FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT John Marion | Common Cause RI | 401.338.6537 or Justin Silverman | NEFAC | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
In recognition of Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote open government, several local organizations will present on March 23 a panel discussion on Rhode Island’s freedom of information laws.
The program is from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Metcalf Auditorium in the Chace Center / RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street in Providence. The event is free but registration is required.
It is sponsored by Access/RI, ACLU of Rhode Island, Common Cause Rhode Island, the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island, the New England First Amendment Coalition and the Rhode Island Press Association.
Speakers include:
EDWARD FITZPATRICK (moderator)
Former Reporter and Columnist for The Providence Journal
DAN MCGOWAN
Digital Reporter for WPRI-Providence
AMANDA MILKOVITS
Reporter for The Providence Journal
ETHAN SHOREY
Editor at the Valley Breeze
Sunshine Week — March 10-16 this year with events occurring throughout the month — is a national celebration of the citizen’s right to know about government. Its goal is to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know.
The event will focus on how Rhode Island’s public records and open meetings laws can be used to hold government accountable.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
Major Supporters of NEFAC include the Barr Foundation, The Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund, The Boston Globe, WBUR and Boston University.