iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 10/09/2025

Real design in government should prioritize serving people, not flashy slogans and website animations. Check out our latest article about the Executive Order on federal design ⤵️ www.wethebuilders.org/posts/americ...

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 02/08/2025

🛠 We the Builders need some rest. Read more: bit.ly/45hINsI

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 31/07/2025

What the FORK?! 🍴 Federal workers were blindsided by a late-night message that upended their jobs, their unions, and their sleep. It was panic-inducing, and it was by design. Read the latest installment of "Tired, But Still Here" open.substack.com/pub/altusds/...

Black-and-white photo of construction workers lying down on a steel beam high above New York City, echoing the famous “Lunch atop a Skyscraper” image. Over the photo, large neon-yellow text reads “TIRED.” A black-and-pink bar across the middle says “But Still Here: a Federal Worker’s Story.” In the bottom right corner, small text reads “Installment 04.”

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 19/06/2025

Remembering the struggle, honoring the victory, and celebrating the inimitable Ms. Opal Lee. Out of adversity came unity, but the work is not done. We recommend watching Ava Duvernay’s documentary “13th” on Netflix to learn more about how racial inequity is still written into US law. #Juneteenth

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 14/06/2025

Not all heroes carry signs. Some organize, some heal, some hold space. You don’t have to march to matter. Read our latest newsletter on how protest movements. Credit and special thanks to @deepaiyer.bsky.social and @hankgreen.bsky.social. 🛠️ bit.ly/More-Than-Ma...

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 11/06/2025

Questions we've gotten for years: ❓Why is government so slow? ❓Why did it take years to build something and it still doesn't work right? Here's the truth: It's not the people, it's the arcane process. In part one of this two part series, we explain how federal procurement works. bit.ly/wtb_fedpro

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 10/06/2025

Marines on our streets. The governor threatened with arrest. This moment echoes the darkest chapters of history - abroad, AND here at home. This is what a manufactured crisis looks like. Our latest newsletter breaks it all down: bit.ly/WTB_NoKings #WeTheBuilders #StandUpNotBack #CivicDefense

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 09/06/2025

Former US Digital Service engineer Elizabeth Schweinsburg is one of the great ones. Always willing to help with security issues, a great interviewer, and an absolute powerhouse for security in government. This award is well-deserved! niccs.cisa.gov/resources/sf...

Portrait of Elizabeth Schweinsberg, smiling and wearing a white floral blouse, with a short biography below. The bio reads as follows:
"Elizabeth Schweinsberg is a Senior Technical Advisor at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services specializing in Zero Trust Architecture. Before that, she spent 9 years in corporate threat detection and incident response with Facebook and Google. She works to keep the internal networks safe from malware, hackers, and the internet. Ms. Schweinsberg has been in the computer industry for over two decades and in digital forensics since 2005 in both the Government and private sector. She has a Masters of Information Security from Carnegie Mellon University where she participated in Scholarship for Service. When not behind the computer, Ms. Schweinsberg can often be found behind a book or sewing machine.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 09/06/2025

🚨 All 22 Democratic Governors (@demgovs.org) have issued a joint statement about the CA National Guard being federalized and deployed to LA. Here’s an article from @apnews.com that explains when deployments like this are legal and when they’re an abuse of power: 🔗 apnews.com/article/insu...

Statement from Democratic Governors on Donald Trump's Use of
California's National Guard
DGA Chair Governor Laura Kelly, DGA Vice Chair Governor Andy Beshear, Governor Tony Evers, Governor Bob Ferguson, Governor Josh Green, Governor Maura Healey, Governor Katie Hobbs, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Tina Kotek, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor Dan McKee, Governor Matt Meyer, Governor Janet Mills, Governor Wes Moore, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Jared Polis, Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Josh Stein, Governor Tim Walz, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement:
"President Trump's move to deploy California's National Guard is an alarming abuse of power. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a state's governor is ineffective and dangerous.
"Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.
"It's important we respect the executive authority of our country's governors to manage their National Guards - and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation."

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 07/06/2025

This isn't just billionaire beef. It’s a sign of deeper narrative shifts in how we define freedom, innovation, and leadership. When the usual voices fracture, new ones rise. That’s when misinformation strikes hardest. Read the latest from We the Builders 👇 🔗 bit.ly/43RdAvK

$A square graphic with a blue gradient background and white center panel. At the top left is the "We the Builders" crossed wrench and pencil logo inside a white circle. Bold gold text at the top reads “BUILT TO SERVE.” Below that, in bold blue lettering: “When Power Shifts: What the Musk–Trump Feud Really Signals.” Beneath the headline is smaller blue italic text: “It’s not about celebrity drama. It’s about what fills the vacuum when powerful alliances fracture—and why public servants should be paying close attention.” At the bottom center, light blue text reads: “ISSUE 21 · JUNE 6, 2025.”$

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 06/06/2025

Are we still living in a democracy, or just living in its shadow? We're exploring how authoritarian power creeps in quietly - through fear, control, and legal loopholes. From Ernst Fraenkel’s “Dual State” to growing red flags in the US government, this is a must-read. Check it out: bit.ly/4jGKzZB

