Public Service Recognition Week
Founded in 1985, this week recognizes federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees.
Summary: According to the National Archives, Public Service Recognition Week has taken place during the first full week of May since 1985. Every year, federal, state, county, local and tribal governmental employees are recognized and celebrated during this week. Throughout the week and around the country, events and celebrations may take place to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of public service employees.
In a presidential proclamation for Public Service Recognition Week, President Joe Biden said, “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.”
What to do: People within the public service field are encouraged to use the hashtag #IServeBecause on social media to express why they’ve chosen to work in public service. The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building a stronger government, has created tools and downloads as well as resources for individuals and organizations interested in observing Public Service Recognition Week. Download a toolkit created by the Partnership for Public Service for more ideas on ways to participate.