Sunshine Week - The Importance of Open Government

"Government functions best when it operates in the open." (Photo: rcfp.org)

 

        An initiative led by the American Society of News Editors, Sunshine Week started in 2005. The point is to educate the public about the importance of open government and to fight against unnecessary secrecy. Participants include print, broadcast and online news media, civics groups, non-profits, schools and libraries. 

        Their website is loaded with valuable resources, such as Quotable FOI
(Freedom of Information) Experts. Let's say you, as a journalist, need support writing a story about a closed meeting or records request denial. They provide a list of people who can speak out for you. For example, SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists) has FOI committee members who can provide (non-legal) advice and quotes, and they occasionally issue letters on behalf of the SPJ president to support journalists. You can also talk to your state SPJ sunshine chair, FOI coalition leaders, your state press association, among other associations and experts who can back you up.

        Another great tool you can find on their website is a link to a letter generator, which you can use to obtain access to public records maintained by state or local government officials. It guides you through all the steps of writing a proper letter, so you can make sure you included every important detail and you are more likely to get the files you need.

        All of these resources benefit not only journalists, but also the greater public, who has the right to be informed. Fighting for transparency in the government affects all citizens and guarantees we live in a democracy. As part of the civilian population, it is our duty to read, learn, get informed, sign, protest, vote. To make sure that professionals that are sticking out their necks for us are not doing that for nothing.

        There will always be threats to the Freedom of the Press, which is why we need to stay vigilant. I believe any young journalist will feel more confident to pursue a story after knowing there is such a supportive network in place. Reading about Sunshine Week made me feel hopeful and motivated to become a journalist or at least support them in any way I can.