For the second year in a row, the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that supports national service programs like AmeriCorps. As the Senate and the House prepare to adjourn for spring recess at the end of the month, we’re flooding local newspapers and calling on Congress to reject the Administration’s devastating proposal and expand national service opportunities in the FY19 budget.
Writing a Letter to the Editor (LTE) of your local publication is one of the most effective ways to raise the profile of service years in your community and make your voice heard. Members of Congress and staff famously read the editorial pages of their local papers to keep their fingers on the pulse of their constituents. Writing an LTE can take a little time, but your letter can have a huge impact.
Here are a few tips to help you start drafting your LTE and ensure it gets published:
- Tell your story and make it personal: why do you care about expanding service year opportunities? Did you serve? Have you witnessed the power of service years in your community first hand?
- Make a clear call to action: LTEs are effective because they inspire people to take action. Make a clear ask of your member of Congress: reject the Administration’s proposal to eliminate CNCS and expand national service in the FY19 budget.
- Double-check your spelling and grammar: letters with errors are unlikely to be published. Have a friend, colleague, or Service Year Alliance team member proofread your draft before you submit.
Once you have drafted your letter, fill out your info below and you'll be asked to paste it on to the next screen. Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to your Regional Field Director for support. Good luck!