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 05/06/2025

What happens when the people who keep government running are pushed to the edge? Find out in the first installment of our new storytellers series from inside the system: ⭐ Tired But Still Here: A Federal Worker's Story ⭐ Check it out: bit.ly/4jBlnn5 #WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #AltGov

A digital graphic featuring a classical painting of a woman in a white dress asleep under a tree, with scattered papers near her hand. Large neon yellow text reads “TIRED” across the top, with a black and pink banner across the middle that says “But Still Here: a Federal Worker’s Story.” In the bottom corner, it says “Installment 01.” The image evokes exhaustion, reflection, and quiet resistance.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 03/06/2025

Completely off topic! Help identify this mystery object that was found on a driveway in MD. It appears natural, feels and is hard like wood, but it doesn't make sense to any piece of wood I've handled.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 02/06/2025

We stand with the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month. Pride is about joy, visibility, justice, and action. We believe a better government means one that protects, uplifts, and celebrates everyone, exactly as they are. That’s the future we’re committed to building, together. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 31/05/2025

So now you need a loyalty oath to work for the federal government? Cute. We’ve served the public, not a party. But a new federal hiring plan suggests that might not be enough anymore. Check out our latest newsletter for all the details: bit.ly/3Fv7OaY

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 25/05/2025

Three months. 41 posts. 16 newsletters. 20 timeline events. Thousands of readers. And we’re just getting started. Here's what we've built—and where we're headed next: bit.ly/3SjAzKo #WeTheBuilders #CivicTech #BuiltToServe #AltGov

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 24/05/2025

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” should terrify anyone who cares about checks and balances. From court-defying powers to political control over regulatory agencies, this isn’t a tax bill—it’s a playbook for authoritarianism. We broke it down: bit.ly/3SlWNvk #WeTheBuilders #NoKings #OBBB #OBUB

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 20/05/2025

“The lesson of 1933 is you get out sooner rather than later.” Snyder is leaving. We’re staying. And resisting. 🧱 Read more: bit.ly/4mmDWOs #WeTheBuilders #OnTyranny

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 17/05/2025

While Trump flies around on a foreign government’s jet and plans a $700 million parade, everyday Americans are losing healthcare and public workers are being laid off. 📫 Check out our latest newsletter: bit.ly/4j6CVqQ #WeTheBuilders #RebuildGovernment

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 15/05/2025

RFK Jr: “My vaccine opinions are irrelevant.” Also RFK Jr: Implements policies that delay life-saving vaccines. When misinformation leads health policy, kids die. Read more 👉 bit.ly/4jSQN9n

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 13/05/2025

We’re showing up, speaking out, and calling bullshit on the destruction of our public institutions. Tonight's Built to Serve newsletter is about leadership, rebuilding, and doing the work. 📖 Read it here: bit.ly/3Swx8Qz

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 11/05/2025

DOGE is turning into that one annoying co-worker who takes credit for a project that YOU completed.They're bragging about fixing paper-based retirement systems, but guess what? Most of the progress came from Biden-era work. Learn more: bit.ly/4jQzaas

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 10/05/2025

ICYMI: "DOGE is an insider threat. Name what's happening then act on it. That's how you de-weaponize it." Kate and Milo recently spoke with about what DOGE *really* is. bit.ly/4jPHffi

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 10/05/2025

The RNC says they’re interviewing the “smartest people” in every state to join DOGE, so we took the quiz. Spoiler: it’s not going well. 🧵 Read the full breakdown and laugh (so you don’t cry): bit.ly/3SubBbb #WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #FederalGov #DOGE

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 08/05/2025

Elon Musk is out, but DOGE is still inside the federal government. We’re already planning how to rebuild. Read more in today’s Built to Serve newsletter 🛠️ bit.ly/4d8DK1c #WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #DOGE

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 06/05/2025

We updated our timeline for the month of April. Learn about DOGE's insider threats, what government employees are and are not allowed to do politically, and much more! bit.ly/4iQ7rVZ

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 06/05/2025

What happens when AI replaces experience? DOGE-backed projects want to "free up" 70k government workers, but real efficiency comes from human-centered design. Read our latest 👉 bit.ly/Illusion-of-Efficiency

Graphic titled “Built to Serve” with a subheading: “The Illusion of Efficiency — Why Replacing Public Servants with AI is a Bad Bet.” A crossed wrench and spoon icon with a gold star is shown on the left. Background fades from blue to gold, with the issue date “Issue 10 – May 5, 2025” at the bottom.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 05/05/2025

We the Builders' Kate and Milo joined Andy and Helen from @cybershow.uk to talk about what's happening to us here, share ideas across the Atlantic, and talk about what it means to stop the destruction and begin to rebuild. cybershow.uk/episodes.php...

