10 Reasons You Are Essential: A Love Letter To Returning Public Servants

500+ government employees recently responded to GovLoop.com's question, "Why are you essential?" Here is our love letter to them, many returning to work on Thursday, October 17!

During the shutdown, thousands of government employees were deemed non-essential. We, at GovLoop.com, a social and knowledge-sharing network for 65k + federal employees, asked our users, "Why are you essential?"

We received 500 + responses!This is our summary, which includes powerful quotes from participating public servants (all essential).

Dear Public Servants,

1. You are essential to keeping a child's dream of becoming an astronaut alive.

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"Because life on Earth depends on safe human spaceflight!"

...and because it would have been nice for Sandra Bullock if you had been available.

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"I Hire the brightest engineers for NASA"

2. You are essential because you care for children even when they would prefer to interact with technology...

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"I help make sure funds spent are eligible expenditures for children's education."

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"Because I care about the health and well-being of pediatric patients and their families!"

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"I help promote meals filling the nutrition gap at school and during the summer"

3. You are essential because you see future employees in children with disabilities even when they would prefer to interact with technology...

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"Because people with severe disabilities have been betrayed and marginalized long enough in this country!"

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"Because I approach every work day with the same personal mission as my agency's mission- To help people with disabilities find and maintain employment, and enhance their independence."

Via dol.gov

"Because I help people with disabilities who want to work for the federal government to navigate the USA Jobs website, interpret job announcements, and build a resume that tells their story and showcases their talents."

4. You are essential because you serve veterans, the heroes America's (tech craved) children look up to.

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"Because I support the programming that allows our vets, active duty and beneficiaries to continue to receive services."

5. You are essential for providing services to future veterans.

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"I am a gov supervisor and was exempt, but all the people who work for me weren't. Our work entails provision of medical care to military members. I think they deserve that care."

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"I provide data to the navy for logistics and maintenance for our naval ships to be prepared to help protect everyone."

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"I coordinate the food and beverage sales and entertainment for 40,000+ Active Duty military!"

6. You are essential because you are a veteran with a continued committment to public service.

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"Having military experience has made bridging the Civilian Military gap easier on my coworkers."

"Even though the government has shut down, I still provide excellent and quality care to our Veterans. I am a Veteran myself and would expect the same quality and care provided if I was not a government employee."

7. You are essential for preserving, promoting, and teaching America's rich history and culture.

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"I design repairs to historic government-owned buildings that are falling apart and pose a safety risk."

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"I help the USA maintain its position as a world leader in culture and fine arts. I support a major tourism destination that also serves as a cultural outreach to the rest of the world."

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"Through my exhibits at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, visitors learn about their civic responsibilities, as well as the history of Congress and the Capitol."

8. You are essential because you love the environment and protect it for everyone.

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"I am a steward of public lands to ensure all of us and the future generations have access to forests and grasslands."

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"I analyze government and; public energy and material consumption, to reduce cost and waste."

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"I ensure that youth can work in science internships in the parks and that energy development in parks is done in a responsible and safe manner."

Teddy is proud.

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9. You are essential because you connect Americans to vital services!

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"Communications and Public Relations staff play a vital role in letting our customers know the services available to citizens.... [public transport communicators] let people know that their money is well spent on services that improve mobility and quality of life."

Via theskooloflife.com

"I connect residents to services for basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, etc...)."

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"We provide technical assistance to small businesses and rural government officials who do not have the same resources available as larger organizations. We serve the public by helping them solve problems and save money while we prevent pollution and protect public health at the same time."

10. You are essential because you work to serve and take a pay cut in the process!

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"I am essential because I work 60 hours a week (while getting paid for 40) making sure our citizens get the best services as possible every day."

Bottom Line: Next time you consider this:

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Think about the people you are shutting out of jobs! And know that when they return public servants will be (as they always are)

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