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The Importance of Public Service

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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Introduction, promoting societal equity, body paragraph 2: encouraging civic engagement, body paragraph 3: enhancing quality of life.

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The Importance of Public Service

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By Matt Rowley Posted on March 19, 2020

For some, the term “public service” brings to mind government agencies and policy changes. For others, it represents the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save others . And still others, the concept of public service is more multifaceted, encompassing everything from the director of the local food bank to the nurses administering vaccines at the community health clinic.

The fact is public service encompasses all of these facets and then some. In this article, we explore the importance of public service and lay out four reasons why you may want to serve your community in your career.

What Is Public Service?

The technical definition of public service is a service provided by the government to the people in a specific jurisdiction. Services may be provided by the government itself, or they pay a private organization to provide them. For instance, a fire or police department is a government-run agency, but trash pickup provided by an independent contractor is a public service financed by the jurisdiction.

Why Public Service Matters

The importance of public services – and public servants – cannot be overstated. In a Pew Research survey, more than 80% of respondents said they felt the government should play a major role in responding to terrorism and natural disasters, ensuring food and medicine are safe, and managing the immigration system. Maintaining the country’s infrastructure, protecting the environment, strengthening the economy, and ensuring access to education were also considered important government priorities.

The same survey revealed that satisfaction with these efforts among Americans is relatively high. More than 70% of respondents said they thought the government was doing a “very good” or "somewhat good" job responding to natural disasters, setting standards for workplaces , keeping the country safe from terrorism, and managing food and medicine safety. Although satisfaction with certain efforts, such as the reduction of poverty, received a less favorable opinion, the ultimate takeaway is that public service matters.

Reasons to Enter Public Service

Beyond the public expectation that the government will provide certain services, public service matters for other reasons and represents a viable career option. Simply put, the array of public service career options is endless, especially as the lines between government, nonprofit agencies and the private sector become increasingly blurred. Regardless of where your passion lies, public service presents opportunities.

If you’ve been considering a career in public service, think about these four reasons to enter a field like criminal justice , EMS , emergency management , fire science , homeland security or public administration .

1. Saving Lives

Often, when you ask someone why they entered the public service , their answer is “I wanted to make a difference.” What that looks like varies from person to person. For some, it’s rewriting public policy to effect change in a specific community, while for others it’s working in the field, providing life-saving assistance in emergencies. The concept of saving lives means different things to different people, but the desire to give everyone a fair shot at life underpins nearly every public service role.

2. Improving Communities

In an essay about public service for the Alliance of Innovation, Tracy Miller, the organization’s Florida regional director, wrote “You do not have to wonder as a citizen if you will have clean water to your home, or street lights that operate, or an ambulance when you dial 911. These have become givens in our lives and it is largely due to the stewards of our public dollars who balance the needs of the people they serve.”

These services do often have challenges, and there are needs for additional services to keep a community running safely and efficiently. Entering public service provides the opportunity to become a steward of public policy and contribute to the improvements that are vital to quality of life.

3. Influencing Social Change

Community improvement isn’t only about improving fire department response times or maintaining clean playgrounds. Social change also matters, and public servants are increasingly becoming agents for social change, creating more equity in social conditions.

A great deal of public service is focused on economics and creating more efficient and sustainable services and agencies, but there’s also an increasing focus on changing how policies and programs are administered to create more equitable conditions. From tackling issues related to racism and civil liberties to building support for citywide recycling programs, the opportunities for influencing social change through public service are diverse and plentiful.

4. Personal Fulfillment

Finally, it can’t be overlooked that working in public service provides a significant source of personal fulfillment. Feeling as if you’re working for a purpose is important; after all, you will spend thousands of hours at your job every year, and work is often closely tied to your sense of identity and accomplishment.

Choosing a career in public service can add to that sense of fulfillment. It can provide opportunities to act on your altruistic desires and the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you made a measurable difference in the lives of others.

Education for Public Servants

At Columbia Southern University, we’re fortunate to have worked with students and alumni like Vincent Harris , Dana Osborne , Mark Sealy , Nina Taylor and many others who put their knowledge and skills to work in public service.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the public sector, check out CSU’s online degree programs in public administration, homeland security, fire science and more, all of which will give you the skills you need to make a positive difference in your community.

For more information about CSU, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu .

Topics in This Article

• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Medical Services
• Emergency Services Management
• Fire Science
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration
• Public Service

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Why Public Service Matters and What It Means For You

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Robert Durant, American University's School of Public Affairs Professor Emeritus and visionary behind the Online Master of Public Administration and Policy, recently wrote for The Public Purpose Journal on why public service matters and the skills needed for a career in public service. The piece was featured in the journals' first edition which is sponsored by American University's School of Public Affairs and Student Graduate Council.

Below are some excerpts from Why Public Service Matters – and What It Means For You . The full text can be accessed at The Public Purpose Journal.

Why Public Service Matters

The seven ongoing, powerful, and interrelated pressures for organizational change and development include:

• Reconceptualizing organizational purpose refers to calls for many agency and program missions and policies to be rethought in light of changing circumstances, needs, and political priorities. These include downward global economic pressures on the visible size of government, structural budget shortfalls, aging workforces, a spiraling national debt, and the rise of so-called "wicked" policy problems such as global warming where compromise has proved elusive internationally and in Washington.
• (Re)connecting with citizens and stakeholders . Reconnecting to create a "coproduction service" ethic impels managers and analysts to stop seeing policymaking and implementation as a one-way flow of expertise from their organizations to a largely passive, malleable, and receptive public.
• Redefining administrative rationality pressures stem from the alleged shortcomings of conventional bureaucratic structures. Critics claim that bureaucracies are too focused on processes and procedures, too remote from the citizens they serve, too centralized to be effective, and too inflexible to adapt on their own to be effective. Others argue that these "pathologies" are exaggerated or are actually functional in offering procedural protections for citizens. Your organization will be expected to become priority-based, customer-focused, information-driven, results-based, learning organizations. In the process, you will continue to be pressed to work collaboratively in networks with other agencies, as well as with private and nonprofit providers of goods and services.
• Reengaging financial resource pressures stem from downward pressures on tax revenues in a global economy, structurally induced budget deficits, the shifting purposes of organizations, and our evolving understanding of what works and does not work in addressing public problems.
• Recapitalizing human asset pressures are also likely to drive agency and nonprofit dynamics for years to come at all levels of government and in nonprofit organizations. This is largely because of the accelerating rate of "baby boomer" retirees that is currently underway, but it also reflects the difficulties of recruiting top-notch experts to government. Regardless, policy and program success depend critically on hiring and retaining persons with the right kinds of skills, in a timely fashion, and with credible retention plans. Equally important is ensuring that the public and nonprofit personnel performing these tasks reflect the sociodemographic characteristics of the clients they serve and the societies from which they come.
• (Re)aligning organizational subsystems refer to pressures to consider how well existing agency resources are "aligned" with—that is, support—present and future mission needs and policy priorities. What has to be aligned are administrative systems dealing with human resource management, financial management, capital investments and acquisition, IT management, and contract management. The greater number of these systems that are not aligned with policy or program goals, the less likely organizational, policy, or program success.
• Revitalizing a sense of common purpose informed by democratic constitutional values  should be a constant concern for you during your public service career, regardless of your choice of sector.This means that your agency, consulting firm, or nonprofit organization must think about more than efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills Needed For a Career in Public Service

"What kinds of knowledge, skills, and values does one need to have not just for a personally successful career but for a career that really makes a difference in citizens' lives?" You might think of these as "literacies" for public service that will make you assets in whatever organizations your career takes you.

So let's call them collectively AU's "ASSETS" regimen for public service. It goes without saying that the ASSETS regimen means reading deeply into topics related to your concentration area and widely across different fields and disciplines to understand today's and tomorrows "wicked" policy problems. But if you want to be a leader in the public service communities, you must consistently improve your abilities to think:

• Analytically
• Systemically
• Synthetically
• Technologically
• Strategically

Read more on Why Public Service Matters – and What It Means For You .

