Across the country, elected officials are making tough policy decisions about how to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. They hold regular press conferences to announce efforts to lessen the impact of the virus. For example, here in Minnesota, the levelheaded leadership of Governor Walz has provided comfort and resources to people across the state.
And behind every good governor, county commissioner, and mayor are thousands of public employees who are working around the clock to put the changes into place. Quickly adapting a government bureaucracy to a global pandemic is no small task. These are entrenched systems that weren’t built for the rate of change we’re facing today.
This is why Herocrats are more essential than ever. Herocrats are government employees who use their superpowers of courage, connection and creativity to adapt their agencies to a rapidly changing world. Without Herocrats to figure out how to get it done, the assurances of elected officials would be meaningless.
The State of Minnesota’s #StayHomeMN logo in Somali
Like everyone else, Herocrats are scared. Yet, they are showing up and bringing help to the people who need it:
IT staff are figuring out how to keep local government open for business.
Bus drivers are delivering meals and learning packets to kids.
Communications staff are designing and rolling out informational campaigns.
Teachers are moving learning online.
Principals are supporting teachers remotely.
City transportation staff are shutting down roads to cars so people can safely exercise.
City and County staff are finding innovative ways to help people experiencing homelessness.
Police officers are adjusting how they respond to calls and doing new types of community engagement.
These are just a few examples of how Herocrats are putting their superpowers to work in this crisis. How is COVID-19 affecting your work in state or local government? What types of innovation and adaptation are you witnessing?