Overview
The “Write to Your Representatives” program is a valuable opportunity for high school students to actively participate in civic activities and political processes. By advocating for important issues, they not only make their voices heard, but can also bring about meaningful change in their communities and beyond. In addition, involvement in such advocacy efforts can greatly enhance students’ soft skills, including research, analysis, critical thinking, leadership, time management, communication, and advocacy skills. These skills are essential in various walks of life and foster the development of young people into effective leaders capable of effecting positive change in their communities.
Since its inception in 2022, the project has received significant support from many federal legislators and MD legislators. They have actively supported our civic engagement program in letters and videos, encouraging young people to participate. At the awards ceremony on November 18, 2023, 23 elected federal and MD legislators and officals including Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congressman David Trone, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller, and Secretary of State Susan Lee, other MD legislators, signed 36 commendations and congratulatory letters for the students and the Yuan Foundation. Their supports encourages students to actively participate and underscores the Yuan Foundation’s commendable efforts to promote youth civic engagement and education.
Goals
Students identify, research, analyze and propose innovative solutions to address community or social problems. This process not only improves their social skills, but also strengthens their civic engagement and political participation and lays the foundation for their future success.
Contest Timeline
05/01–08/31 Registration
09/01 Deadline to submit
Please submit to info@yuan.foundation
09/28 Final presentation
10/02 Announcement of winners
Golden Award, Silver Awards, Bronze Awards,Social Impact Award
11/16 Awards ceremony
Competition Rules
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Participants must be high school students in the United State.
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Team: each team may have no more than 5 members, and at least one of whom must be an Asian American.
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Any work submitted must be original, plagiarism is prohibited.
Judging committee
Introduction to Judging Committee
- The quality and effectiveness of the contestant’s proposals.
- The social responsibility of the letters.
- The likelihood of a successful launch.
Training
The “Write to Your Representatives” program would provide 3 hour video training for the applicants, including :
- Civic engagement
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Duties and rights of government
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Guide to research, analysis, policymaking and action
- Case studies
Participants will have the opportunities to receive the following:
- Earn 10 SSL hours
- Understanding the logic of policymaking and how the national systems work
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Networking with community leaders and experts in various fields.
- Build relationships with peers
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Enrich your resume for a college application.
Support Videos from Legislators and elected officials
Senator Chris Van Hollen
Congressman David Trone
Delegate Chao Wu
Delegate Linda Foley
Congressman David Trone met with student representatives on Capitol Hill
Success Stories
The short videos of 2023 Awards winners , presenting their unique perspective, their experiences and what they gained from participating in the competition
2023 Annual Awards Ceremony
2022 Annual Awards Ceremony
Registration Information
The total cost of the contest is $80 per participant, including registration fee and training fee.
About us
Host: Yuan Foundation
Contact Email: haiyan_mei@yuan.foundation
Address: 12358 Parklawn Dr, Suite 110, North Bethesda MD 20852