Sunshine Week March 16-22 for open government

It's time to celebrate freedom of information. March 16-22 is Sunshine Week, which highlights the "importance of access to public information and what it means for you and your community," says the observance's website. The site offers several tips on how to get involved in the event, which was launched in 2005 "to promote open government and push back against excessive official secrecy." While everyone can get involved in the week, it's a time when journalists can make their voices heard, and use the power of the press to fight for open government.

Suggestions for Sunshine Week are: Journalists "can highlight the importance of openness through stories, editorials, columns, cartoons or graphics." Those in a civic group "can organize local forums, sponsor essay contests or press elected officials to pass proclamations on the importance of open access." Educators "can use Sunshine Week to teach your students about how government transparency improves our lives and makes our communities stronger." Elected officials "can pass a resolution supporting openness, introduce legislation improving public access or encourage training of government employees to ensure compliance with existing laws mandating open records and meetings." Private citizens "can write a letter to the editor or spread the word to friends through social media."

Good sources and ideas can be found at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, American Society of News Editors, or the Sunshine Week website.