Young Entrepreneur Creates Own Site

By Broadside Staff Writer Adam Sylvain

Fresh off what was an invigorating Presidential election, anyone inspired to reach his or her Congressional leaders may benefit from the “I Hand Deliver” service.

Outlined on the Web site, www.ihanddeliver.com, the service allows customers to submit a personal letter, have it expertly formatted and hand delivered to the desk of a desired congressperson. This process allows anyone to reach his or her decided recipient in a quick and deliberate manner with a cost total of $7.95 per letter.

The 16 year-old creator and deliveryman, Joshua Leibsly, explained why he chose to begin this endeavor.

“Beginning in July, 2008, I chose to start this service because I believe citizens need a quick and easy method to have their voices heard by their senators and representatives. Many people have used the service so far and found it to be efficient and effective,” said Leibsly.

Leibsly promises to properly format each letter once it is submitted, then send it back to the sender for approval before delivering it to the congressional office. Once delivered, a signed proof of delivery will be e-mailed back to the sender. He even offers “bulk rates.” In the event that one has letters to send at a later time, credits can be purchased for a discounted rate, which offer a percent discount based on the amount of letters wished to be sent.

Several students discussed the “I Hand Deliver” service. Sophomore government major, Matthew Casper, offered his opinion, “I’ve never written a letter to Congress before, but I think I am more inclined to now knowing that I could use this hand delivery method. I might use the opportunity to ask, ‘What are some of the major issues that Congress is debating, and how are they working to resolve them?’”

Shadden Khan, a freshman communication major, believes the university’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. allows her to take the initiative on her own.

“I have not come across an issue that I felt affected me so much that I wanted to voice a concern, but if I did, being close to D.C., I would probably just do it myself,” said Khan.
For some, the decision of whether or not to use Leibsly’s service comes down to urgency.
Freshman history major, Brian Higgins said, “I feel like, most likely, my views are not unique, so it’s probably that hundreds of people have voiced their concerns in a similar way. However, if they were someone who felt a specific urgency in their opinion of an issue, the service would definitely be beneficial.”

Fellow freshman and psychology major, Karen Entin, echoed the need for urgency. “For me, it depends on the urgency of the issue. If I had something urgent to tell or ask of Congress I might use it because there’s a possibility it puts your concern ahead of other people,” Entin said. “It’s likely that a letter that is hand delivered, will be read and responded to more quickly. I would try and find out how quick the delivery process actually is, and if there is a money back policy if you are unsatisfied with the service.”
Brenda Shepard, a sophomore communications major, was impressed by the ingenuity of the idea.

“I think that the service is an interesting concept. I believe it is probably most useful for people living outside of the D.C. area, providing them an opportunity to personally voice concern,” said Shepard.

“A hand delivered letter says a lot more than a generic e-mail that is sent in mass quantities. It is much more personal. If I were to voice concerns, I’d probably look for Pro-Choice Congressmen and women and write to them on issues of abortion. I think the service is a great idea,” said Shepard.

Anyone can submit letters to be delivered at www.ihanddeliver.com, where more information about the service and testimonials from previous customers can also be found.