Suzanne blog post
The Y strives to inspire everyone to contribute to the health and well-being of their communities. MissionSquare Foundation shares this conviction for service, supporting those who dedicate their lives to the public good by helping them plan for a secure financial future. For more than 50 years, MissionSquare has partnered with public sector workers to achieve their financial goals and has built lasting relationships with millions of Americans, adapting to their evolving needs.
In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 – 10, we are raising our voices to say “thank you” to those who have answered the call to help strengthen their communities through careers in public service. Across federal, state, county, and local governments, millions of people work tirelessly behind the scenes each day to keep our communities running—ensuring we have clean water, good schools, safe streets, someone to call in any emergency, and so much more. They dedicate their careers to building and caring for the systems and infrastructure that sustain the places where we live, work, and play. They help shape our communities and enrich our day-to-day lives.
While their skill sets vary, and most could pursue careers in the private sector where they would likely find higher compensation, public servants often share one common characteristic: a drive to give back to their neighbors and communities.
The future of our communities depends on fostering this ethic of service in young leaders. That’s why YMCA of the USA and MissionSquare are working together to support and expand YMCA Youth and Government® in 19 states across the country. This esteemed civics education program gives high school students firsthand experience with public service. Students learn about the democratic system of Government and the functions of public institutions while participating in service-learning projects that support their communities.
They also develop leadership and bridge-building skills by collaborating with students with different backgrounds and perspectives. They gain the knowledge needed to be active and engaged citizens and, hopefully, ignite a spark for serving the community that leads them to a career in public service.
Youth and Government have inspired countless alums to become public-sector leaders. They are members of Congress and county commissioners, police officers and firefighters, park rangers and city planners – and the list goes on.
This week – and every week – we say “thank you” to them and all public servants. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to serving and supporting our communities.
Through our ongoing partnership, built on a shared commitment to supporting communities and the people who help them thrive, YMCA of the USA and MissionSquare are celebrating and elevating public service and helping to develop the next generation of leaders who will work to advance the public good. We can think of no greater calling.