About the Author *Robert F. Durant is the visionary behind the Online Master of Public Administration and Policy program and is professor emeritus of public administration and policy at American University's on-ground programs. Among other awards, he is the recipient of the Dwight Waldo Award from the American Society for Public Administration for distinguished contributions to research in public administration and the John M. Gaus Award and Lectureship from the American Political Science Association for a lifetime of exemplary scholarship in the joint tradition of political science and public administration. His latest book is Why Public Service Matters: Public Managers, Public Policy, and Democracy (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014). He resides in Marietta, Georgia and can be reached at [email protected] .

To learn more about American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy, request more information or call us toll free at 855-725-7614.

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What does public service mean to you?

By Julie Galante

Ahead of Veterans Day this year, we asked some HKS students who serve—and have served—in the military: What does public service mean to you? How has your military experience shaped your understanding of and connection to public service?

Here is what they shared.

David Choe MC/MPA 2024

La cañada, california u.s. army ranger.

My numerous combat deployments remind me of our dedication to one another, whether amongst my brothers and sister in arms, or the friends and family in the reaches of my heart. As I reflect on these experiences, I am moved deeply by the spirit of service shown by the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Those moments of reflection remind me to live and lead a life that makes the world a better place.

“I am moved deeply by the spirit of service shown by the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Those moments of reflection remind me to live and lead a life that makes the world a better place.”

David choe mc/mpa 2024, u.s. army ranger, grace jones mpp 2024, john f. kennedy fellowship,  belfer young leaders fellowship redding, california u.s. navy reserves, lieutenant commander.

Serving in the military helped me realize service must stem from a place of compassion. I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, camaraderie, and dedication of my shipmates. The most effective leaders exemplified compassionate service: a genuine care for one another was not merely an emotion, but a motivating factor guiding every mission.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices, camaraderie, and dedication of my shipmates. The most effective leaders exemplified compassionate service: a genuine care for one another was not merely an emotion, but a motivating factor guiding every mission.”

Grace jones mpp 2024, u.s. navy reserves, lieutenant commander, rebecca marshall mc/mpa 2024, medford lakes, new jersey u.s. army foreign area officer.

I serve my country by leading soldiers in the U.S. Army to help develop engaged, responsible citizens who can contribute to society during and after their military service. While it is important to honor those who have served in the military on Veterans Day, I also recognize my HKS classmates who offer their time and energy to better our communities through their service as educators, health care providers, nonprofit professionals, or policymakers and activists.

What distinguishes members of the military from many other public servants is our unique sense of duty, selfless service, and personal courage.

When called upon, we must at a moment’s notice put aside personal cares or beliefs and fulfill our obligation to deploy to harsh, dangerous environments. We are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our fellow servicemembers and civilians and to preserve the ideals and values we hold dear.

Over the last 10 years, I have lost many friends and mentors in the line of duty, and their lives and legacies are testaments to the personal and moral courage of those who wear the uniform with solemn pride. I had the privilege of serving with people of different backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic classes, and political opinions, and we always found common ground in our commitment to advance the cause of freedom. Our differences can be our greatest asset in public service.

“I had the privilege of serving with people of different backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic classes, and political opinions, and we always found common ground in our commitment to advance the cause of freedom.”

Rebecca marshall mc/mpa 2024, u.s. army foreign area officer, brandon moore mpp/mba 2025, 2023 black family fellowship ,  2023 pat tillman scholar torrington, connecticut u.s. army, captain (aviation).

Four months into our deployment to a small outpost in southeast Afghanistan, the United States began peace negotiations with the Taliban. This resulted in the “grounding” of our Apache helicopters for the foreseeable future.

We spoke almost no Pashto and they spoke little English, but the smiles and gestures of frustration when the ball landed outside the court were sufficient communication. We became friends.

Exactly one year after we departed our outpost, Afghan provinces began to fall to the Taliban. Scrolling through online images, I discovered a photo of Taliban soldiers occupying my former headquarters. Scrolling further, I saw them surrounding the barracks that housed the Afghan soldiers. I need not describe the peril they faced. I tell this story to emphasize one point: service is real. It is impactful, it matters, and the stakes are as high as they can possibly get. I also cannot put into words the privilege it was to serve alongside American, coalition, and Afghan servicemembers while fighting for a stable democracy in Afghanistan. Our mission was unambiguous, and our purpose was clear. Yet Kabul fell, and the rights of Afghan women and girls were all but eliminated. This means that our duty now is to never forget. We can never forget those who sacrificed through two bloody decades of conflict, and we cannot forget the millions of Afghans who continue to suffer to this day.

“Service is real. It matters and the stakes are as high as they can possibly get. I cannot put into words the privilege it was to serve alongside American, coalition, and Afghan servicemembers while fighting for a stable democracy in Afghanistan.”

Brandon moore mpp/mba 2025, u.s. army, captain (aviation), jon moss mc/mpa 2024, 2023 pat tillman scholar los angeles, california u.s. navy special operations (eod) officer.

My understanding of public service has been shaped by my diverse experiences, from my time in the classroom as an elementary school teacher in Compton, California, to my military service and humanitarian work.

Growing up in a dysfunctional family environment, I became acutely aware of other people’s vulnerabilities. The chaos of my early life instilled in me resilience and an ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. These experiences made me sensitive to the struggles of vulnerable communities and drove me to make a tangible difference. This led me to teach in the Compton Unified School District, where I witnessed firsthand the disparities in education and the potential of young minds when given the right opportunities.

My military experience further deepened my connection to public service. Serving as a Special Operations Bomb Technician in the Navy, I was entrusted with ensuring safety and security. This role honed my technical skills and reinforced the importance of selfless service, teamwork, and leadership. My time in the military made me realize I could leverage my skills to serve even more vulnerable populations such as the oppressed Karenni people in Burma. Witnessing their resilience and desperation, I felt a moral obligation to stand by them, to provide them with the resources and support they desperately needed. The stark contrast between the resources available in the West and the dire circumstances of the Karenni people highlighted the urgency of their plight. It was evident that their suffering demanded immediate action.

My military training and the leadership skills I acquired equipped me to make a meaningful impact in these conflict zones. But beyond the technical assistance, I realized that the most profound impact I could make was being present and making those around me feel valued and loved.

My experiences in Burma further solidified my commitment to public service. Witnessing the devastating effects of civil war and the challenges faced by Internally Displaced People (IDPs), I recognized the need for agile, grassroots solutions. The people of Burma, largely forgotten by the Western world, required sustainable solutions to empower them in the long run.

Now, as I look to the future, my vision is clear. I aim to establish a nongovernmental organization dedicated to removing weapons of war and ensuring the safety of civilians in conflict zones. I aim to collaborate with governments, international organizations, and other NGOs to create lasting solutions. My time at HKS will equip me with the policy knowledge required to realize this vision.

To me, public service is more than just a duty; it’s a calling. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our shared humanity and stepping up to make a difference. My military experience has shaped my understanding of public service and instilled in me a relentless drive to serve those in need, no matter the challenges.

As we commemorate Veterans Day, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the name of service. I am honored and inspired by the legacy and selfless dedication of those before me.

“To me, public service is more than just a duty; it’s a calling. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our shared humanity and stepping up to make a difference.”

Jon moss mc/mpa 2024, u.s. navy special operations (eod) officer, omer s. rafiq mc/mpa 2024, 2023 pat tillman scholar southbridge, massachusetts u.s. marine corps, infantry officer.

As a first-generation immigrant, I have benefited from American values in more ways that I can begin to quantify. Through continued public service, I aspire to support a sustainable and inclusive democracy that uplifts everyone—and is a beacon of hope for nations across the globe to emulate.

As a military officer, integrity, empathy, resilience, and moral courage were the bedrock of my success in uniform. Being a trustee for the wellbeing of those under my charge was not only part of my job description, but also a moral imperative. The concept of "service before self" was molded in my ethos and tested repeatedly across the globe. These experiences have ignited a desire for continued public service while always prioritizing the needs of country and community before self. 

