National Whistleblower Day, observed every year on July 30th, is a time to honor and celebrate the brave individuals who have stood up against corruption, misconduct, and injustice. These courageous whistleblowers have played a crucial role in exposing wrongdoings and making sure that the rule of law prevails. Their acts of honesty and integrity have the power to change the world for the better.
History of National Whistleblower Day The significance of July 30th as National Whistleblower Day stems from America’s first Whistleblower Law, which was passed by the Continental Congress in 1778 during the American Revolution. This historic law protected whistleblowers who reported cases of misconduct and fraud.
In 2013, the United States Senate unanimously voted to establish National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, recognizing the invaluable contributions of whistleblowers in upholding American rule of law and democracy.
The National Whistleblower Center (NWC), founded in 1988 as a non-profit and non-partisan advocacy and educational organization based in Washington, DC, has been instrumental in promoting the rights of whistleblowers. In 2015, the NWC began hosting an annual celebration on Capitol Hill, where politicians and government leaders from all sides come together to honor and commemorate the bravery of whistleblowers.
How to Celebrate National Whistleblower Day National Whistleblower Day is an opportunity to show support for whistleblowers and contribute to the promotion of a fair and transparent society. Here are some ways to celebrate the day:
- Make a Donation to the National Whistleblower Center: The NWC advocates for government transparency and accountability. Donating to this organization helps support their efforts to expose and prosecute corruption and wrongdoing both in the United States and globally.
- Advocate for Official Recognition: While the United States Senate has recognized National Whistleblower Day since 2013, the entire federal government has not made it a permanent fixture. Citizens can write to their local representatives and urge Congress and the President to officially designate July 30th as National Whistleblower Day.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the importance of whistleblowing and the impact it has on society. The National Whistleblower Center’s website is a valuable resource for accessing information, books, and journals related to whistleblowing.
- Host an Educational Forum: If you are an educator, attorney, government worker, or involved in advocacy, consider organizing an educational forum in your community. Invite guest speakers to share insights on the bipartisan idea of whistleblowing. Engage in round table discussions to brainstorm ideas for ensuring whistleblowers’ safety and protection.
- Spread Awareness on Social Media: Use hashtags like #WhistleblowerDay and #NationalWhistleblowerDay to raise awareness about the day and its significance. Share stories of brave whistleblowers who have made a difference.
National Whistleblower Day serves as a reminder of the vital role whistleblowers play in safeguarding the principles of justice and accountability. Their actions inspire others to stand up for what is right and make the world a fairer place for all.
