Making Sure America Works: Celebrating Public Service Recognition Week

As it has each year since 1985, the first full week of May marks Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW).

This week, May 7 – 13, offers the opportunity to recognize public servants—including those at all levels of federal, state, county and local government—for the critical work they do day in and day out.

This year’s PSRW has gained support at the highest level of government, with leaders from more than 70 government agencies signing on as honorary co-chairs for 2023.

“Most of us interact with frontline civil servants when we seek government services. Many other civil servants work out of the public eye, receiving little of the spotlight for a wide range of incredible accomplishments,” wrote top officials from agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Take time during Public Service Recognition Week to honor the people whose job it is to serve the public good.”

In addition, the White House has issued a proclamation acknowledging the importance of PSRW and the contributions of public servants across American government.

“Every day, more than 20 million dedicated public servants in small towns and big cities across our nation go to work to make sure that America works for all of us,” the May 5 proclamation reads. “From teaching our children and delivering the mail to controlling air traffic in our skies, overseeing our elections, fighting fires, keeping our streets safe and defending our country in uniform, these remarkable Americans are the lifeblood of our democracy. This week, we honor them and celebrate all they give to this country.”

Let’s Celebrate the Public Sector

Recognition of the public sector workforce can come in many forms.

For example, the Partnership for Public Service offers a number of “simple, low-cost ways to celebrate public servants in your community” throughout Public Service Recognition Week, according to a guide the organization has shared with ideas for how to celebrate PSRW.

Ideas can range from sending letters to public employees to organizing a celebration showcasing the work of government agencies in the area, according to the Partnership for Public Service, which also suggests bestowing awards upon outstanding employees, teams or programs that “demonstrate that government can be effective and [that] excellence is the rule rather than the exception.”

The Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) also offers some suggestions for acknowledging peers in public service as well. For example, PSHRA has created a Certificate of Appreciation designed to allow agencies to recognize public sector HR professionals for their “tireless efforts and valuable role in making public sector work better.”

PSHRA is also encouraging followers on social channels such as Facebook and LinkedIn to share pictures of public sector HR professionals as well as thoughts on what (and who) makes public sector work special to them.

“I am grateful and honored to be able to ensure that PSHRA continues to be the leading member community connecting public sector HR professionals with the insights, education and expertise to realize their potential and position them for future success,” said Cara Woodson Welch, CEO of PSHRA, in a statement. “Let’s make sure we celebrate the public sector, not only during this week, but every day!”