Introducing Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network

Connecting lawyers with federal workers in need.

New Resources

Our nation depends on a strong, non-partisan civil service

The U.S. civil service — 2.2 million federal workers who live and work in every state across the country — works for the American people, safeguards our democracy, and upholds the rule of law. Strong civil servants embody the values of integrity, expertise, and nonpartisanship and serve as the backbone of our government. 95% of people believe civil servants should be as they are: hired and promoted based on merit rather than their political beliefs.

Resources for Civil Servants

Learn more about this effort

Illustration with a raised hand, another hand on a bible, taking the oath of office. The oath of office partially appears in the background, beginning "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States..."

What is the civil service?

The civil service comprises dedicated, nonpartisan federal employees who work tirelessly across all 50 states and around the world to ensure the effective delivery of government services and protections.

Learn more Civil Service 101

Who supports the civil service?

Alongside the 95% of people who believe civil servants should be hired and promoted based on their merit rather than their political beliefs, Civil Service Strong is committed to supporting a career, non-partisan civil service that delivers for people, and the people who power it.

Learn more about our efforts

Resources for Civil Servants

People, organizations, and communities across the country are joining together to ensure our civil servants have resources if they are targeted or attacked. Check back as resources come online and for monitoring of threats to the civil service. And, see some of the essential available resources, centralized for the first time:

Fact Sheets & Analysis

Explainer: Resign or Be Fired?

Protect Democracy

You’ve been asked to do something—or not do something—that doesn’t sit right. This explainer has guidance on determining if there are rules or laws at play, and practical impacts of being fired or choosing to resign.

Rights & Protections

State-by-State Guide: Unemployment Benefits & Other Resources for Former Federal Employees

Civil Service Strong

State resources to support recently terminated federal employees, including information on unemployment benefits, job banks, know your rights, and mental health resources.

Community Support

Dear Civil Servant: Separating truth from fiction on the “fork in the road”

Protect Democracy

This message offers some trustworthy information, ways of thinking about this big decision, and resources to learn more as you consider your options

Community Support

FEEA Launches New Layoff Loan Program

Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA)

This resource provides information on FEEA's Layoff Loan Program for public servants in need.

Rights & Protections

Legal & Advocacy Resources for Whistleblowers

Project on Government Oversight (POGO)

List of legal and advocacy resources that may be useful to whistleblowers and federal employees seeking assistance

Fact Sheets & Analysis

10 Things Federal Workers Should Know About Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)

The Century Foundation

This report provides an overview of what federal employees should know about unemployment compensation and the unprecedented unemployment insurance challenges presented by mass layoffs.

Fact Sheets & Analysis

Filing E-Appeal with MSPB.gov

Civil Service Strong

File an appeal with the MSPB within 30 days of being fired, demoted, or discriminated against. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the e-Appeal system.

Federal Workers File Class-Wide Complaint Challenging Mass Terminations with Office of Special Counsel

Democracy Forward

On February 14th, 2025, a class of civil servants across nine federal agencies that were terminated by the Trump administration “with no regard for the performance or conduct” but instead because of their probationary status due to their short tenure with the federal government have filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel.

Fact Sheets & Analysis

FACT SHEET: Trump Puts Cronyism over Competence

Democracy Forward

Understand how Donald Trump began his hostile takeover of the federal workforce with a flurry of presidential directives and memoranda aimed at sidelining experts in favor of unqualified and unvetted partisan loyalists.

News & Updates

Labor and Democracy Partners Announce Rise Up: Legal Defense Network for Fired Federal Workers

Democracy Forward, AFL-CIO, and Others Will Connect Federal Workers Fired and Mistreated by the Trump Administration with Free, Direct Legal Support.

Understanding This Week’s Court Rulings On Probationary Employees

This week there were two court rulings that blocked lower court orders requiring the government to reinstate tens of thousands of probationary employees.

Urge AG Bondi to Stand Up for the Legal Profession and the Rule of Law

Join fellow members of the legal community in urging Attorney General Bondi to oppose President Trump's attacks on the legal profession, on judges, and on the rule of law.

Two Federal Judges Order Re-Instatement of Thousands of Probationary Employees

On Thursday March 13th, a pair of district court orders directed the Trump Administration to temporarily re-instate thousands of probationary employees across multiple federal agencies.

Stay informed

We’ll send critical updates about ways to support the civil service and additional resources as they become available.

Thank you! We'll send more information by email when it's available.

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