the U.S. Public Service Academy Act. In the last Congress, the Senate bill (S. 960) had 24 co-sponsors; the House bill (HR 1671) had 123 co-sponsors. In the current Congress, the House bill (HR 2102) was introduced by Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Ander Crenshaw (R-FL). In the Senate, Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) plans to introduce the bill soon. If you want a personal response, make sure to ask for one.
Addressing Members of Congress
When addressing your letters, make sure to follow this pattern:
To Your Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
To Your Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative: