If every one of us is responsible for the common good, it is our duty to try to safeguard it as much as possible. Whistleblowers do exactly that: they are those workers who, in the context of their jobs, witness possible wrongdoing and decide to speak up about it. In fact, shady dynamics are not necessarily symptoms of an actual crime, but they nevertheless represent clear signs that something wrong is happening and may possibly lead to collective damages.

Whistleblowers are not heroes nor do they have super-powers: they are ordinary but courageous people who have decided to make use of their entrusted power for collective interests. Reporting these situations, indeed, means safeguarding the common good, since it prevents crimes, injustice and misuse of public money. This choice is not always easy because their jobs and personal security often are at stake.

Nevertheless, witnessing a lack of transparency or a misconduct, but not reacting, is not a neutral act: on the contrary, it benefits those who are acting against the collective interest, since it gives a sort of ‘silent support’.

Whistleblowers should not be left alone. They may need support in improving their reporting, managing anxiety and fear, obtaining legal advice, preventing the risk of subsequent mobbing or other forms of retaliation.

That is why, all over the world, there are independent and civic networks and portals dedicated to providing information and advice to people in such situations.