Building Trust in Government

In an effort to combat government bashing, 22 corporations, trade associations and non-profit organizations Wednesday launched a partnership with the goal of restoring the balance between "healthy skepticism and public trust" in American government.

The Partnership for Trust in Government, initiated by the Ford Foundation and the Council for Excellence in Government, seeks to provide young people with positive information about government and its accomplishments.

"The partnership represents a wide range of influential voices that will recognize the success stories of government and the people responsible for making this happen," said Ford Foundation President Susan Berresford. "Through these voices, we hope to bring some balance to public discourse."

At a press conference, the members of the partnership released the results of a survey entitled "Public Service and Government Effectiveness: The View of Young Americans."

Of the 505 people age 18-34 polled, 66 percent said they would prefer to work in the private sector instead of the public sector. Young people have limited awareness of the government's positive aspects, which reduces their faith in government effectiveness, the survey concluded. The survey was conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates.

Patricia McGinnis, president and CEO of the Council for Excellence in Government, said that part of "turning around" the government is changing the messages young people get about government.

"We hope initiatives like the Partnership for Trust in Government will speed the day when young people's heroes will be the scientists, engineers, police officers, teachers and other dedicated people who work in American government," she said.

Partnership members will use their own communication channels to raise awareness of government's important work. Each partner will share with its customers, members and employees information on creative best practices in government and how these serve Americans. Among the initiatives:

• IBM and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government will host a conference on government application of information technology to solve problems.
• Good Housekeeping magazine will recognize outstanding women in public service through a reader-nominated awards program.
• Discovery Communications will create a film about government as seen through the eyes of public servants.
• The Girl Scouts of America are introducing a "Partners for Trust in Government" patch, which scouts can earn by learning about public service and identifying effective local government programs.