National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

A person with a megaphone, superhero cape, and a detective hat bravely pointing out wrongdoing, surrounded by a supportive community.. — National whistleblower appreciation day illustration

Time to break out the confetti and celebrate some real heroes - it's National Whistleblower Appreciation Day! These are the folks who aren’t afraid to toot their own horn. Or perhaps more accurately, blow the whistle on shady shenanigans - and no, we aren't talking about football referees! The day has been honoured since 2014, so while it might be a younger Yank than say, Tom Cruise, it's still deserving of your attention.

When is Whistleblower Appreciation Day?

It's national whistleblower appreciation day on the 30th July.

A Brief History of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

The history of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day goes back to July 30th, 2018 - yes, a prime summer day! This is the day when the celebration reached peak online mentions, 6294 to be exact, which goes to show just how fun people think whistleblowers are.

Why Do We Celebrate It?

The US Senate officially recognized this day in 2013, to commemorate the passing of a law in 1778 that protected whistleblowers involving wrongdoing by government officials. It's all about celebrating the bravery and determination of individuals who raise awareness of misconduct or illegal activity, all while maintaining a super heroic anonymity. We're talking real-life Batman and Spiderman stuff here!

How Can We Celebrate?

While there's no traditional cake or fancy dress code, celebrating Whistleblower Day is all about appreciation. You can do so by reading about famous whistleblowers, or even watching movies based on their life. (Here's looking at you, Edward Snowden.) Or better yet, why not promote open dialogue and transparency within your own circles? Time for some real talk with Aunt Gertrude about her 'Special Brownies' recipe.

The Legacy of Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are often the unsung heroes of our society. By facing immense pressures and risks, these brave individuals help ensure transparency, trust, and accountability. Now if that isn't worth a national day, we don't know what is!

History behind the term 'Whistleblower Appreciation'

1863

Origins of the term

The term 'whistleblower' originates from the practice of English policemen blowing their whistles to alert the public of a crime or danger. This term gained popularity in the 1860s when the Metropolitan Police of London implemented the use of whistle signals as a form of communication.

1970

Whistleblower Protection Act

The Whistleblower Protection Act was enacted in the United States in 1970. This act aimed to protect federal employees who disclose information about government malpractices and illegal activities. It laid the foundation for recognizing the importance of whistleblowing and securing the rights of individuals who step forward to expose wrongdoing.

1971

Pentagon Papers

The release of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 was a landmark moment for whistleblower appreciation. Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst, leaked these classified documents to the media, revealing the U.S. government's hidden actions during the Vietnam War. Ellsberg's whistleblowing act shed light on the significance of holding powerful institutions accountable and led to a greater appreciation for the role of whistleblowers in uncovering the truth.

1986

False Claims Act Amendments

In 1986, the False Claims Act Amendments strengthened the protection for whistleblowers in the United States. These amendments increased the incentives and rewards for individuals who exposed fraud against the government. It encouraged more people to come forward as whistleblowers and played a vital role in uncovering various instances of government fraud and financial misconduct.

2002

Enron scandal

The Enron scandal, one of the most notorious corporate fraud cases in history, unfolded in 2001. The subsequent investigations and trials in 2002 brought whistleblowers into the spotlight. Whistleblowers like Sherron Watkins, an Enron vice president, played a crucial role in exposing the accounting fraud that led to the company's collapse. The Enron scandal further underscored the importance of whistleblower appreciation in maintaining corporate transparency and accountability.

2011

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, implemented in 2010, included significant provisions for whistleblower protection. It established the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Whistleblower Program, offering financial incentives and protection for individuals reporting violations of securities laws. This act aimed to encourage more whistleblowers to come forward and disclose wrongdoing in the financial sector, contributing to a safer and fairer financial landscape.

Did you know?

Did you know the term 'whistleblower' originates from the whistle a referee uses to indicate foul play? Makes sense, right? Just as on the sports field, the goal of a whistleblower is to call out violations for a fairer game.