Reframe public service

Overview overview link

The pillars of public service include government, non-profit, business, media, academia, and the public. By reframing our context for what it means to serve, we shift power dynamics from “the government” to “we are all public servants.” This empowers everyone to have a shared sense of responsibility, accountability, and unity.

Problem problem link

Our traditional image of public service is the taxpayer-funded civil servant who administers the work of government. The power dynamics put government at the top and the people at the bottom. Politicians and bureaucrats are public servants and everyone else, to varying degrees, are observers.

Engagement approaches and mechanisms are generally passive, performative, or non-existent, and lines of communication are limited or one-way.

Solution solution link

Anyone who takes part in building and nurturing their community is a public servant and does public service. By actively respecting, recognizing, and honoring that we are all equal civic partners, we can create a better civil society with seamless collaboration, open communications, community pride and a strong sense of individual and collective empowerment.

Context context link

Civil society is made up of a variety of actors, and each has an important role to play in its operational, fiscal, and social health. Their collective contributions must be seen not as problems to manage, but as opportunities and solutions that support and scale civic impact.

Reframing the context of public service empowers everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves and encourages others to take this responsibility seriously. It discards the “us vs. them” mindset that has a negative impact on a well-functioning civil society.

Pillars of public service pillars of public service link

We tend to refer to parts of civil society in monolithic, disconnected “the” terms. “The government.” “The vendors.” “The activists.” “The press.” “The public.”

At times, perhaps more often than not, they’re referred to derisively, as if they’re an inconvenience that must be tolerated or placated. Or they’re used opportunistically, only when it’s convenient or necessary.

But each of these parts is an important pillar of the civic ecosystem, playing a valuable role in its well-being and growth.

The pillars of public service include:

• Government
• Non-profit
• Business
• Media
• Academia
• Community at large

We’re better together were better together link

If we consider all of these as pillars of public service, the outcomes outweigh the tradeoffs. While the process may take longer, better outcomes can prevail. Genuinely and intentionally including everyone is the cornerstone of true civics.

Whether formally or informally, take the opportunity to authentically acknowledge and appreciate the players in each pillar. At times, this may be difficult but, ultimately, recognizing and honoring one another encourages a virtuous civic cycle of earnest inclusivity and togetherness.

We’re all public servants were all public servants link

Everyone, in some form or another, is of service to others.

Government ensures our infrastructure is maintained or services are delivered. Non-profit organizations give support where others can’t or don’t. Businesses employ people, provide products and services, and create revenue that financially feeds into other pillars. The media informs us and, at times, exposes wrongdoings, keeping others accountable. Schools educate and foster intellectual growth that builds leaders, experts, and thoughtful decision-making. Community members vote, volunteer, engage in public forums, and pay taxes.

We’re all public servants. We all do public service.

Mantras mantras link

• We’re all public servants
• Everyone is a public servant

Checklist checklist link

• Educate staff on the pillars of public service.
• Brainstorm and incorporate ways to remind staff.
• Share pillars of public service adoption with the public.

Questions to ask questions to ask link

• Are there others who could be involved and help us achieve our goals?
• Are we openly sharing all aspects of government work?
• Does everything we do have a collaborative component?
• Do we regularly recognize and honor all pillars for their service?

Learn more learn more link

• Good Citizens, Thich Nhat Hanh1