Take Action

Make sure policymakers and leaders across the country know your views and understand the importance of the nonpartisan federal workforce. Below are concrete ways to make sure your voice is heard.

Actions You Can Take Today 

Write or call your member of Congress

Let your representatives know that you support an apolitical civil service that is committed to serving their constituents and to upholding the Constitution.

Look up your representatives

Contact the White House

Let the White House know your views and urge the administration to approach reshaping the federal workforce with a thoughtful, transparent strategy in partnership with career civil service leaders.

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Share your story with us

To help us highlight your work and impact, use this form to tell us about your federal job, the people you helped, and what the public lost when your job or program was eliminated. 

Share your story

Participate in local town halls or community events

Share your story with your local community. Tell people about the work you did, the people you helped and why a professional civil service matters. 

Write a letter to the editor

Submit a letter to the editor, or commentary to your local news outlet, and share how the federal workforce affects your community. Most local outlets have a submission process, which you can find by searching “letter to the editor” + [outlet name].

Tips for writing a letter

Write a message of support

Let other civil servants know you appreciate them and the work they do on our behalf.

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Sign up for our newsletter

Get timely updates and resources by signing up for our weekly newsletter. Consider sharing it with other current or former federal employees in your network.

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Support our work with a donation

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that relies on support from generous donors. Please consider a gift to help us support federal employees and champion effective government. Your donation will help us publish critical research, share stories of federal service and impact, educate policymakers about the importance of a modern civil service and strategies for improvement, and create resources to help federal employees navigate the current environment.   

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Sample social posts and graphics

