Central to their endeavors is the Patriotic Service Committee, both at the state and National level. This committee is tasked with carrying out the policies and programs of the National Patriotic Service Committee. Central to this is the participation in the Congressional Seminar Essay Contest. Winner of this contest receive full tuition and support for travel to our nation’s capital for the Workshops Foundation’s renown Congressional Seminar, a highly interactive, civic-focused workshop. The seminar includes a Mock Congress, enabling students to collaborate with peers from various backgrounds and different views to forge public policy on pressing national and international issues. The seminar provides university campus housing and meals; a per diem for meals purchased off-campus; and access to world class museums, government and congressional offices, and memorable tours. Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year high school students submit essays that are then judged and awarded. Students must be 16 or older to participate in the Congressional Seminar. The essay topic changes annually. For this upcoming year’s contest (2024-2025) the NSCDA asks students to answer the prompt:

“Explain whether existing defamation and libel laws are or are not sufficient to prohibit baseless AI generated and distributed content.”

The various Town & County Patriotic Service Liaisons are vital in this mission, acting as communicators with the school systems to encourage students to participate in this opportunity within their local communities. They oversee this project ,as well as other initiatives that recognize our Veteran’s contributions to this country, and diligently report all activities to the State Society Board of Managers. Thus ensuring a cohesive and unified approach to patriotic service across Virginia.