“The concept of 'service before self' was molded in my ethos and tested repeatedly across the globe. These experiences have ignited a desire for continued public service while always prioritizing the needs of country and community before self.”

Omer s. rafiq mc/mpa 2024, u.s. marine corps, infantry officer, garry schwartzman mc/mpa 2024, 2023 cpl equity fellowship ,  2023 pat tillman scholar rockville, maryland u.s. army, major.

Soon after arriving in the United States, my uncle, a former Soviet refusenik, gave me a word of advice: “There are three types of people in this country—those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. Strive to become an agent of change.”

Inspired by his wisdom, I decided to serve my new country during a time of war. Nearly two decades after joining the military, I continue safeguarding the American dream to repay my debt of gratitude to my adoptive nation. Since my early days in combat supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, through my formative years as a Combat Support Officer and now a newly minted Foreign Area Officer, I seek to advance and defend U.S. national security interests by building and strengthening America’s diplomatic and military relations with our regional partners.

“Nearly two decades after joining the military, I continue safeguarding the American dream to repay my debt of gratitude to my adoptive nation.”

Garry schwartzman mc/mpa 2024, u.s. army, major, joshua stinson phd in public policy candidate, fort walton beach, florida u.s. air force, lieutenant colonel.

When I joined the military, the opportunity to fly airplanes in combat, get an education, and pursue adventure around the world was compelling. But after wearing the uniform for over two decades, the value of public service has changed. There were plenty of adventures, combat missions, and opportunities to lead. But I never anticipated the lost time, lost friends, and lost wars.

Today, I’m clear eyed about the complex hurdles. Continued public service is deeply tied to my values of sustaining the United States government and ensuring that the U.S. military is ready to meet future challenges. Public service is now about fixing systemic issues incrementally and creating opportunities so the next generation of public servants can live up to our highest ideals.  

I remain in public service not because of ambitions of adventure and glory. Instead, I found the perseverance to lead through challenging circumstances was rewarding and profound for the public good. The opportunity to make a difference for others, even in the smallest of ways, sustains my energy to better the military, the United States, and people around the world.

The opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a small difference is why I remain committed in public service.

“I remain in public service not because of ambitions of adventure and glory. The opportunity to make a difference sustains my energy to better the military, the United States, and people around the world.”

Joshua stinson phd in public policy candidate, u.s. air force, lieutenant colonel, roni yadlin phd in public policy candidate, irvine, california u.s. air force, lieutenant colonel, b-1 pilot.

My military experience has exposed me to a community of people dedicated to service. Everyone came to military service for unique and individual reasons, but they are all ready and willing to put those individual desires aside to serve the greater good.

Dismantling barriers for Latinx communities, one student at a time

By Carol Kerbaugh

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Federal employees share why public service is important to them

During last year’s Public Service Recognition Week, we asked federal employees to share their stories about working in government. More than 130 public servants from 45 different agencies answered. The responses shed light on why public servants view their work as important.

Many federal employees believe their work makes a difference. At the Department of Defense, Marcus S. sees himself as helping our nation become “healthier, stronger and sustainable.” Others see their impact in smaller and more specific ways. At the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Velma B. knows she’s made a difference when she talks with a grateful family for whom she helped provide housing. Likewise, Kendra A. at the Internal Revenue Service knows she has done her job well when she hears the stress in a taxpayer’s voice subside over the course of a phone conversation.

Some employees see public service as a way to bring people closer to their government. Karen S. at the National Science Foundation is passionate about using her skills to figure out “how we communicate with each other, how our leaders communicate with their teams and how our government communicates with the public.” A few respondents said that their work helps change public perceptions about government. Richard G., for instance, believes that his work at the Social Security Administration can help ensure that “the American people have confidence in the skills and character of the public servant.”

Many federal employees are also driven by their specific agency missions. Keith C., for example, shared that his job at the Texas Department of Transportation keeps bridges safe for public use. At the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, Betsy K. shared her work helps strengthen the cybersecurity of government networks.

Some public servants also joined government after witnessing specific social and economic wrongs. Kirtida P. left her executive management job in medical device manufacturing and pharmaceuticals after she observed companies selling harmful medical devices for corporate profit. She now works at the Food and Drug Administration inspecting medical products before they’re sold for public use. Maria L. at the Environmental Protection Agency comes from a family of migrant farmworkers. She sees her work as an environmental scientist as important because she has firsthand knowledge about the disparities among migrant families and small rural communities.

In short, public servants see their work as important for a wide range of reasons—from helping to uphold our democracy to making one person’s day slightly better. But no matter why federal employees find their work important, they have all committed their lives to public service—and that is worth honoring.

Public Service Recognition Week is from May 2-8, 2021. Visit our website  for simple, low-cost resources that can help you and your organization celebrate, and  sign up  to receive event updates and materials for next year’s celebration.

To share your own experiences of working in the federal government and why public service is important to you, take the #IServeBecause survey here.

If you are interested in joining public service, visit  gogovernment.org , your guide as you consider, apply and secure federal employment.

Will Butler is a former intern on the Partnership’s Communications team.

Public Service and Its Responsibilities Essay

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Public service refers to the set of different services offered by the government to the people under its jurisdiction, either through public or private sectors. Public service may also refer to a course that is offered in various higher learning institutions in order to equip learners with key knowledge and skills in the vast field of public administration. Public service or public administration is a field with a diverse scope, which main goal is to help in the advancement of policies and management to enable the government to carry its missions in a smooth manner. In other words, this is a field of profession primarily focused on the organization of government programmes and policies in various sectors of accountability. One of the main and striking characteristics of people within this diverse sector consists in the fact that, their services are required in all public agencies and departments. This, however, automatically makes them professionals in a number of disciplines. This nature of the service has won my heart at once, thus increasing my interest in this field.

As it can be observed, the overall responsibilities of public service usually involve outputs that can rarely be attributed to characteristics of quality or even to specific individual efforts. Public service is a field guided by commitment and dedication, which attracts only those people who are passionate about serving the communities. Having studied Political Science and Philosophy, I am interested in using community-based organizations within this specific field to make a difference in the community. My wide knowledge in public policies, coupled with rich skills acquired from previous experiences and engagements are enough to lead me into higher levels of performance within this particular field. My participation in a number of sessions and retreats has also exposed me to extensive administrative duties, thus giving me some extra knowledge as far as the practice of public administration is concerned.

My personal attributes, which include the ability to work well under pressure, fast comprehension of new concepts, and effective communication will help me effectively undertake the practice of public administration. More importantly, I will also try to utilize the basic skills of public relations that I possess in helping various segments of the community thrive in their respectful areas of commitments. My fluency in French is an added advantage to my career as a public service officer. French is arguably one of the widely-spoken languages across the world, and this clearly explains the reason why many people in the modern world have decided to study it as an alternative or the second language. This great exposure is likely to open up new opportunities to my career as well as to my personal growth, since I would be able to extend my public administration services to people of different cultural backgrounds, who may not be familiar with my first language, but can understand French. All these qualifications and experiences are instrumental in helping me achieve my goals in the diverse sector of public administration, where service to the people is a matter of priority. With all my experiences and ambitions, there is no doubt that public service has become more beneficial to me now more than ever before, and that is why I would not hesitate to embrace it fully as my favorite profession.

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The pandemic reminds us of the importance of public service

Subscribe to the center on the united states and europe update, fiona hill fiona hill senior fellow - foreign policy , center on the united states and europe.

May 13, 2020

The week of May 4 was Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), when the country honors those who serve as federal, state, county and local government employees and recognize the essential value of government service in American public life. PSRW was established in 1985, 35 years ago, but has not captured the popular imagination owing to persistent levels of distrust in the U.S. government. On May 4, 2020, the Brookings Institution partnered with the bipartisan National Commission on Military, National and Public Service for an event to mark the beginning of PSRW and to address ways of reversing some of the negative popular attitudes. Brookings President John R. Allen and Commission Chairman Joseph J. Heck opened the event, followed by a conversation between Allen, Heck, Commissioner Avril Haines, and Brookings Senior Fellow Isabel Sawhill. I had the pleasure of moderating the discussion.

