Biden Administration, Federal Workforce Organizations Celebrate Public Service
Susan Walsh | AP
In embracing all things #GovPossible, the federal community continues to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) 2022.
“America’s dedicated public servants are the lifeblood of our democracy. Every day, millions of public workers at all levels of government do extraordinary things to make our lives better and our country stronger,” President Biden wrote in a proclamation to mark the start of the week.
“My Administration is committed to protecting, empowering, and rebuilding the career Federal workforce so they can bring more resources to bear in service of the American people,” the proclamation continues.
President Biden delivered a virtual thank you to kick off Monday of PSRW by honoring the 230 recipients of the 2021 Presidential Rank Award (PRA), the government’s highest civilian honor for Senior Executives and Senior Professionals.
“It was my honor to re-establish these awards last year after the previous administration made the decision to cancel them. Because these awards are about more than individual recognition. They’re a reminder to all of us—to everyone—of the extraordinary capacity, creativity, diversity, and dedication of our federal workforce and a reminder of why you all the work you do matters so much,” the President remarked.
Dozens of leaders across the President’s cabinet and agencies large and small have also signed onto a joint letter to the federal workforce, organized by the Partnership for Public Service.
In recognition of dedicated public service, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) developed a Letter-to-the-Editor campaign, encouraging individuals to thank and recognize local public employees for their dedicated service through letters to their local newspapers.
“Civil servants keep our public transportation systems and roadways safe; protect the nation’s water supply; alert the public about life-threatening storms; and are always ready to respond when lives are in danger. Yet their remarkable work sometimes goes unnoticed and taken for granted,” stated NARFE National President Ken Thomas.
Also, in honor of PSRW and the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund’s (FEEA) 36th Anniversary, federal employees and their families are participating in the Feds in Motion Challenge between May 1 to June 5, 2022.
Start the journey to reach 36 miles (or more) in 36 days by moving however you choose this week. The Feds in Motion Challenge also features workshops on yoga, improving sleep, increasing movement, healthy cooking, and ergonomics at home and at work.
Proceeds from the challenge maintain FEEA's scholarship funds, disaster relief, and emergency hardship programs for federal employees in need.