Partnership for Public Service launches new Public Service Recognition Week programming to support federal employees and raise awareness about attacks on the civil service 

May 5, 2025

New honorary PSRW co-chairs include Anna Chlumsky, Victor Garber and Tony Goldwyn 

WASHINGTON – The nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service today announced new programming in recognition of Public Service Recognition Week, May 4-10, 2025. 

For more than 40 years, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) has been celebrated the first week of May to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. The week marks an opportunity to educate the public about the vast and essential work public servants do, why they chose public service careers, and how they contribute to daily life.  

This year, the Partnership has collaborated with prominent celebrities, writers and businesses on a new campaign and events throughout Public Service Recognition Week. This programming will honor career federal employees and help raise public awareness about the harms of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the civil service. 

“During a time of unprecedented, unproductive and unjust attacks on our nation’s federal public servants, honoring this dedicated workforce has never been more important,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. “Our career public servants are not expendable. They ensure our food and water are safe, our veterans get the care they need, our country is protected from foreign threats, and so much more. These 2.3 million employees deserve our thanks, and we call on the American people to stand up for them as the administration continues its efforts to dismantle our government.” 

For the first time, celebrities will serve as honorary co-chairs of Public Service Recognition Week. This year’s co-chairs are award-winning actors, singers and filmmakers, including: 

• Anna Chlumsky 

• Adam Conover 

• Victor Garber 

• Tony Goldwyn 

• Matt Oberg 

• John Turturro 

• Rufus Wainwright 

• Lisa Ann Walter 

Earlier this year, the Partnership launched the #ISupportFeds campaign inviting members of the public and federal employees to submit stories about civil servants who make a difference. During Public Service Recognition week, this campaign will feature a new video series on the Partnership’s YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn channels with these co-chairs to call for support of public servants and to encourage the American people to share positive stories of public service.  

On Tuesday, May 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. EDT, the Partnership will also host a conversation with award-winning author and New Yorker staff writer Casey Cep and journalist Garrett Graff on the importance of civil servants and what our nation may lose without them. Cep is one of the contributors to “Who Is Government?”, a new book edited by best-selling author Michael Lewis showcasing the critical ways federal employees deliver for the public. This hybrid event will take place both virtually and in person at the Partnership’s Washington, D.C., offices. Details to register can be found here. 

Several businesses in the DMV and nationwide have signed on to support civil servants through discounts, promotions and special events during Public Service Recognition Week. Participants and programming include:  

• Washington Walks is offering a week of free tours for federal employees May 4-10.  

• Fedwell is giving federal employees a complimentary drink and half-price dishes from a rotating menu until May 10. 

• Slate is offering six free months of Slate Plus for current or recently laid-off federal workers.   

As a part of the Partnership’s ongoing efforts to recognize extraordinary public servants who have helped make our nation safer, healthier, stronger and more prosperous, the 2025 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals^® honorees will be announced on June 16. More information about the program and past honorees can be found here. 

Visit the Partnership’s Public Service Recognition Week page for details on how organizations can list events and additional resources. For more information about how current and former federal employees can navigate this time of uncertainty, visit the Partnership’s new FedSupport Resource Hub. 

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.  

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.       

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