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If Only You'd Ask
 By Tom Shoop | Monday, May 05, 2008  |  01:41 PM

Steve Barr reports today on a new survey showing that a third of younger Americans would give a "great deal of consideration" to working for government, if only their parents would ask them. Almost as many said they would consider such urging from a teacher, or even a newly elected president.

This once again raises the question of whether the "millennial" generation -- or whatever they're being called these days -- is receptive to the "ask not..." type of call to service from on high. Pat McGinnis, head of the Council for Excellence in Government, which sponsored the survey Barr cited, is in the "yes" camp. The poll, she said, shows "the potential for the new president and administration, especially as we have the retirement wave getting under way, to ask people, not just millennials but older people as well, to serve. There's a sense that many would respond and step up, as they did when John F. Kennedy asked."

Max Stier, head of the Partnership for Public Service, which specializes in trying to attract the next generation of civil servants, is on record as being skeptical of that notion. "Kennedy's message is no longer the right one," he told Newsweek earlier this year. "It's not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you."

To be fair, Stier's not just talking about what government can do for the younger generation in terms of pay and benefits, but in providing an opportunity to do good, rewarding work. And that's the key point: My sense is that young people aren't that different from their elders. They'll readily respond to a call to serve their fellow citizens. But they've seen government at its worst (and, as a result, also have seen it caricatured endlessly), and they want to make sure that by going into a government organization they actually will be able to make a difference.



Comments


Mr. Ketter, I have three children. One enlisted in the Army working in the medical field, he is now preparing to deploy as a combat medic. He is NOT a baby and his quest is to save lives. The other two are preparing for college - in addition to attending school, they both work part time. They also perform volunteer work. One is trying to get a student job with the government - it is very difficult to get in. She too, has a strong sense of service. And, yes, I want to provide health insurance for my children after 21 - have you looked at entry level weages, the cost of housing, gas, and insurance lately? It is more economical to have them on my family plan. Sounds like you are a "health industry" consultant.....

DoD worker  | Monday, May 12, 2008 |  08:24 AM


Actually, the point that Mr. Stier and other well-intentioned but misguided people keep missing is that in too many parts of the Federal establishment, it's incredibly difficult to find or do "good, rewarding work." There are exceptions to the norm, for sure, but the broad dysfunctions of the Federal workplace can't be glossed over with glib slogans or patriotic appeals. These young professionals aren't necessarily self-centered or clueless; they've just got highly developed BS detectors. Instead of squandering all that foundation money on PR campaigns, PPS should shed the rose-colored glasses and honestly confront the real issues. Now that would truly be a public service.

Skepticus  | Friday, May 09, 2008 |  12:49 PM


Why must they be asked? The rationale of these younger Americans sounds like an excuse in their hesitation taking a stance one way or the other. If they really have the desire to work for the Government, they would take that leap of faith, knowing at the outset their choice can have positive or negative connotations. If the work assigned, is not up to their expectations, look for employment elsewhere in Government or, in the private sector, since age is not a detriment in pursuit of a desired goal. Dependent upon which specialty you apply, the rewards can be endless. In my particular specialty I consider 'thank you' and 'I learned a lot today' from service members to be the highlight of my day. When on deployments, it is most fulfilling providing troubleshooting/isolation assistance, resolution of parts problems and/or training to service members when dealing with a multitude of situations or, in newly fielded equipment. My job is not only challenging its rewarding...a smile goes a long a way.

CAE  | Tuesday, May 06, 2008 |  09:43 AM


Twenty, Thirty, Forty years ago, young adults became civil servants hoping to make a difference. Things are different for them now. They are discouraged, frustrated and burned out employees who gave up trying and started counting the days to retirement just like most federal workers.

Fix the broken system and the new workers will come. Except, if the system were truly repaired, they might not be needed. Lot's fat needs to be lost.

Robert M.  | Tuesday, May 06, 2008 |  07:27 AM


If they have to be asked after 4 years of college, then they are ill equipped for the work force. Better they spend their working years at McDonald's they have very limited futures.
This week we have parents again talking about providing health care coverage to their 21+ somethings. Its a real tragedy that they haven't grown up. I've had parents call me after their child was turned down for a position asking why they weren't selected?? We're raising babies who's only quest is lunch and money

dan ketter  | Monday, May 05, 2008 |  04:09 PM



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Government Executive Editor Tom Shoop takes a look at news and events affecting the federal bureaucracy, from the perspective of a longtime observer of government.

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