AFGE is partnering with two good-government groups to ensure federal workers at risk of losing their jobs have the support they need.
The You Are Not Alone Project provides federal workers with immediate, accessible guidance; connections to legal, career, and personal support; and ongoing assistance to help navigate the challenges of job loss or reassignment. The initiative’s pilot program is already underway for U.S. Department of State employees affected by recent RIFs. It will expand to other agencies that roll out additional reductions and reassignments.
This first-of-its-kind initiative is a partnership among AFGE, Democracy Forward, and the Partnership for Public Service.
“Federal employees serve our nation with dedication and integrity. As we litigate multiple cases where the workforce has been unlawfully targeted, we want to make sure that people know they are not alone as they face the threat of job loss,” said Rob Shriver, managing director of Democracy Forward’s Civil Service Strong and Good Government Initiatives. “The You Are Not Alone Project is about more than resources — it’s about solidarity, dignity, and ensuring public servants have the tools they need to protect their rights and move forward.”
The You Are Not Alone Project offers several support models, such as rapid response resources with agency-specific legal, mental health, and career resources; an on-demand webinar library covering RIF basics, rights, and support options; “RIF Fireside” Sessions offering expert guidance and Q&A; wellness resources and career reconnection events to connect workers with mission-aligned employers and career coaching through a partnership with WellFed; and resources for specialized legal and procedural support.
“These dramatic job losses across critical government programs aren’t just numbers on a page — these are real people, with families, mortgages, and careers built in service to the American people,” said Everett Kelley, national president of AFGE. “Our union won’t stand by while these patriotic citizens are cast aside. We are proud to partner with Civil Service Strong and Democracy Forward on the You Are Not Alone Project to ensure every public servant knows their rights, gets the support they deserve, and understands AFGE will be with them every step of the way.”
In addition to providing direct assistance, the You Are Not Alone Project will create opportunities for displaced federal employees to share institutional knowledge and join talent initiatives designed to strengthen the federal workforce in the future.
“Federal employees facing job losses need support now more than ever,” said Jenny Mattingley, vice president of government affairs at the Partnership for Public Service. “It’s important that federal employees have trusted places to go for accurate, plain language resources to help them navigate this time of stress and uncertainty. We’re proud to partner with Civil Service Strong and AFGE to provide these timely resources.”
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