Federal workers hit by DOGE cuts can now tap the Free Library of Philadelphia for help.
The free workshops will include networking and career tips, take place at four different locations, and are open to those who have already been laid off, along with those facing potential job loss, said Sandra Miller, the workplace librarian for the Free Library.
Workshops held in South Philly received “resounding” positive feedback, Miller said. The next four events will feature resume help, LinkedIn navigation resources and photographers will be on site to take headshots at two of the locations – Parkway Central and Coleman.
Additionally, she said there will be information and resources about a program called “Civic Match,” a website that allows former or outgoing federal workers to either apply for specific state or local government jobs , or upload their information and geographic/job preferences to be matched with current openings.
“Recently, the state and the city have tried to reach out to federal workers to try to assist them in finding work [at] a state and local level,” she said. “So we’ll try to have resources on our tables that will share that information.”
President Trump signed an executive order creating DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency, early this year. DOGE was created to “make the federal workforce more efficient and effective,” and included immediate cuts, hiring freezes and large-scale reductions in work forces.
According to the Inquirer, between 1,000 and 1,400 federal employees across Pennsylvania have been fired or placed on administrative leave following Trump’s inauguration. Officials say that exact number is hard to determine, though, as many employees have been reinstated or reinstated but placed on leave.
These workshops are especially valuable right now, said Charlie Elison, a federal worker himself and Free Library volunteer.
“Across Philadelphia, we’re seeing hundreds, if not several hundreds, of federal workers who’ve already been fired by the federal government,” he said. “Some have been fortunate enough to get offers or get rehired, some are on administrative leave and [don’t know]what’s next.But they’re not doing work right now, so there’s just a lot of uncertainty.”
Elison said volunteering at the workshop allows him to “give back and support his colleagues” by lending advice in uncertain times, which have left many federal workers worried.
“[We’re] just seeing [workers]who are kind of worried about what their next steps are, how they’re going to put food on the table, and who are entering a job market here in Philadelphia at a very challenging time.”
For those interested in signing up, there are several options on the Free Library’s website, Miller said.
Information on the remaining workshops are below:
- Parkway Central Library, BRIC Department on April 2 at 5 p.m. (Ground Floor, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
- South Philadelphia Library on April 7 at 5 p.m. (1700 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145)
- Northeast Regional Library on April 8 at 5 p.m. (2228 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149)
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