Let Us Serve: Sample Wording

Service Year Alliance is helping to lead the charge for AmeriCorps advocacy.

Ready to take a stand for service, but not share where to start? Connecticut is fortunate to have extremely supportive representatives on a national level, but we still need to prepare them with real-world stories (and convince some of our local-level politicians that #AmeriCorpsWorks).

On March 7th, we were joined by Service Year Alliance's Laura Thompson, who shared a sneak peak of their storytelling training: "Public Narrative: The Story of Self, Us, Now."

For those who couldn't join us (and are unable to join Service Year for the full Action Summit taking place in Washington, DC at the end of March - details here: https://goo.gl/cZ5TK9), here is the cliffs notes version!

1.  Self: What is YOUR national service story? Did it give you hope and guidance after struggling in high school or college? Were you able to help a student go from avoiding eye contact with teachers to giving everyone smiles and high fives? Did you help create a program that connected veterans with jobs? Share it here!
2. Us: How does your story relate to the larger values and experience of the American people? A 2015 poll found that 83% of Americans support national service, so you are not alone. Don't overload your letter with facts, use those that speak most directly to your own experience and will be easy for your representatives to remember and share. We've gathered some resources HERE to get you started.
3. Now: Why is the time NOW to support national service? As many have said, we think it's because national service is a unique American tradition that has the ability to pull together a divided nation. Why do you think it's important?

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SAMPLE WORDING

Greetings, Senator XXX:

My name is Shannon, and I am writing to urge you to continue to support funding for AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs. Like many young adults, I was adrift and deep in debt after finishing college. 

My year serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA not only gave me hope; it gave me direction and a life-long commitment to helping others. I am not alone - studies have shown that 60% of AmeriCorps alumni enter public service or work at a non-profit. 

My AmeriCorps service also connected me to the rich and uniquely-American tradition that puts service to our fellow citizens as our paramount responsibilities. With 83% of Americans in support of national service (and 62 million people volunteering each year), now is the time to support these programs to help pull together our fractured nation.

All the best,

Shannon Mykins

New Haven, Connecticut

Important Reminder: AmeriCorps Alums Connecticut has no direct affiliation and receives no funding from the Corporation from National and Community Service or other federal source. All opinions and links are offered in good faith with the intent to help.