#ISupportFeds
Story Wall

Community Engagement
My mom recently started Social Security and she had a slightly complicated case due to payout from a land-grant university. She went through a few hiccups to get the correct Social Security rate, but she was fortunate to find a great case manager that caught a very obvious detail that ensured she would receive her duly owed check with $500 per month more than the original estimate. The extra money gave her more confidence to fix a horribly damaged window in her bedroom that had been leaking air, making the room very uncomfortable during our harsh evenings.
K, Nevada
Community Engagement
On a trip to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon, my husband got sick and consequently ended up in ICU for two weeks. He ended up with septic shock and when we realized he would not survive this, we decided to fly him home to Oregon so he could go on hospice for what remained of his life. I engaged a private company to fly us home and it cost $23,000 but at least he would be home where his family could say goodbye. Some time after his death, I contacted Medicare to see if I qualified for some money back, as part of his insurance benefits. I talked with a very nice woman, whose name I can't remember, who helped me figure out the proper form to use and also where to send my request. During our interaction, after I told her my story, she related her own story of grief when she had to transport her husband by ambulance from their home to a hospital. We were both crying on the phone and I could feel her caring and compassion. I thank that woman for her kindness in my grief.
Cindra, Oregon
Climate, National Security
My name is Emilie Stander and I am a former federal government employee (EPA ORD and USAID civil and foreign service, six years total). I would like to highlight Rod Schoonover, former State Department employee. Rod is well known for resigning on principle during the first Trump Administration for political interference in his analysis of the national security implications of climate change in testimony to a congressional committee. He wrote an opinion piece about his decision to resign that was published in the New York Times. Even more inspiring than his principled resignation was the work he was doing at State: systematically making the connection between environmental and national security threats, and analyzing intelligence through that lens. As an ecologist, the notion that environmental problems are a national security issue is not new and is something that ecologists talk about among themselves, but we rarely frame our work in those terms. According to Rod, it's the same on the national security side. Rod's genius has been to make these connections explicit in a public way, and to encourage national security and ecology experts to talk to each other and reframe the issues they work on in this context. This work is hugely beneficial and important.
Emilie
Community Engagement
A tribute to Julio Betancourt. A retired federal employees who has been an inspiration to our community. I was the Board Chair of the South Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center and worked closely with Julio in this nonprofit for eight years. We raised awareness of the dangers of buffelgrass spread, explored best practices for control, supported further scientific research, and attracted funds to pay for these things. I would never have gotten involved had I not heard Julio deliver a presentation to the board of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council of which I was a member. Julio was translating his knowledge of ecological science to civil society so we could act to preserve critical values in our community. He was heroic in his persistence and devotion to public service, and I shall always be grateful for his contributions.
Sarah, Arizona
Agriculture
I’m an alumna of Indio High and California Polytechnic State University, where I studied Agriculture. I began my career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in 2007, working in San Luis Obispo County. I trained for management in Fresno County, and in 2009, I finally returned home to manage the Indio office, which covers Riverside and San Diego Counties. I served as a County Executive Director for 13 years. In 2023, I was promoted to Agricultural Specialist and commuted to Davis every week by plane. My role in the Farm Service Agency was to provide grants and farm subsidies to small farmers, minority farmers, and veteran farmers alike. Our agency helped keep thousands of farmers in business each year. We offered disaster assistance when natural disasters occurred, like fires or floods. We subsidized dairy farmers’ production income when market prices were low. We also offered several programs to keep farmers in business throughout the COVID era—and so much more. The biggest reward was when farmers would come in and bring us some of their produce as a thank-you for helping keep them afloat. Simple “thank yous” went a long way. In 2024, I switched gears and began working as a Risk Management Specialist for the Risk Management Agency (another branch of the USDA). I took this job because it allowed me to work from home 100%. I had a baby on the way and a disabled husband. This was the ideal situation. My job was to manage and maintain new and ongoing crop insurance policies—still working with farmers. My stint with the RMA didn’t last long before everyone was required to return to the office. My headquarters was in Davis, and there was no way I was going to uproot my family and move. Our roots and all of our support are here in the Coachella Valley. After 18 years, I decided the stress of what was happening at the national level was no longer worth my mental peace. I chose to become a stay-at-home mom and full-time caregiver. This is where I will make the most impact—raising the next generation of leaders. My husband will also receive the best love and care for as long as he is with us. I miss being in the workforce, but that time will come again. For now, I’m enjoying the busyness of my kiddos’ schedules.
Desiree, California
Community Engagement
At 67 yrs old in 2020, I was hunkered down in Palm Springs, CA, trying to apply for retirement benefits. I had worked for 50 yrs and the SSA website didn’t appear to know I existed. The SSA offices were closed and their employees were taking calls from home. An employee from the El Centro office answered my call and did his job! It was a scary time for everyone in the world. He methodically reviewed my work record and my ex-husband's to determine the best way to proceed to claim my benefit. It gave me hope that the world would continue. I looked up the address for the El Centro office and mailed him a thank you note. Most recently at 72 yrs old, the Windfall Elimination Provision was repealed by Congress and I received notice that I would now be eligible to receive the full amount of Social Security benefits that I was entitled to. My brother received the same notice and received his back pay and monthly adjustment promptly. However, after several calls to Social Security, they explained that my case was more complicated and would possibly take 6 months to process. With DOGE decimating the government, I feared it would never happen. I remembered what my brother always told me, " Call your Senator!" I called Mazie Hirono's office and they contacted SSA. My backpay was deposited the next day with a monthly increase in benefits to follow. It almost doubled my benefit and living in Hawaii, I felt like I could be comfortable in Paradise for my remaining years! I shared the good news with my best friend since high school and she said her husband thought he should be eligible for an increase in benefits, too. I encouraged them to make an appointment with Social Security and he found out he was also eligible for back pay and an increase in monthly benefits! Thanks to all the public servants at the Social Security Administration and Senator Hirono's office that did their job and provided service to us!"
Paula, Hawaii
Community Engagement
I recently left federal prison and I happen to stumble upon a copy of “Who is Government”. I thought the book was absolutely fascinating and insightful. While I was reading the book, I did think of an extraordinary worker who I believe deserves to have his story shared. During my prison term, I took the horticulture program at the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, Minnesota which was lead by Mr. Dallenbach. Mr. Dallenbach goes above and beyond when it comes to helping the women in prison and educating them even if it is just over plants. When he is not teaching horticulture and is recruited to work custody, he carries the same attitude. He views the women there as people not as just numbers or inmates. Typically, in prison settings, most correctional officers are harsh and cruel towards the adults in custody. I personally witnessed most if not all officers treat the women without dignity and in degrading ways. The same cannot be said about Mr. Dallenbach, who despite working at the prison for years remains humble and eager to actually rehabilitate the women in prison and treat them kindly. Lastly, the program he is responsible for at the prison is a breath of fresh air at the prison. He has essentially created a sanctuary with the use of greenhouses and nature. Work does not feel like work in his program.
Gisela

Sample Social Posts and Graphics

Sample posts

Civil servants need our support now more than ever. Help us share why their work matters by sharing stories about federal employees who have made a difference in your life. #ISupportFeds https://bit.ly/ISupportFeds

       

Federal workers deserve our gratitude and respect, but they are under attack. Send a clear message that you’ve got their back, by sharing stories about federal employees who have made a difference in your life. #ISupportFeds https://bit.ly/ISupportFeds

       

From keeping our food and water safe to responding to natural disasters, federal workers play a vital role in our everyday lives. Learn how you can share your support for them at https://bit.ly/ISupportFeds

       

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