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 04/05/2025

Learn about a small software engineering team at the National Park Service that reaches more people every year than Disney or the major sports in the US. @altwasonps.bsky.social we see you over there with your tiny but mighty eng team! bit.ly/4d1rU8P

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 01/05/2025

🚨It's happening, people!🚨 We built the tools, they broke the tools. You’ve got questions, we’ve got receipts (and some solid sarcasm). Join us for our our first AMA tonight at 8pm Eastern. Non-bsky friends can submit Qs to submissions@wethebuilders.org and we'll do our best to answer those too!

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 01/05/2025

Trump’s 100-day report card: 🚫 Executive Orders blocked 📉 Approval ratings tanked ⚖️ Courts siding with workers, not chaos We’re tracking the losses and why they matter: bit.ly/100-days-of-losing #100DaysOfLosing #WeTheBuilders

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 30/04/2025

We've seen so many executive orders that have alarmed us. From shuttering agencies, to firing federal employees, and marginalizing people who are trans. Didn't we have a revolution to stop a single king-like ruler? We hoe this EO explainer helps. 🔗 wethebuilders.org/posts/executive-orders

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 29/04/2025

We have a new landing page for you. We shipped the first version of the site in 5 days in February and our (lack of) design showed. Thanks to our fantastic product designer, we made the leap into "thoughtfully designed." Take a look ➡️ wethebuilders.org

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 29/04/2025

When tariffs change, it’s not just a line on a spreadsheet. It’s a massive shift for public servants, ports, businesses, and you. We break down what a real, careful implementation would look like — and why reckless change is so dangerous. Read it here: 🔗 bit.ly/tariffs-tech-and-trust

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 28/04/2025

Over the next few days, our #AltGov family is going to tell you #WhyWeStay. Even as agencies are gutted and public servants are pushed out, thousands are still showing up. Still fighting for a government that serves people, not billionaires. They dismantle. We build. This is #WhyWeStay.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 27/04/2025

More info from our team: www.wethebuilders.org/posts/cost-o...

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 27/04/2025

We’ve modernized legacy government systems. We know what it takes. DOGE’s plan to migrate SSA’s COBOL systems without understanding is a disaster waiting to happen. Here’s why DOGE will fail — and why it matters. 🔗 www.wethebuilders.org/posts/what-it…

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 26/04/2025

Efficiency without care isn’t efficiency at all — it’s destruction. In our latest post, we break down why public service must start with protecting lives, not gambling with them. First, Do No Harm ⤵️ altusds.substack.com/p/first-do-no-…

A digital graphic from We the Builders, titled “Built to Serve.” It features a small icon of a wrench and spoon crossed with a star above. Bold navy text reads “First Do No Harm.” Subheading says, “DOGE’s slash-and-burn tactics might boost ‘efficiency,’ but they endanger lives and threaten vital public services.” Issue 06 – April 25, 2025.

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 26/04/2025

Crisis fatigue is real. I'm taking the weekend off for some self care. But don't worry, my buddy @alt-doge.bsky.social is ready to fill in. Fresh off some close encounters of the DOGE kind, they got you! And don't forget the #altgov #altfam too!

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 24/04/2025

Wait, we agree with Steve Bannon on something? The possibility that American's data has been exfiltrated is a non-partisan concern. We need to know. From www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

“It’s imperative we find out what he found. He questioned the integrity of the entire system — and that’s necessary, but President Trump needs the specific details of what he found. We can’t leave it hanging out there,” Bannon said. “We have to have a full accounting that makes sure any government data — classified or not — and any personal financial data, people’s tax returns, and their health records, have not gone to any entity not controlled by the Trump administration or the U.S. government.”

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 24/04/2025

One of the quiet ones left this week. Not in defeat, in dignity. We wrote the tribute they deserved. And by proxy, it’s for every civil servant, past and present. We see you. 💛 Read it here ➡️ bit.ly/wtb-tribute #WeTheBuilders #ThankYou

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 22/04/2025

A federal worker reflects on being pushed out by DOGE’s dismantling of public service. Their work was taken, but their belief in people — and in service — remains. 🧵 Read their farewell letter: www.wethebuilders.org/posts/the-res… #WTB #AltGov #PublicService

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 22/04/2025

The NLRB whistleblower report paints a chilling picture: when oversight fails, real damage follows. Let's talk about it: 🔗 open.substack.com/pub/altusds/p/whe…

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 17/04/2025

Why is being kind, consistent, and connected one of the most radical things you can do? Find out in the second edition of our newsletter here: 🔗 open.substack.com/pub/altusds/p/the…

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 17/04/2025

This is one of our friends talking about how DOGE dropping into the U.S. Digital Service felt from the inside. Her story helps understand the early days of DOGE. Listen now! 🔗 play.prx.org/listen?ge=prx_8376_e98… #altgov #altusds #altdoge

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 16/04/2025

The IRS agreed to share taxpayer data with ICE last week. Read this post by one of our engineers and leaders that describes the technical risks to this unprecedented (and probably illegal) agreement. 🔗 wethebuilders.org/posts/risks-of-sh… #IRSxICE #handsoffourdata

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Alt US Digital Service @altusds.altgov.info · 14/04/2025

🚨Big Announcement🚨 We the Builders is launching a Substack newsletter tomorrow! Sign up here: altusds.substack.com

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