Req 8 — Contacting Congress
This is where everything comes together. You have learned about the Constitution, the branches of government, your rights, and the national issues that affect your life. Now it is time to do what citizens do — contact your elected representatives and tell them what you think.
Who Represents You?
Every American is represented by three people in Congress:
- Two U.S. Senators — Each state has exactly two senators, regardless of population. They serve six-year terms.
- One U.S. Representative — Representatives are assigned by congressional district based on population. They serve two-year terms.
You need to know the names of all three of your representatives. Here is how to find them:
USA.gov — Find Your Elected Officials Enter your address to find your U.S. senators and representative, along with their contact information. House.gov — Find Your Representative Enter your zip code to find your U.S. Representative and link directly to their website.Writing Your Letter
The requirement says to write to your representative explaining your views on a national issue. This is a real letter (or email) to a real person in government. Here is how to write an effective one:
Step 1: Choose your issue. Pick a national issue you care about. It could be the same issue you followed in Requirement 5, or something different. It should be an issue that Congress has the power to act on.
Step 2: Choose your representative. You can write to either of your senators or your representative. Pick the one whose committee assignments are most relevant to your issue, or simply choose the one who represents your congressional district.
Step 3: Write your letter. Keep it clear, respectful, and specific.
Letter Structure
A strong letter to Congress includes these elements
- Your name and address: So they know you are a constituent (a person who lives in their district or state).
- A clear subject: State the issue right away. “I am writing about [issue].”
- Your position: Say what you think should happen. “I believe Congress should [action].”
- Your reasons: Give 2–3 specific reasons for your position. Use facts, not just emotions.
- A personal connection: Explain how this issue affects you, your family, or your community.
- A respectful close: Thank them for their time and ask for a response.
- Your signature: Sign your letter if mailing it; include your full name if emailing.
Sample Letter Format
Here is a general format you can follow. Replace the brackets with your own information:
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [grade/age] from [City, State]. I am a member of [Troop/Pack Number] in the Boy Scouts of America, and I am working on my Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
I am writing to share my views on [national issue]. I believe that [your position on the issue].
[Reason 1 — a fact or argument supporting your position.]
[Reason 2 — another supporting point.]
This issue matters to me because [personal connection — how it affects you, your family, or your community].
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address]
Sending Your Letter
You have several options for getting your letter to your representative:
- Email through their website: Every member of Congress has a website with a contact form. This is the fastest method.
- U.S. mail: Address your letter to their Washington, D.C. office or their local district office. Mail may take longer to receive a response.
- Phone call: If you prefer, you can also call their office. A staff member will note your position. (This does not replace the written correspondence required for the merit badge, but it is a good supplement.)
What to Expect
Members of Congress receive thousands of letters, emails, and phone calls. A staff member will read your message and may send a form response, a personalized letter, or both. It can take several weeks to receive a reply.
