TAKE ACTION

This won’t happen without citizen voices.

Congress needs to hear from families that the monopoly must end. Here’s how you can help. It takes less than 5 minutes.

1. EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Find your elected officials:

Quick lookup: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Enter your address to find your Representative and both Senators with contact information.

YOU MAY COPY THIS EMAIL TEMPLATE

ubject: End BSA's Congressional Monopoly

Dear [Representative/Senator NAME],

I'm writing as your constituent from [YOUR CITY] to request your support for ending the Boy Scouts of America's congressional monopoly over youth scouting terminology.

Since 1916, 36 U.S.C. § 30905 has given BSA exclusive rights over common words like "scout" and "scouting." This prevents families from accessing alternative youth programs that better match their values.

Without competition, BSA declined from 4 million youth to 1 million. Families seeking different approaches have nowhere to go.

I support amending § 30905 to remove monopoly rights while preserving BSA's trademark protection.

For details: EndTheBSAMonopoly.org/legislative-solution

Please support ending this monopoly.

Thank you,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR FULL ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL]

HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE

  1. Copy the text above
  2. Find your representatives using the link
  3. Paste into email (or use their web contact form)
  4. Fill in the bracketed sections with your information
  5. Send

Include your full address. This proves you’re a constituent and ensures your message is taken seriously.

PERSONALIZE IT (OPTIONAL BUT POWERFUL)

Add 1-2 sentences about why this matters to YOUR family:

  • “My son earned Eagle Scout, but I now want a traditional alternative for my younger children.”
  • “I’m a Scoutmaster concerned that families are leaving because they have no alternatives.”
  • “As a chartered organization representative, our congregation wants options beyond BSA.”
  • “I’m an Eagle Scout who believes competition would strengthen youth programming.”

Personal stories are more powerful than generic messages.

2. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES (IF YOU’RE COMFORTABLE)

Prefer to call? Here’s a quick script:

“Hello, my name is [NAME] from [CITY]. I’m calling to ask [Representative/Senator NAME] to support ending BSA’s congressional charter monopoly by amending 36 U.S.C. § 30905. Families need alternatives to BSA, and the monopoly prevents competition. Can I count on their support? Thank you.”

Keep it under 30 seconds. They’ll note your position.

3. SHARE THIS MESSAGE

Help spread awareness:

[Social media sharing buttons: Facebook, X, Email]

Copy this short message to share:

Did you know BSA has a congressional monopoly over the words "scout" and "scouting"? For over 100 years, they've used it to prevent alternatives. Without competition, BSA declined from 5M to under 1M members. Families deserve choices. Learn more: EndTheBSAMonopoly.org

4. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook Group: “End the BSA Monopoly”

  • Share that you contacted your representatives
  • Connect with other families taking action
  • Stay updated on legislative progress
  • Coordinate strategy

WHY YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS

Congressional offices track constituent contacts. When they see growing support for ending the monopoly:

  • It signals this issue has grassroots backing
  • It gives representatives political cover to act
  • It moves the issue up the priority list
  • It counters BSA’s lobbying efforts

Every email makes a difference.

AFTER YOU TAKE ACTION

  1. Join the Facebook group and let us know you sent your message
  2. Share with 3 friends who might also support this
  3. Check back for updates on legislative progress

Together, we can end the monopoly and let families choose.

QUESTIONS?

See our Contact Us page for direct inquiries.