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PUBLIC SERVICE
RECOGNITION WEEK
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AFGE Local 704 |
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About Public Service Recognition Week Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, is a time set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state and local government employees. Throughout the nation and around the world, public employees use the week to educate citizens about the many ways in which government serves the people and how government services make life better for all of us. The Week In Region 5 Will our bargaining unit members get the recognition they deserve? Probably not unless some of our fine members step up and volunteer to do something. An e-mail from the union president or buttons for the employees to wear are simple things to implement. There are probably some even more creative ideas that can be implemented in a short time with limited resources during this week. There is labor day, but this is a special time set aside to point out the significant contribution of government unions as playing a major role in the success of government workers. Ways To Celebrate Public employees in about 1,400 cities in the U.S. and abroad take part in the activities. Festivals, open houses, parades, community clean-up days, and fund-raising events to benefit charity are just some of the ways that public employees around the country reach out to their communities. There is also an annual celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC where over 100 federal civilian and military agencies and programs do exhibits. During the week, kids are able to do such things as meet Smokey the Bear, climb aboard an F-16, and take home free buttons, coloring posters, maps and puzzles. Adults also are able to take advantage of the week and do such activities as exploring space technology with NASA, searching job databases of government agencies, receiving free health screening tests, and understanding emergency responses to the Y2K problem. All the while, government employees are on hand to answer questions about what they do and why they have chosen public service careers. Would you like to know more about getting your federal, state or local agency involved? Start by getting a copy of our free guide, "How to Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week." To link up with other public employees in your area to plan your activities, send an e-mail to the Public Employees Roundtable at info@theroundtable.org or phone them at (202) 927-4926. This organization will help you get started. Students' Day: May 10, 2002 (Example Event) Friday of the Public Service Recognition Week celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is designated as "Students' Day." This day is set aside to focus particularly on the interests of young people, providing them with new insights and information about the people, programs, and policies of public service. Exhibiting agencies take this opportunity to share their educational programs and career information with Mall visitors. In the past, school aged children and adults alike were entertained and educated by infrared heat detectors, helicopters and tanks, aquarium animals, nature displays, a car crash simulator, rescue equipment and vehicles, and local and high school talent plus much more! Most exhibitors prepare hands-on demonstrations and offer plenty of take home gifts. People of all ages benefit greatly by attending the Mall celebration any day of the event. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and are able to speak one on one with public employees. For example, an IRS officer may offer sources for tax preparation assistance; a National Park Service ranger may discuss wildlife in our area; visitors can ask questions of a Department of Energy scientist; or learn about the duties of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Students really enjoy meeting an astronaut in person and discussing travel in outer space. Students can
also experience "where in real life" they each will use
the information taught to them in school. Tangible relationships
can be made between science and math formulas and the work done
daily by employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
or the Patent and Trademark Office; how technical skills are used
by the National Park Service; and the relationship between history
and present actions taken by the Department of Health and Human
Services, or the Department of Transportation. In almost every subject
area, students are able to match uses in the workplace for the majority
of academic foundations laid by their Students' Day is the chance for young adults to learn about career opportunities in the government- what positions are available and what skills and talents are needed to pursue certain careers. Highlights are available on summer employment opportunities, internships, cooperative education work and a variety of student programs coordinated by agencies. Teachers may be able to arrange for class field trips or individual agency visits, making valuable contacts for the school/agency educational relationship. Students are exposed to several national education campaigns, such as the "Just Say No" to drugs program; traffic safety and awareness; and crime prevention efforts. In addition, several community service activities can be developed from the information presented at Students' Day. DC Public Schools currently accept Students' Day originated projects toward a student's community service graduation requirement. As an educator, administrator, or parent, encourage your department or local school to include Students' Day 2002 on your schools' field trip calendar. Encourage teachers to take advantage of in class materials and lesson ideas. Ask your Adopt-a-School (Partners in Education) agency to sponsor the school trip, or to bring an educational presentation into the classroom. Call the PER office for more information. Agency representatives can encourage their adopted school to participate by sponsoring transportation, visiting the classroom with presentations about public service, and ensuring that your exhibit is especially geared toward informing and educating young people about the many positive facets of public service and government employment. Planning begins each year in November, and your input to create an effective and enjoyable Students' Day is always invited!! Please call the PER office to offer suggestions! Planning materials, teacher handouts and outreach information are available for your use - and the PER staff is always available. For more information about participation in PSRW Students' Day - please call the Public Employees Roundtable (PER) at (202) 927-4926, or e-mail (teachers kit available on the web site) |
