The President of the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Glen Whitley announced that the theme for the 2011 National County Government Month will be Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families. Whitley stated:
“Since 1991, NACo has encouraged counties to actively promote county government services and programs. Formerly National County Government Week, the designation was expanded to a full month to offer counties more opportunities to participate. Counties aren’t expected to hold public awareness activities throughout the month, but can schedule activities any time during the month.
As county officials, we know that America’s counties provide essential programs and services to communities, but unfortunately many Americans do not. National County Government Month in conjunction with my County Government Works presidential initiative are terrific opportunities to educate the public and our partners in state and federal government about the responsibilities counties have and the programs and services counties provide.
Counties are encouraged to link this year’s theme – Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families – to as many National County Government Month activities as possible. Popular events include holding public tours of county facilities; talking to students, community organizations and business leaders about county programs and services; holding essay and art contests; and sponsoring County Family Day events on the Courthouse grounds. You can hold media events, write newspaper columns, or be a guest on local radio and TV shows to discuss new county programs or highlight existing ones.
This year’s National County Government Month theme is important and timely as more veterans, military service members and their families are turning to their county government for services. In addition to my County Government Works initiative, I created the “Veterans and Military Service Task Force” to engage NACo members to develop and highlight best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits.”
National County Government Month is April.