Sunshine Week, March 14-20, will shine on local, unsung heroes in the battle for open government

Sunshine Week, March 14-20, will highlight “Local Heroes” who have played significant roles in fighting for open government in the United States, especially unsung heroes.

The American Society of Newspaper Editors will soon distribute materials explaining a variety of ways for participants to select and celebrate “Local Heroes” in their communities and states. Newspapers will be asked to share this information with their communities during Sunshine Week, along with commentary, editorial cartoons, graphics and public-service ads that ASNE will provide.

Sunshine Week was started in March of 2005 as a way to create a national dialogue about the public´s right to know. It is funded primarily by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation but also has received major organizational support from the National Freedom of Information Coalition, the Society of Professional Journalists and others. Sunshine Week information and promotional material can be found at asne.org.