Two decades ago, the Brookings Institution’s Center for Public Service also initiated a National Commission on the Public Service with former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker and 10 commissioners drawn from both political parties with diverse experiences of public service. The final report from this effort was released in January 2003. In contrast with Brookings’s earlier effort, the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service was set up by Congress, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, with a two-year mandate to engage the public to produce recommendations for increasing American participation in all forms of service. Brookings scholars from the Economic Studies and Governance Studies programs took part in the exercise. Avril Haines , new Foreign Policy Program affiliate, was one of the commissioners. The commission’s interim report was issued in early 2019, in the immediate aftermath of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history (from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019).

The commission released its final report, titled Inspired to Serve , in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when public servants, military service members, volunteers, and national service members were battling to stem the spread of the virus and to safeguard public health. In an interview with The New York Times at the beginning of April 2020, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a highly-visible member of the White House pandemic task force, and head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, was asked how he would like to be remembered when the pandemic was finally over. He replied that, most of all, he wanted to be recognized as a dedicated public servant, who had done the best that he could to mitigate a terrible disease. In the same interview, Dr. Fauci summed up the general ethos of public service as essentially trying to fix and improve things for the greater good.

Dr. Fauci was first in the national spotlight four decades ago during the early years of the HIV/AIDS public health crisis; by 2020, he has become a household name. As a result of the pandemic, Pew polls released in April 2020 indicated an increase in positive impressions of federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), with 79% of Americans having a favorable opinion of the former and 73% of the latter. Nonetheless — as panelists discussed during the May 4 event — Dr. Fauci’s prominence, the visibility of other public servants on the frontlines of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, and these positive polls, may not mark a durable shift in U.S. public understanding of the essential role public servants play in meeting the country’s challenges or in popular views of government service.

Next year, in 2021, the U.S. will commemorate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s call to service . Since then, other U.S. leaders have promoted public and national service in a nonpartisan or bipartisan manner, often building on the work of their predecessors. The year 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of AmeriCorps by President William J. Clinton, which President George W. Bush expanded with the creation of the USA Freedom Corps in 2002, and the Medical Reserve Corps . President Bush’s initiatives were spurred by the nation’s response to the terrorist attack of 9/11. The panelists for the May 4 event all stressed that COVID-19 will require a similar national response.

The National Commission on Military, National and Public Service’s March 2020 report offers one comprehensive approach to this response. In addition to policy recommendations, and specifically targeted legislation, the commission report proposes significant U.S. government and congressional investment in civic education to increase awareness of opportunities for the public, and to make national service the norm for Americans rather than the exception.

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How I Serve: The Importance of Public Service

Yesterday, I visited with USDA employees in Minnesota to tell them how much their work means to the Secretary, myself and the American people. USDA employees across the country and around the world do critical work that impacts millions of lives and I could not be prouder.

Folks often ask me why I work in the federal government and my answer always is: it’s how I serve. Public service is at the core of our nation’s principles. Our founding fathers performed a public service when they laid the foundation for the United States of America—as they sat down to write the Declaration of Independence and as they worked each day afterward to create and maintain a nation.

Public service looks a bit different today. At USDA alone, we help people buy homes, connect rural schools and hospitals to the internet, feed underserved children during the school year and summertime, provide loans to farmers and ranchers, fight wildfires and keep our food system safe and secure. Our employees are the best and brightest in the business. Public service is an honorable profession and should not be taken for granted.

These are just some examples of our great work. For all this and more, I want to express my deepest thanks to the incredibly talented and dedicated workforce at USDA.

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One of The Best Public Service Essay Examples for Grad School

EssayEdge > Blog > One of The Best Public Service Essay Examples for Grad School

If you do not know for sure how to write a public service essay, look through this sample to get some ideas or inspiration.

“To be nobody but yourself—in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” When I first read this passage by E.E. Cummings, I realized I have been fighting the same battle my whole life. When choosing the direction for my future, I have often accepted jobs based on a compromise between my own dreams and what others thought my dreams should be. This, of course, has led to an unfulfilling career.

Looking back, I always knew that I wanted to work in public service; but I also knew my staunchly conservative father would not be pleased. To him, the government is too big, too intrusive and too wasteful. I see things differently. And yet, his approval means a lot to me and his opinion has certainly influenced my the direction of my career. But I have finally come to understand that I must pursue my own path. After careful deliberation, I am confident that public service is, without a doubt, the right career for me.

Ever since my childhood I have detected in myself a certain compassion and innate desire to help others. I was the kid that dragged in every stray cat or dog I came across—and I still do. When I was eight years old, I rescued a rat from my sister’s psychology lab and brought her home. I even coaxed my father into taking Alice—I called her Alice—to the vet when she became ill. But aside from my humanitarian kindness to animals, as a child I learned first-hand about America’s need to reform and improve medical care. I spent years of my childhood on crutches and in hospitals because of a tumor that hindered the growth of my leg. Without adequate health insurance and proper care, I might still be on crutches, but I was fortunate. Today, as a public servant, I still desire to help others who are not so fortunate. Providing health care to 44 million uninsured Americans, while keeping insurance affordable, is one of the most difficult challenges facing policymakers. I want to work in state or local government to resolve this health care crisis and ensure that the disadvantaged get the care they need and deserve.

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In order to succeed in my endeavors toward public service, I now realize that a master’s degree in public policy is essential. But when I graduated from college in 1990, I didn’t know how to continue my education, only that I should. For a while, I considered such options as law school or international relations, but I always returned to my desire to impact public life. My career in public policy began as a legislative assistant at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a non-profit educational organization that couples voices from the state legislature and the private sector to work on salient policy issues. My enthusiasm for ALEC’s mission was evident, as I quickly moved up from legislative assistant to the director of two task forces. As manager of ALEC’s task force on federalism and its tax and fiscal policy task force, I explored these issues thoroughly, never quite satiating my appetite for more information and knowledge. I found my integral role in the legislative process to be the most valuable and worthwhile experience I’ve had in my career to date.

Following ALEC, I took a position as a junior lobbyist for the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA). As a lobbyist, I voiced the APAA’s concern over regulatory and environmental issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. Although I was able to help small automotive parts manufacturers battle the “Big Three” automakers, I quickly realized that being an advocate for the automotive aftermarket was not my calling in life. I wanted to promote policies which had the potential to improve life for the greater public, for I could not see myself spending a lifetime working within an isolated industry.

With that frame of mind, I accepted employment as a policy analyst in the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) research department in Washington, D.C. Helping small business owners is a cause close to my heart. For nearly 30 years, my family has owned a barbecue restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area. I’ve worked in the business at several different times, since the age of 14. Because of my involvement in my family’s business, I understand the unique problems facing small business owners. At the NFIB, I valued my contributions because I know small businesses have a huge economic impact on our country and they are unquestionably an important constituency. Nevertheless, I felt uncomfortable working for a special interest group—even for one I deeply cared about.

From my experiences at the APAA and the NFIB, I have learned how I want to shape my future. My goals are now clear: I want to develop and advocate policy decisions that will benefit society as a whole, not just a few influential special interest groups. I want to uncover the objective truth of issues and tackle them in the best interests of the nation, not distort the facts for the benefit of a small group. I know I am able to look beyond partisan politics to solve problems for this country. Because of these unbending desires to reveal truth and to remain committed to fair and equal advancement for all citizens, I think of myself as an ideal candidate for public service.

Additionally, I consider my active interest in politics to aid my pursuit of a career in public policy. I’ve always found my interest in politics exceptional, ever since my college roommates used to tease me for faithfully watching C-SPAN. However, my faith in the political process began to wane as I witnessed sensible public policy proposals torn apart by partisan conflict. I saw advocacy groups distort facts, and provide extreme, over-blown examples, jeopardizing prudent policy decisions. I observed how powerful elected officials, ensnared in their own partisan rancor, would block fair and balanced legislation which offered the most practical solution for their constituents. But I also encountered many thoughtful and wise people who devote their lives to public service. These devoted individuals inspired me. Like them, I want to be actively involved in the design and delivery of essential government services that improve the lives of the citizens in our society today. I am positive that by avoiding partisanship and urging the private industry, the public sector and non-profit groups to collaborate, many difficult problems can be resolved.

