Members of Congress and Congressional Staff

The youth of our nation are positively affected because Members of the United States Congress have made a strong and clear commitment to a program that makes a difference in the lives of young people, The Congressional Award – Congress’ highest honor for America’s youth. The Congressional Award provides a structure for young Americans to learn the value of service, personal development, fitness, and citizenship through character forming experiences that shape tomorrow’s leaders and our country’s future. 

The Congressional Award program is promoted throughout America by Members of Congress who share with their constituents a unique opportunity to provide today’s youth with the tools they need to thrive as adults.  With the help of Congressional Offices, Congressional Award staff is able to target youth groups and schools in your districts, forming partnerships with organizations that assist youth everyday.

There are many ways in which Congressional Offices can become involved:

• Inform your staff about the Congressional Award program.   The Congressional Award National Office can coordinate a conference call to brief members of your district and DC staff on the program.

• Designate a staff member to serve as a liaison with the Congressional Award National Office.  This person will help plan Award presentations in your district, and would also be the point person in your office to handle constituent questions about the program. 

• Provide Congressional Award staff with the names of schools and youth organizations in your district.  Each fall The National Office contacts more than 1500 schools and youth organizations to encourage participation in The Congressional Award program.

• Designate or identify volunteers in your district to promote the program with schools, youth groups, and other organizations.   The Congressional Award looks for teachers, guidance counselors, scoutmasters, leaders of such groups as 4-H, YMCA, Junior Achievement, and many others to help us spread the word about the program.

• Include an item about the program in your next newsletter.  A sample article is available from the National Office.

• Make available the Congressional Award 2008 brochures to youth in your district between the ages of 14 and 23.  Keep Congressional Award materials on display in your Capitol Hill and District offices.

• Participate in the Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony and Reception held annually in June.  This year the number of Gold Medal recipients rose to 237 Medalists, representing more than 45 states.

There are youth in your district already participating in various programs and activities that can earn them a Congressional Award.  Do not let them miss out on the recognition, scholarships, and opportunities this award can bring.  Your community can benefit from the invaluable contribution Congressional Award participants can make through their citizenship and service.