Public Service Day: 6 Positive Projects from our Government Partners

Not all heroes wear capes. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 20 million everyday people who dedicate their careers to serving the public and benefiting society as civilian employees of federal, state, and local governments.  

In 2007, the United Nations announced that June 23rd would be recognized as Public Service Day—an opportunity to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community and recognize the work of public servants worldwide. As a trusted Government contractor, Montage has had the privilege to witness the many ways in which the government strives to improve people’s lives. We’ve also been fortunate to play an active role in contributing thoughtful and innovative marketing solutions to support their endeavors and their impact. 

On this Public Service Day, we’re showcasing the importance of public administration—the cornerstone of governments’ work—by highlighting projects with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of the Air Force, the Minority Business Development Agency, and Montgomery County (MD), among others, that have positively impacted their employees, their communities, and the nation. 

Creating Safe, Productive, and Inclusive Workplaces

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. Delivering on that mission starts with FEMA employees.  

Following a series of organizational challenges, FEMA contracted Montage to help engage and unite employees in creating a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment. In service of this goal, Montage has worked alongside FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, and Office of External Affairs since 2018 to deliver ongoing, agency-wide employee engagement programming and communications.  

From promoting staff participation in the vital Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey to expanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts across the agency, our work with FEMA has catalyzed a renewed commitment to its core values and contributed to greater representation of diverse employee experiences and perspectives. FEMA’s aim to nurture an inclusive culture for its 20,000+ workforce demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to improving the daily lives of both its employees and the survivors they serve day in and day out. 

Department of the Air Force

Strong connections between individuals can help them better cope with stressful events and prepare them to thrive in all aspects of their lives. This is particularly true for military service members, civilians, and their families.  

The U.S. Department of the Air Force sought to aid service members and civilian employees in understanding the importance of connectedness in being safe, thriving, and mission ready. This included providing all personnel with the tools and resources they might need to identify and prevent suicide and interpersonal violence (ISDV).  

Answering the call, Montage delivered a series of evidence-based and visually engaging guides for use by Air and Space Force installations worldwide. The guides featured background information, linked resources, messaging calendars, and planning tools to help installations clearly and fully communicate the Air Force’s commitment to preventing ISDV and equip Airmen, Guardians, civilians, and their families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to prevent, intervene, and safely respond to ISDV in multiple forms.

Opening Doors for Minority Businesses

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Capitol Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council (CRMSDC) provide resources and advance opportunities for minority-owned businesses. As a minority- and women-owned business, Montage has directly benefitted from their support. It’s for that reason, among others, that we’re proud to lend our expertise to plan and promote their signature events. 

U.S Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency

One of the many ways the MBDA contributes to the growth and success of minority business enterprises is through their InVision Tour. Previously held in-person, the InVision Tour pivoted during the pandemic to a series of five virtual events. The shift required a renewed focus on promotion and a rebranding to reflect the theme of space exploration. 

Montage jumped right in—developing a refreshed look and a digital-first marketing strategy to reach minority entrepreneurs. A new website, frequent posting and paid advertising on social media channels, and a host of accompanying materials attracted 1,500 attendees and connected minority innovators with information and resources about how to utilize federal resources to power their work in the space sector.

Capitol Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council

CRMSDC advances business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises by connecting them to certifications, resources, and government and corporate members. As part of their mission, they host the Super Matchmaker Conference, an annual event that provides diverse businesses in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with learning and networking opportunities. For the past two years, Montage has planned and executed the virtual event—coordinating the day-long experience complete with presentations, engaging Q&A, and matchmaking sessions between minority business leaders and corporate members.  

Making Maryland a Better Place to Live

We call Montgomery County, Maryland home. And one big reason why is the effort made by our local government to ensure it remains an ideal place to live and work. Montgomery County officials and employees continually seek to mobilize the local community around important initiatives such as waste reduction, recycling, and community service—and Montage is always glad to help.  

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (MCDEP) has an ambitious goal of reaching zero waste. On its path to create a cleaner environment for its residents and businesses, MCDEP regularly utilizes Montage’s full suite of events, outreach, and multicultural communication services. In the past year alone, we hosted two large-scale events to distribute 800 compost bins to single-family households, supported the development of food scraps recycling programs at multi-family properties, conducted surveys in the commercial sector to assess their waste reduction efforts and needs, and facilitated a mentorship program for businesses to collaborate on improving commercial recycling.  

Montgomery County Volunteer Center

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) facilitates countywide volunteer opportunities year-round. Our favorite happens in January when MCVC unites the community to celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at its MLK Day of Service.  

Since 2018, Montage has worked with MCVC to plan and host this annual service event, which engages participants in hands-on community service activities and allows them to learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities. During the pandemic, MCVC embraced the idea of expanding the annual celebration from one day to a week and including remote and satellite activities. Together, we’re able to triple participation and increase the output and impact of the volunteer activities—a trend that has continued even as our in-person event returned. 

We’re immensely proud of the work our government clients do to improve the lives of their employees, communities, and the country. And it is an honor to help them reach their goals and maximize their impact. If you represent a government agency and want to learn more about how we can help you make a difference, contact us today.