{"id":19829,"date":"2020-08-26T16:22:56","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T20:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opsweb.wpengine.com\/?p=19829"},"modified":"2024-01-08T11:32:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T16:32:02","slug":"a-letter-from-the-partnerships-chair-perseverance-through-adversity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourpublicservice.org\/blog\/a-letter-from-the-partnerships-chair-perseverance-through-adversity\/","title":{"rendered":"A letter from the Partnership\u2019s chair: Perseverance through adversity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Partnership\nstaff at a virtual \u201cbrown bag,\u201d an informal presentation during lunch. I\ndiscussed my professional background, shared advice based on my experiences and\nanswered questions from the team, including \u201cWhy is now a crucial moment for\nour government and our organization?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my 16 years on the Partnership\u2019s board, I have seen the organization\nnavigate difficult situations many times, but the challenges associated with\nthe coronavirus pandemic are unprecedented in our history. Now is the time to\nbe bold and imaginative to persevere through adversity. The Partnership has adapted\nto the new reality, and our mission to transform the way government works and\nsupport our nation\u2019s dedicated public servants has never been more relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our federal government, the largest enterprise in the United\nStates and our greatest tool for collective action, is also adapting to the new\nreality. In my talk, I pointed out the importance of helping our federal\nworkforce to maintain its effectiveness while operating in a virtual\nenvironment. The Partnership continues to support the federal workforce through\nleadership training programs, research and recognition of the accomplishments\nof federal employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As many of you know, the Partnership has transitioned its leadership\nprogramming to the virtual environment to keep our programs accessible to\nfederal employees without requiring in-person attendance. Before this transition,\nmuch of our training was available only to people who could attend live events\nat our Washington, D.C. office. Now, federal employees anywhere in the country\nor the world can attend the Partnership\u2019s virtual programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, we\u2019ve thrown open the doors to the annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals<\/a> gala, so the general public may help us celebrate the accomplishments of America\u2019s selfless civil servants. In 2020, the \u201cSammies\u201d will be hosted virtually, enabling people to learn about the work of these top federal employees. We expect holding the event virtually before a nationwide audience will lead to a more widespread appreciation of what these finalists have achieved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The role of a public servant is important, especially in times of crisis. As our nation continues to deal with the coronavirus, I encourage you to take a moment to learn about the achievements of the 2020 Sammies finalists<\/a>. This year, honorees are taking on problems such as the opioid epidemic, human rights abuse and cybersecurity. Our finalists include Dr. Anthony Fauci<\/a>, a top expert on infectious diseases who has shared his knowledge throughout the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about how the Partnership is supporting the federal workforce now, visit the organization’s coronavirus page. To learn more about federal employees doing great things, check out the Partnership\u2019s \u201cStories of Service\u201d blog series. Recent editions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n