In order to be an effective public servant, I recognize the indispensability of an advanced degree. I’ve gained a lot of “real world” experience, but I need more training in the fundamentals of economics and statistics, as well as direction in sharpening my analytical and quantitative skills. I also want to devote time to studying the ethical dimensions of policy decisions. In graduate school, I’ll have the opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the competing interests surrounding so many complex issues like health care reform, environmental protection and economic policy.

I’ve chosen Duke’s public policy program for several reasons. Duke’s program stands out because there is an emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills, which are so critical to policy analysis. As I mentioned, I feel that if I can strengthen my ability to approach problems logically and systematically, I will have succeeded in sharpening skills I consider necessary to succeed in the public realm. And possibly even more importantly, Duke’s program bridges the gap between abstract principles and reality. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for responding to today’s policy problems. I am excited by the possibility of combining the MPP program with the Health Policy Certificate Program. I am particularly interested in studying the problem of reforming state health to reduce the number of uninsured, and I believe Duke’s curriculum will offer me a chance to do just that. From my own research into Duke, I feel confident in my knowledge of the public policy program and its potential to teach me. And after meeting with Helen Ladd, the Director of Graduate Studies, I’m even more convinced that Duke’s program is right for me.

On the road “to be nobody but” myself, I’ve encountered twists and turns, and some detours—it is unquestionably the hardest battle I could fight. However, in the process, I’ve accumulated a tremendous amount of valuable experience and knowledge. My diversity of experience is my biggest asset. Because I can relate a Duke education to concrete examples from my own past, it is the perfect time for me to join the public policy program. I know that my past can be used to prepare myself for the promises of the future. At Duke, I hope to synthesize the two and truly learn what it means to become myself.

We are glad to see that public service programs are still in demand. Use our template to see how you should depict your fascination for this profession. Let our graduate admission essay editing service proofread your essay and fix the mistakes. It’ll help admissions officers make the right choice.

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Why Public Service is Important Now More Than Ever | News | School of Public Affairs | American University in Washington, D.C.

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Why Public Service is Important Now More Than Ever

A hiring freeze and talk of big policy changes with a new presidential administration can be unsettling for young people hoping to enter the federal workforce. But if you ask experienced government executives, they will tell you that it’s a good time to get into public service.

On Feb. 22, a panel of federal executives assured students that not only was there a place for them in public service, but it remains a noble calling.

"I can't remember a moment or time in public service when there hasn’t been challenges," said Gwen Sykes, chief financial officer for the U.S. Secret Service. “No matter what job you do, when you are in public service, you are serving the American public.”

Despite the hiring freeze, some agencies and departments, including the law enforcement agencies, are authorized to fill positions.

"Use the federal hiring freeze time to learn about the government. Figure out what you want to do,” Sykes advised students.

Zina Sutch, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Office of Personnel Management, started in the private sector as a stock broker and told the audience that she soon realized the work didn’t align with her values.

“My passion is working to help other people," she said. “Tap into what is it that you bring. Figure out what matters to you.”

Reginald Wells, deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Human Resources, said there will always be challenges in public service.

“That’s why we do this because we fix things,” said Wells. “We make them better than they were.”

As the federal workforce ages, there is a need for millennials to enter with innovative ideas, said Bill Valdez, who spent his career at the U.S. Department of Energy and now is president of the Senior Executives Association. The current “pause in hiring” will prompt many agencies to conduct internal reviews and do more with less.

“There is going to be a huge need for your generation to come up and build those new mission critical positions,” said Valdez. “The hiring freeze, along with a well thought out workforce plan for the federal government, will pay long-term benefits for everybody in this room.”

SPA’s Patrick Malone, executive in residence and director of the Key Leadership Program, moderated the event and asked the panelists why now, more than ever, should young people think about a career in public service.

"This election highlighted the divisions that exist in our country,” said Wells. “Where we go in the future is going to require extraordinary men and women who believe in this country and what it can become. The volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity has always existed but it is accentuated now. The problems we are dealing with in this world are escalating - climate issues, terrorism, the economic situation - and are reaching a fever pitch that we have to address.”

Sutch said administrations come and go, but those in the government must be a-political.

“The side that we are on is the side of the people,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who is taking on the leadership role. What matters is that we are serving the people in the best way we possibly can. Change is forcing federal workers to think differently and be creative - which can be rewarding. When adversity strikes, that’s when the biggest opportunities open up.”

Why Public Service Matters

Public Managers, Public Policy, and Democracy

• © 2014
• Robert F. Durant

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Introduction: Public Policy Failure, the Demise of Experts, and the Dawn of a New Era

• public management
• public managers

Table of contents (10 chapters)

Front matter, engaging the call to public service, thinking ecologically, linking problems, policy, and public management, aligning structure and strategy, shooting the political rapids, informing policy decisions, linking people to public purposes, stewarding a nation’s treasure, networking in the shadow of hierarchy, revitalizing a sense of common purpose, back matter.

"This is the perfect introductory public administration book written by one of the top experts in the world. It conveys everything one needs to know about public administration in a very readable format, easily convincing the reader that there is no higher calling than public service." - Rosemary O'Leary, Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration, University of Kansas, USA

"Professor Durant has written a text that ties the evolution of thought in public administration to broader systemic changes in American government It does so in the context of major issues that today's public servants must confront. A masterful and balanced presentation of doctrinal perspectives as they relate to core functions in PA, it is sophisticated and erudite yet written in a way that is readily accessible to students." - William West, Professor and Sara H. Lindsey Chair in the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas AM University

"This is a much-needed new introduction to public administration that will inform and inspire students interested in public service careers. It covers all of the fundamentals in a refreshing new way, focusing on information and concepts that future public managers need to understand to function effectively. I think students will enjoy and appreciate it. I am certainly looking forward to using in my classes." - J. Edward Kellough, Department of Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia, USA

About the author

Robert Durant is Professor of Public Administration and Policy at American University, USA. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, including the John M. Gaus Award and Lectureship from the American Political Science Association, awarded in recognition of his exemplary research in the joint tradition of political science and public administration.

Bibliographic Information

Book Title : Why Public Service Matters

Book Subtitle : Public Managers, Public Policy, and Democracy

Authors : Robert F. Durant

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137069573

Publisher : Palgrave Macmillan New York

eBook Packages : Palgrave Political Science Collection , Political Science and International Studies (R0)

Copyright Information : Robert F. Durant 2014

Hardcover ISBN : 978-0-230-34148-7 Published: 02 October 2014

Softcover ISBN : 978-0-230-34149-4 Published: 02 October 2014

eBook ISBN : 978-1-137-06957-3 Published: 02 October 2014

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XIV, 290

Number of Illustrations : 10 b/w illustrations

Topics : Political Science , Political Sociology , Business Strategy/Leadership , Public Administration , Democracy , Public Policy

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Essay Papers Writing Online

The impact of community service – a deep dive into the power of giving back to society.

Community service essays serve as a powerful tool for individuals to reflect on their experiences, values, and impact on the world around them. Through the process of writing about their volunteer work, students are able to articulate the positive changes they have made in their communities and explore the lessons they have learned along the way.

Community service essays also play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of giving back to society and fostering a sense of empathy and compassion in individuals. By sharing personal stories of service, students can inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.

Moreover, community service essays can help students gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, as they reflect on the challenges and successes of their volunteer experiences. By documenting their service work, students can also showcase their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement to colleges, scholarship committees, and potential employers.

Why Community Service Essays Matter

In today’s society, the importance of community service essays cannot be overstated. These essays serve as a platform for individuals to showcase their dedication to helping others and making a positive impact on their communities. Through these essays, individuals can share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the value of giving back to society.

