FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
August 28, 2025
You Are Not Alone” Project Launches to Support Laid-Off Federal Workers
Partnership Between Democracy Forward, AFGE, and Partnership for Public Service Brings Resources and Support to Workers Subjected to Reductions-In-Force and Other Job Losses
Washington, D.C. – Democracy Forward’s Civil Service Strong, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and the Partnership for Public Service today launched the You Are Not Alone Project, a first-of-its-kind rapid response initiative to support federal employees impacted by Reductions in Force (RIFs) and other job loss and reassignments initiated by the Trump-Vance administration.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
The You Are Not Alone Project reflects the shared commitment of Democracy Forward, AFGE, and the Partnership for Public Service to protect the federal workforce and the critical role it plays in safeguarding our democracy.
Please see our resource links for immediate support: Civil Service Strong, Partnership for Public Service, and American Federation of Government Employees.
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
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Click here to Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund.
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
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