Do you know an inspiring public servant? Nominate them here for the Better Govs Project (keep reading to find out more).
The coronavirus has rocked our world and transformed our lives. It has shown us how much we need each other. The importance of our relationships and of the interaction with the people we love has never felt so strong. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for a functioning government that works for all, particularly the most vulnerable. But, when I say government, who comes to your mind first? This article is a tribute to the people behind government. And no, I am not talking about politicians.
Who is really behind government?
When we think of government, often the first people that come to mind are politicians. After all, they are the ones in the spotlight. It’s part of their role. Moreover, development is a political process. Effective policy making requires an understanding of how power and resources are distributed and contested. To make and affect change, you have to influence those making decisions. Obviously, who is in power matters.
COVID-19 has shown the power of effective governments, like in New Zealand or Australia. It has also highlighted the challenges of getting things done with weak institutions, like countries in Latin America or Asia. Furthermore, the pandemic has also shown, for the first time for many, what it feels like for a country like the US to not have a functioning government.
Within this spectrum of government quality there is a constant—committed public servants that are making a difference, even under the hardest of circumstances. My career working in and with the public sector in different countries has allowed me to see these amazing people. They go above and beyond to make things work, even with limited resources.
These people bring light in the middle of the pandemic’s darkness. These daily heroes work behind the scenes to save lives, to keep our cities safe, and to ensure our kids get a good education. They have a commitment to serve their community and country that goes beyond just their day job. I believe we need to highlight and celebrate these people and their commitment. Because, unfortunately, these stories of hope are not always in the news.
The Better Govs Project
The Better Govs Project is an initiative to show the face of those behind government and to grow a community of people committed to make people’s lives better.
Let’s give ‘the government’ a new face
What better way to show the value of those behind government than telling their stories. By doing this, we can shine some light and hope in the middle of hard times for so many around the world.
If you know someone that is passionate about her or his country and its citizens, that wants to affect change, and is doing everything in their power to make the world a better place —nominate them here to be part of the Better Govs Project.
Every week I’ll share these stories on our Social Media channels to inspire others. At the end of the year I’ll collect them all and let people vote for their favourite seven. The seven winners will become the Better Govs Fellow 2021. They will receive a scholarship for our upcoming online course and will receive a monthly coaching session for six months (Everything valued at 2,500 USD).
Be part of a global network
My dream is to create a global network of professionals, working in or with the public sector, that want to transform lives. Imagine how powerful it would be to have a community of passionate and committed people sharing their knowledge, ideas and resources focused on implementation—on getting things done. You can become part of the Better Govs Project here.
Thanks for taking your part and being part of this journey with me. Nominate someone here and join the network here.