Community service essays also play a crucial role in raising awareness about different social issues and encouraging others to get involved in volunteer work. By sharing personal stories and reflections, individuals can inspire and motivate others to take action and contribute to the betterment of society.

Furthermore, community service essays provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and goals. Through the process of writing these essays, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, leading to personal growth and development.

In conclusion, community service essays matter because they have the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and promote personal growth. By sharing their stories and insights, individuals can make a difference in their communities and create a more compassionate and giving society.

The Impact of Community Service Essays

Community service essays have a profound impact on both the individuals writing them and the communities they serve. These essays serve as a platform for students to reflect on their experiences and articulate the lessons they have learned through their service work.

One of the primary impacts of community service essays is the opportunity for self-reflection. Students are encouraged to critically analyze their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments during their community service activities. This reflection helps students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their role in the community.

Another significant impact of community service essays is the awareness they raise about social issues and community needs. By sharing their stories and insights, students can shed light on important issues and inspire others to get involved in community service. These essays can also help community organizations and stakeholders better understand the needs of their communities and how they can address them effectively.

Overall, community service essays play a vital role in promoting social responsibility, empathy, and civic engagement. They empower students to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Guidelines for Writing Community Service Essays

When writing a community service essay, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure that your message is clear and impactful. Here are some tips to help you craft a powerful and compelling essay:

• Start by brainstorming ideas and reflecting on your community service experiences.
• Clearly define the purpose of your essay and what you hope to convey to your readers.
• Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to support your points and showcase your personal growth.
• Highlight the impact of your community service activities on both yourself and others.
• Showcase your passion and dedication to serving your community.
• Be authentic and honest in your writing, and avoid exaggerating or embellishing your experiences.
• Edit and proofread your essay carefully to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar.

Examples of Effective Community Service Essays

Community service essays can have a powerful impact on the reader when they are well-written and thoughtful. Here are a few examples to inspire you:

1. A Well-Structured Essay:

This essay begins with a compelling introduction that clearly articulates the author’s motivation for engaging in community service. The body paragraphs provide specific examples of the author’s experiences and the impact they had on both the community and themselves. The conclusion ties everything together, reflecting on the lessons learned and the importance of giving back.

2. Personal Reflection:

This essay delves deep into the author’s personal experiences during their community service work. It explores the challenges they faced, the emotions they encountered, and the growth they underwent. By sharing vulnerable moments and candid reflections, the author creates a connection with the reader and demonstrates the transformational power of service.

3. Future Goals and Impact:

This essay not only discusses past community service experiences but also looks toward the future. The author shares their aspirations for continued service and outlines how they plan to make a difference in the world. By showcasing a sense of purpose and vision, this essay inspires the reader to consider their own potential for impact.

These examples illustrate how community service essays can be effective tools for conveying meaningful stories, inspiring others, and showcasing personal growth. By crafting a compelling narrative and reflecting on the significance of service, you can create an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

How Community Service Essays Empower Individuals

Community service essays provide individuals with a platform to express their thoughts, share their experiences, and make a meaningful impact on society. By writing about their volunteer work and the lessons they have learned, individuals can empower themselves to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.

• Through community service essays, individuals can reflect on the importance of giving back to their communities and the value of helping those in need.
• These essays can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for individuals to continue their philanthropic efforts and make a difference in the world.
• By sharing their stories through community service essays, individuals can raise awareness about social issues and promote greater empathy and understanding among their peers.

Overall, community service essays empower individuals to take action, advocate for change, and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable society.

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How to Write a Great Community Service Essay

College Admissions , Extracurriculars

Are you applying to a college or a scholarship that requires a community service essay? Do you know how to write an essay that will impress readers and clearly show the impact your work had on yourself and others?

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

What Is a Community Service Essay? Why Do You Need One?

A community service essay is an essay that describes the volunteer work you did and the impact it had on you and your community. Community service essays can vary widely depending on specific requirements listed in the application, but, in general, they describe the work you did, why you found the work important, and how it benefited people around you.

Community service essays are typically needed for two reasons:

#1: To Apply to College

• Some colleges require students to write community service essays as part of their application or to be eligible for certain scholarships.
• You may also choose to highlight your community service work in your personal statement.

#2: To Apply for Scholarships

• Some scholarships are specifically awarded to students with exceptional community service experiences, and many use community service essays to help choose scholarship recipients.
• Green Mountain College offers one of the most famous of these scholarships. Their "Make a Difference Scholarship" offers full tuition, room, and board to students who have demonstrated a significant, positive impact through their community service

Getting Started With Your Essay

In the following sections, I'll go over each step of how to plan and write your essay. I'll also include sample excerpts for you to look through so you can get a better idea of what readers are looking for when they review your essay.

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

Before your start writing a single word, you should be familiar with the essay prompt. Each college or scholarship will have different requirements for their essay, so make sure you read these carefully and understand them.

Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Length requirement
• Application deadline
• The main purpose or focus of the essay
• If the essay should follow a specific structure

Below are three real community service essay prompts. Read through them and notice how much they vary in terms of length, detail, and what information the writer should include.

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

"Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words."

From the Laura W. Bush Traveling Scholarship:

"Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO's mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications."

From the LULAC National Scholarship Fund:

"Please type or print an essay of 300 words (maximum) on how your academic studies will contribute to your personal & professional goals. In addition, please discuss any community service or extracurricular activities you have been involved in that relate to your goals."

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Even after you understand what the essay should be about, it can still be difficult to begin writing. Answer the following questions to help brainstorm essay ideas. You may be able to incorporate your answers into your essay.

• What community service activity that you've participated in has meant the most to you?
• What is your favorite memory from performing community service?
• Why did you decide to begin community service?
• What made you decide to volunteer where you did?
• How has your community service changed you?
• How has your community service helped others?
• How has your community service affected your plans for the future?

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

Writing Your Essay

How you structure your essay will depend on the requirements of the scholarship or school you are applying to. You may give an overview of all the work you did as a volunteer, or highlight a particularly memorable experience. You may focus on your personal growth or how your community benefited.

Regardless of the specific structure requested, follow the guidelines below to make sure your community service essay is memorable and clearly shows the impact of your work.

Samples of mediocre and excellent essays are included below to give you a better idea of how you should draft your own essay.

Step 1: Hook Your Reader In

You want the person reading your essay to be interested, so your first sentence should hook them in and entice them to read more. A good way to do this is to start in the middle of the action. Your first sentence could describe you helping build a house, releasing a rescued animal back to the wild, watching a student you tutored read a book on their own, or something else that quickly gets the reader interested. This will help set your essay apart and make it more memorable.

Compare these two opening sentences:

"I have volunteered at the Wishbone Pet Shelter for three years."

"The moment I saw the starving, mud-splattered puppy brought into the shelter with its tail between its legs, I knew I'd do whatever I could to save it."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

Step 2: Discuss the Work You Did

Once you've hooked your reader in with your first sentence, tell them about your community service experiences. State where you work, when you began working, how much time you've spent there, and what your main duties include. This will help the reader quickly put the rest of the essay in context and understand the basics of your community service work.

Not including basic details about your community service could leave your reader confused.

Step 3: Include Specific Details

It's the details of your community service that make your experience unique and memorable, so go into the specifics of what you did.

For example, don't just say you volunteered at a nursing home; talk about reading Mrs. Johnson her favorite book, watching Mr. Scott win at bingo, and seeing the residents play games with their grandchildren at the family day you organized. Try to include specific activities, moments, and people in your essay. Having details like these let the readers really understand what work you did and how it differs from other volunteer experiences.

Compare these two passages:

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

"As a volunteer at York Elementary School, I worked one-on-one with second and third graders who struggled with their math skills, particularly addition, subtraction, and fractions. As part of my work, I would create practice problems and quizzes and try to connect math to the students' interests. One of my favorite memories was when Sara, a student I had been working with for several weeks, told me that she enjoyed the math problems I had created about a girl buying and selling horses so much that she asked to help me create math problems for other students."

