The Combined Federal Campaign season begins today, and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry is hoping to get as many feds participating as possible. Berry yesterday sent a memo to agency leaders asking them to encourage employees to donate to charities through the CFC, and asked them to make a particular effort to educate newly-hired feds.
Berry said he’s worried that when older feds — many of whom have probably been donating for years — retire, the CFC will see a drop in donations unless younger feds take the baton. He suggested leaders send e-mails to their employees, including the following text:
I encourage all new employees who have joined us since last year’s campaign to learn more about the CFC by talking with the CFC keyworkers who will be distributing the Charity List and pledge forms.
Through your Federal employment, you have already demonstrated your commitment to America. The CFC is a great opportunity to further extend your public service by supporting charitable organizations which often provide services and benefits beyond what is available through the government. In the words of President John F. Kennedy, who established the CFC via Presidential Order in 1961, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Through the CFC you can make a difference in your community, our country, and the world.
Berry also suggested agencies lower their costs by using Employee Express, the government’s electronic payroll and personnel system, which allows employees to pledge online.
Federal employees pledged almost $282.6 million last year, which marked the seventh straight year of record-breaking donations.
