Public Service Recognition

By Dennis Tivey, Communication & Outreach Coordinator

Please join us in celebrating Public Service Recognition Week...and extending it to a full month!

Celebrated the first full week in May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a time set aside to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and city government employees. Throughout the nation and the world, public servants use this occasion to educate others about the work they do and why they have chosen public service careers, as well as the many ways government services make life better for all of us.

Every year, from the steps of the Capitol to the smallest towns, public servants participate in ceremonies, information fairs, parades and other events—both online and in person—in their honor.

In our Department, we're extending the week to a full month. In May, your Managers, Smile Squads and others will be arranging events including Potlucks,  Employee Appreciation Days and Lunches, and Employee "Years of Service" Award Events. Watch your email for details on what's happening in your office! We'll update this article with information as it becomes available. Read on to learn more, and find links to details, event pictures, and inspiring videos!

Employee Appreciation & Years of Service

Each office will hold an Employee Appreciation Event. The events will include a catered lunch, a training, and a Years of Service award ceremony. Watch your email for details of the event in your office, and remember to RSVP (reply to the email) so there's enough food for everyone!

Here's when the service award pins will be presented at each office, and who will receive them. Check out this program with the names of all recipients, and check out this Pics folder where we'll post photos from the events as they become available.

• BSC: May 24, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
• WRC: May 24, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
• Betteravia: May 30, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
• Carmen Lane: June 14, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
• CDR: May 31, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
• Lompoc: May 25, 2023, 11:30 a.m.

PSRW Take-Aways

When the lunch is eaten and the applause is over, we hope you and others remember these key messages:

• Government workers are doing important work that positively affects all of us every day.
• Government needs people like you to address the challenges our nation is facing.
• Public servants deserve thanks for working diligently on our behalf.
• Government service is public service.

Here are a few videos to keep you inspired!

• DSS video on a day in the life of an eligibility worker
• Public service video (2 minutes, YouTube)
• Videos from this year's employee appreciation days (added as completed)