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer; there is very little detail included, and no evidence is given to support her claims. How did she help students improve their math skills? How did she know they were becoming more confident?

The second passage is much more detailed. It recounts a specific story and explains more fully what kind of work the volunteer did, as well as a specific instance of a student becoming more confident with her math skills. Providing more detail in your essay helps support your claims as well as make your essay more memorable and unique.

Step 4: Show Your Personality

It would be very hard to get a scholarship or place at a school if none of your readers felt like they knew much about you after finishing your essay, so make sure that your essay shows your personality. The way to do this is to state your personal strengths, then provide examples to support your claims. Take some time to think about which parts of your personality you would like your essay to highlight, then write about specific examples to show this.

• If you want to show that you're a motivated leader, describe a time when you organized an event or supervised other volunteers.
• If you want to show your teamwork skills, write about a time you helped a group of people work together better.
• If you want to show that you're a compassionate animal lover, write about taking care of neglected shelter animals and helping each of them find homes.

Step 5: State What You Accomplished

After you have described your community service and given specific examples of your work, you want to begin to wrap your essay up by stating your accomplishments. What was the impact of your community service? Did you build a house for a family to move into? Help students improve their reading skills? Clean up a local park? Make sure the impact of your work is clear; don't be worried about bragging here.

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

Also be sure to explain why your work matters. Why is what you did important? Did it provide more parks for kids to play in? Help students get better grades? Give people medical care who would otherwise not have gotten it? This is an important part of your essay, so make sure to go into enough detail that your readers will know exactly what you accomplished and how it helped your community.

"My biggest accomplishment during my community service was helping to organize a family event at the retirement home. The children and grandchildren of many residents attended, and they all enjoyed playing games and watching movies together."

"The community service accomplishment that I'm most proud of is the work I did to help organize the First Annual Family Fun Day at the retirement home. My job was to design and organize fun activities that senior citizens and their younger relatives could enjoy. The event lasted eight hours and included ten different games, two performances, and a movie screening with popcorn. Almost 200 residents and family members attended throughout the day. This event was important because it provided an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with their family members in a way they aren't often able to. It also made the retirement home seem more fun and enjoyable to children, and we have seen an increase in the number of kids coming to visit their grandparents since the event."

The second passage is stronger for a variety of reasons. First, it goes into much more detail about the work the volunteer did. The first passage only states that she helped "organize a family event." That really doesn't tell readers much about her work or what her responsibilities were. The second passage is much clearer; her job was to "design and organize fun activities."

The second passage also explains the event in more depth. A family day can be many things; remember that your readers are likely not familiar with what you're talking about, so details help them get a clearer picture.

Lastly, the second passage makes the importance of the event clear: it helped residents connect with younger family members, and it helped retirement homes seem less intimidating to children, so now some residents see their grand kids more often.

Step 6: Discuss What You Learned

One of the final things to include in your essay should be the impact that your community service had on you. You can discuss skills you learned, such as carpentry, public speaking, animal care, or another skill.

You can also talk about how you changed personally. Are you more patient now? More understanding of others? Do you have a better idea of the type of career you want? Go into depth about this, but be honest. Don't say your community service changed your life if it didn't because trite statements won't impress readers.

In order to support your statements, provide more examples. If you say you're more patient now, how do you know this? Do you get less frustrated while playing with your younger siblings? Are you more willing to help group partners who are struggling with their part of the work? You've probably noticed by now that including specific examples and details is one of the best ways to create a strong and believable essay .

"As a result of my community service, I learned a lot about building houses and became a more mature person."

"As a result of my community service, I gained hands-on experience in construction. I learned how to read blueprints, use a hammer and nails, and begin constructing the foundation of a two-bedroom house. Working on the house could be challenging at times, but it taught me to appreciate the value of hard work and be more willing to pitch in when I see someone needs help. My dad has just started building a shed in our backyard, and I offered to help him with it because I know from my community service how much work it is. I also appreciate my own house more, and I know how lucky I am to have a roof over my head."

The second passage is more impressive and memorable because it describes the skills the writer learned in more detail and recounts a specific story that supports her claim that her community service changed her and made her more helpful.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Just as you started your essay in a way that would grab readers' attention, you want to finish your essay on a strong note as well. A good way to end your essay is to state again the impact your work had on you, your community, or both. Reiterate how you changed as a result of your community service, why you found the work important, or how it helped others.

Compare these two concluding statements:

"In conclusion, I learned a lot from my community service at my local museum, and I hope to keep volunteering and learning more about history."

"To conclude, volunteering at my city's American History Museum has been a great experience. By leading tours and participating in special events, I became better at public speaking and am now more comfortable starting conversations with people. In return, I was able to get more community members interested in history and our local museum. My interest in history has deepened, and I look forward to studying the subject in college and hopefully continuing my volunteer work at my university's own museum."

The second passage takes each point made in the first passage and expands upon it. In a few sentences, the second passage is able to clearly convey what work the volunteer did, how she changed, and how her volunteer work benefited her community.

The author of the second passage also ends her essay discussing her future and how she'd like to continue her community service, which is a good way to wrap things up because it shows your readers that you are committed to community service for the long-term.

What's Next?

Are you applying to a community service scholarship or thinking about it? We have a complete list of all the community service scholarships available to help get your search started!

Do you need a community service letter as well? We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to get a great reference letter from your community service supervisor.

Thinking about doing community service abroad? Before you sign up, read our guide on some of the hazards of international volunteer trips and how to know if it's the right choice for you.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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UN/DESA Policy Brief #79: The role of public service and public servants during the COVID-19 pandemic

The following are identified as the roles public servants play in implementing the 2030 Agenda:1 (i) policy and strategy planning; (ii) provision of services; (iii) development of infrastructure; (iv) mobilization and utilization of resources; (v) monitoring and evaluation; and (vi) institutional and human resource capacity development.

The abrupt and brutal disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the public service and public servants into a frenzy, forcing them to not only deal with fighting its spread but trying to manage its accompanying socioeconomic fallout. It has catapulted public servants onto the frontlines in the response to the crisis without any clear roadmap, forcing them to deal with a quickly and ever-changing situation and improvising along the way.

The role of public service and public servants in the fight against the covid-19 pandemic

From frontline healthcare workers and public health officials to teachers, sanitation workers, social welfare officers and more, the humble public servant has been thrust into the spotlight, helping elevate awareness and understanding of the critical role public servants play in everyday life, and in particular during times of severe crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic however, public servants are working under life-threatening circumstances. In all COVID-19 pandemic affected countries they are both expected to deliver services despite the pandemic while at the same time suffering its impact, either by being directly infected or having family members who are. Moreover, the pandemic hit the world at a time when, according to World Health Organization (WHO), the world needs six million more nurses and midwives to achieve global health targets within the SDGs. These critical workers are confronting a dangerous highly infectious virus but they in insufficient numbers. The following are some of the roles public servants have played, are playing and must continue to play in the pandemic response:

Ensuring continuity of public services

By threatening disruption of public service delivery, the COVID-19 pandemic touched a cardinal principle of public service, that of continuity. In a show of courageous response however, in many countries, public servants have been quick to adapt and re-adjust the way in which services are delivered so as to minimize the negative impact of the pandemic on individuals and communities. For example, as many schools, including colleges and universities, were suddenly closed as a result of nationwide lockdowns, teachers and education professionals rushed to provide at home learning solutions via online platforms and e-materials, where there was infrastructure to support such approaches. Similarly, in many places where medical facilities have been overwhelmed by high numbers of COVID-19 patients, online tools, such as telemedicine and telehealth, have been set up or enhanced to provide non-emergency medical services so as to not disrupt the delivery of health services to people with other ailments. Courts are hearing and judging cases through video conferencing, while in some places virtual marriages have been legalized. In these cases, and others, public servants have demonstrated versatility in service delivery that has benefitted service users amidst challenges caused by the pandemic.

