The National Whistleblower Center issued an alert today asking its Action Alert Network to push Congress to enact a National Whistleblower Day.
The action alert is below:
Demand Congress Pass National Whistleblower Appreciation Day!
Urge Congress To Make Whistleblower Protection A High Priority Through Enacting National Whistleblower Appreciation Day
Urgent Action Needed!!
There are deep-seated animosities against whistleblowers throughout the United States in both the public and private sectors. While whistleblowers display profound dedication to their companies, universities and agencies, they are often viciously retaliated against because they are perceived to be disloyal. For this reason, the National Whistleblower Center has made the creation of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day one of its key objectives.
Why a National Whistleblower Appreciation Day?
Whistleblowers risk their reputations and careers, and sometimes even put their lives in jeopardy when they report wrongdoing. The declaration of a day honoring whistleblowers will have a major impact on the negative view of whistleblowers in our culture. It would also remove the feeling many people have that if they step forward they will not be supported, therefore encouraging increased reports of fraud and abuse and promoting a more just society. Whistleblowers deserve to be recognized for their service to our country.
Why July 30th ?
On July 30th, 1778 the Continental Congress enacted the first ever whistleblower protection law.
The Founding Fathers’ message was clear and the vote was unanimous when they resolved: “That it is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States, as well as all other inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or any other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge.”
Why now?
Over the last few years the National Whistleblower Center has worked to build bipartisan support for the issue of whistleblower protection. On February 25, 2015, Senator Chuck Grassley announced the formation of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus; a bipartisan coalition of Senators that will work to ensure whistleblowers in all sectors obtain meaningful protections. The formation of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus has created a momentum to support whistleblowers and push for July 30th to be recognized as a permanent day honoring whistleblowers.
The National Whistleblower Center believes it is important to change the culture of retaliation that often results in destroying whistleblowers’ careers. We need your help in establishing July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
Please join the National Whistleblower Center in urging Congress to make July 30th National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
Please join with the NWC and take action on this critical issue. Spread the word! Forward this alert onto a friend, co-worker or family member!
