New awards program spotlights service to America

On May 15, nominations will close for the new Service to America Medals program, an initiative designed to make a significant difference in the public's appreciation for the work done in the federal government, and the people who do it.

The program will honor eight to 10 people in the federal government with cash awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.

Government Executive and its sister publications, The Atlantic Monthly and National Journal, have teamed up with the Partnership for Public Service to establish the awards program. The Partnership is a new nonprofit group launched last year with a $25 million grant given expressly for the purpose of reviving interest in working for the federal government.

Award honorees will be chosen based on their commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation. Beginning in 2002, awardees will be announced in September every year at a dinner and ceremony in Washington.

The Service to America Medals will highlight government work through the lens of people at different stages of their careers. There will be an award for a young person who has just six or seven years of service, and another for someone who is winding up a distinguished career, and others for people at stages in between.

The awards are designed to highlight the broad scope of possible federal careers--in environmental and scientific or international work, or in efforts to improve the health and welfare of citizens here at home.

"The winners will serve as role models for citizens," said Government Executive editor and president Timothy B. Clark. "By their example, these civil servants will show what kinds of interesting and important work is done in government."

Eligibility applies to all career federal employees of the Executive Branch of the United States government, similar employees of the Library of Congress, General Accounting Office, Office of the Capitol Architect, Government Printing Office, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Smithsonian Institution, and Botanical Gardens. (Additional specific eligibility requirements are required for certain awards.)

All nominations must be submitted online. Nominations may be submitted by any person familiar with the nominee and his or her work. Self-nominations are also accepted.

Information on submitting nominations is available at the Service to America Medals Web site.