Service before self: courage and humanness in practice

Many public servants have put their lives at risk in order to continue serving the public throughout the pandemic. Sadly, many have subsequently been infected and an alarming number have lost their lives. For example, in the UK at least 100 medical and health workers have died as a result of COVID-19. In China it was reported that within the first 3 months of fighting the virus some 3000 healthcare workers had been infected. In the USA, although the exact figure is unknown, an estimated 5,000 healthcare workers have been infected, while in New York City 1000 of the city’s police officers accounted for some of the 40, 000 people in that city who tested positive for the infection by April 2020. The numbers are likely much higher, given not all public servants have been tested for COVID-19 and many may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

One reason for such high infection rates amongst public servants, particularly frontline public servants like healthcare workers, has been a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Most countries have struggled to ensure enough medical masks, N-95 respirators, surgical gowns and other protective gear, forcing many to improvise, including using bin liners for gowns and home-made masks. It is tragic and regrettable that many public servants have been working under such dangerous conditions. Their heroic self-sacrifice and extraordinary humanness have saved many lives. In recognition of this, governments should work towards developing and/or enhancing preparedness and contingency plans for future such crises so that public servants always have access to the protective gear that both their profession and safety demands.

Quick thinking, creativity and innovation

In the response to the COVID-19 pandemic public service and public servants, many who were used to operating in routine, predictable and regulated systems had to deploy quick thinking, instant creativity and innovation to counter the destruction caused by the pandemic in service delivery, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare. For example, at the onset of the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan, the Chinese military took only 10 days to construct a makeshift two storied hospital which could hold up to 1000 patients and included several isolation wards and 30 intensive care units. COVID-19 responses have seen innovation in the public service flourish. From the development of drive-thru testing sites and contact tracing apps in the Republic of Korea, to the use of robots to carry out medical tasks such as temperature taking so as to minimize contact between infected patients and healthcare workers in Rwanda, public servants have leveraged innovation and creativity, often on a shoestring budget, to come up with unique and quick responses to the crisis.

Reliable information and awareness as a critical service

One of the most needed and lifesaving services during the pandemic has been accurate and reliable information about the virus, including on its spread, prevention, recognition of symptoms and importantly, on debunking myths and misinformation around it.

In the early days of its spread, a lack of or inadequate knowledge and awareness about the virus helped it to penetrate communities before government authorities realized its seriousness. Public servants in the health sector, including frontline doctors and nurses, virologists, epidemiologists and other health experts, were some of the first to document this new infection, getting the word out that a new and highly contagious virus was gaining ground. As information about the virus started filtering through, public health officials, the news media, and research institutions started giving information to both the public and authorities which progressively proved vital in the fight against the spread of the virus.

However false or misleading information about the virus, including conspiracy theories surrounding its origins and unproven cures, have greatly hampered efforts to ensure the circulation of reliable information. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, notes that “As the world fights the deadly COVID-19 pandemic—the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War—we are also seeing another epidemic, a dangerous epidemic of misinformation.”

Strategic thinking and planning amidst chaos

Many public servants have been strategizing and planning amidst the chaos about how to beat the pandemic, save lives, ensure social protection, and sustain economies. National taskforces have been formed incorporating representatives of a cross-section of the public service to plan and coordinate efforts to fight the spread and impact of the pandemic. In a whole of government and whole of society approach they brought on board scientists and experts in public health, to ensure the effectiveness, coordination, coherence and integration of the strategies and plans aimed at stopping the spread of the virus and managing the broader impacts of the pandemic.

These taskforces and the lessons learned from their work will develop or enhance institutional mechanisms with capacities to deal more effectively with such crises in the future. If leveraged, these taskforces could provide a foundational building block for enhancing government preparedness and crisis response.

Sustaining resilience and building a more effective and responsive public service

The world has experienced global pandemics before and COVID-19 will not be the last. Therefore, one of the critical roles the public service must play is to prepare the service to be more resilient for any future crisis. Public servants must turn the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity for devising strategies for strengthening the resilience, effectiveness and responsiveness of the public service and the services they deliver, so as to be better prepared in future. It should be every government’s strategy to have in place institutional arrangements, policies, systems, infrastructure, plans, including contingency plans, and resources to foresee, identify and quickly respond to pandemics and other crises.

Building and enhancing state legitimacy, government credibility and people’s trust

Public servants who deliver services responsively, equitably and with humanness help enhance the credibility of the government, and as a consequence, foster trust amongst the people. The determination of public servants to continue providing services in the face of the dangers the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to their own lives has contributed greatly to the government being seen as critical in and caring for the lives of the people. The ongoing work of public servants, therefore, has in many places elevated a sense of trust in government. The sustainability of this trust, however, will be heavily dependent on the extent to which the struggle against the pandemic succeeds.

Resource allocation and distributive accountability

Crises that emerge abruptly, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, catch governments’ budgets by surprise, presenting a big challenge to the public servants who are responsible for preparing and implementing them. The way in which resources are allocated and utilized determines whether systems, practices institutional arrangements meant to protect societies against pandemics of this nature, get put in place and become operational or not. In many countries public servants have had to quickly re

view available resources, mobilize others and deploy them quickly in tackling the pandemic and all the challenges it has caused. About US$130 billion in budget support has been pledged2 or is under consideration by governments around the world in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resource allocation and distributive accountability is a critical role that public servants have played during the pandemic and one which has had great bearing on trust in government, delivery of critical services, minimizing of inequality and the saving of lives.

Collaborative and networked leadership

In many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that collaborative and networked leadership is critical when it comes to dealing with complex challenges and problems. The need for resolved people-focused, calm, credible, trusted leadership is critical in times of crisis. Public servants played their roles in a collaborative way to ensure a coordinated and successful response in containing the spread of the virus and mitigating the impact of the pandemic.

At the global level too, collaborative leadership is essential. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided opportunities for public services in different countries to learn from each other’s successes and failures in their ability to identify and respond to pandemics. Multilateral institutions, such WHO provide a critical platform for this type of collaboration and for the sharing of public health data and information. Public servants must be facilitated to network, collaborate, and share to enhance co-learning at local, national and international levels.

Profile of a public servant who can work effectively in crisis

Considering all the above roles public servants have played, we can derive that an effective public servant has the following profile: self-sacrificing, trustworthy, risk-taking, transparent, accountable versatile, adaptable, creative, innovative, knowledgeable and skilled, persistent, empathetic, collaborative, and competent in the use of technology. Above all, they have a high dose of humanness in their personality which makes them work for others even at the risk of their own lives. This profile should be part of the guide in training public servants to enable them serve in crisis.

Key messages

1. Comprehensive public service capacity development: Governments must pay attention to developing the capacities of the public service and public servants; be it in their numbers, their competences, values, the protective gear they need, the incentives for their productivity, the tools and facilities as well as the technology they require to effectively do their jobs. Governments must invest in having very well-functioning public services and effective public servants.

2. Institutionalize early warning, emergency planning, preparedness and quick response in the public service : Governments must put in place and operate effectively, permanent, public sector, well-coordinated institutional frameworks that can support public servants to be anticipatory and prepared, to look out for signs of crisis, such as pandemics, find solutions quickly and respond appropriately in time to avoid severe impact.

3. Network, collaborate, share and learn from successful practices and mistakes to build better and more effective public services for future pandemics and crisis : Public servants must be facilitated to network, collaborate, and share to enhance co-learning; something that stands better chances for improvement in finding quick solutions not only to pandemics and crisis but in the work of public service delivery in general.

4. Sustain development of responsible, responsive, accountable and people-focused leadership in public sector institutions : The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that during uncertain and fluid times, resolved people-focused, calm, credible, trusted leadership is required. The development of this kind of leadership in the public service must be sustained.

5. Provide for financial resources for pandemic and crisis before they happen : Governments must always provide budgetary resources to take care of emergencies and crisis such as this pandemic. The often-cited excuse that Governments have no funds for problems that have not happened has been proven wrong by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments have had to spend lots of money suddenly and in unforeseen way; probably more than they would have spent if they had already provided for this in their public service delivery budgets.

Authors: John-Mary Kauzya and Elizabeth Niland of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, UN DESA.

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