Public Service Day June 23, 2013

By Terry Orr

The United Nations’ Public Service Day is held on June 23 each year. It recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service. The day aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community.

Background

On December 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 23 of each year as United Nations Public Service Day (resolution 57/277). It encouraged member states to organize special events on that day to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process.

This day was created to: celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants; and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.

(COMMENT: While corruption, greed, personal agendas have created significant problem in America and many other countries – the goals and objectives of Public Service remain honorable and worthwhile.  I personally blame the citizens for allowing this to happen – and the only way to correct it – is by getting involved and righting the ship.)

The United Nations (UN) holds a Public Service Awards ceremony each year. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions worldwide. This event promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service.  At the same time, Africa Public Service Day is celebrated in Africa to coincide with the United Nations Public Service Day.

Many public service organizations and departments around the world celebrate this day by holding various events to recognize the valuable role that public servants play in making improvements in society. Activities include: information days featuring stalls and booths about the public service; organized lunches with guest speakers; internal awards ceremonies within public service agencies or departments; and special announcements to honor public servants.

The Awards for 2013 will be bestowed in the following five categories:

1. Preventing and Fighting Corruption in the Public Service

2. Improving the Delivery of Public Services

3. Fostering Participation in Policy-making Decisions through Innovative Mechanisms

4. Promoting Whole-of-Government Approaches in the Information Age

5. Promoting Gender Sensitive Public Service Delivery

What is your take on public service?

(Photos from Google) 

Global Family Day – 2013

(Google Image)

By Terry Orr

So what the heck is Global/International Family Day celebration all about? To my surprise it is about the Global Family – all of us – on the planet Earth.  It is about love and respect for each other – regardless of our religion, race, gender, nationalities, economic classes, and beliefs.  Imagine that!  Working to get along with others.

(Google Image)

Global Family Day, (One Day of Peace and Sharing) is celebrated every January 1 in the United States and around the world as a global day of peace and sharing. It is a day where individuals and families share food with friends (especially the needy), make personal pledges of nonviolence, and spread a message of peace and sharing by ringing bells or beating a drum in hopes of making society and the world a safer place to live. Global Family Day grew out of the United Nations Millennium celebration, "One Day In Peace." [Source: Wikipedia]

So let’s all start 2013 off on the right foot and practice tolerance of others, showing the same respect you expect from others, and finding a way to get along. Thank you.

References and Links:

http://archive2.globalsolutions.org/globalfamilyday

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Family_Day

Celebrating International Men’s Day 2012

“Helping Men and Boys Live long, Happier and Healthier Lives”

By Terry Orr

(Google Image) 

This theme above simply was not something in my younger years considered.  Instead, focus and priorities were duty, God, country and taking care of your family – in that order. Role models were a figment of one’s imagination – you simply considered the facts and made your best decision based upon them.

Family time was mandatory in our home. We all sat down to supper as a family – the kids cleaned up afterwards and did homework. At 7 PM (central time) we sat around in the family room and watch two hours of ‘family TV’ programs – Walt Disney; Ed Sullivan Show,; I Love Lucy; Danny Thomas Show, Andy Griffith Show; Red Skelton Hour; Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet; Beverly Hillbillies; Dick Van Dyke; Donna Reed and My Three Sons; Bob Hope; Jackie Gleason and Gunsmoke rounded our weekly entertainment.  Sunday morning was Church – all hands participated without question.

(Google Image) 

Today – we need to take better care of ourselves, find balance and provide our children and families better role models and be activity involved in their total development.  This will help enable men to be happier, healthier and have a more rewarding and longer life.

Goals:

• Improving male life expectancy;
• Helping men get help;
• Improving boy’s education;
• Tackling tolerance of violence against men and boys; and
• Promoting fathers and positive male role models.

The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day include focusing on:

• Men’s and boys' health;
• Improving gender relations;
• Promoting gender equality; and
• Highlighting positive male role models.

It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care. The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values. (Source: Wikipedia)

From my perspective, today is about focusing on all men being Positive Male Role Models – setting the example for all young people to follow.

(Google Image) 

References and Links:

• http://www.internationalmensday.com/
• http://www.mensday.ws/en/theme.php
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Men's_Day
• https://sites.google.com/a/imd-global.org/international-mens-day/