FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Rose Cavanagh | 401.331.7209 | rosecavanagh.nefac@gmail.com
The New England First Amendment Coalition is partnering with OpenTheGovernment, a Washington, D.C.-based group working to make the federal government more open and accountable.
“This partnership is a way to further the reach of NEFAC and the important work we do,” said Rose Cavanagh, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition. “By allying with OpenTheGovernment, we are strengthening the call for government accountability and adding our coalition among the ranks of other pro-transparency groups across the nation.”
OpenTheGovernment.org is a coalition of more than 80 organizations throughout the country. It was formed in 2003 to help organize and amplify the voices of those who believe open government is essential to ensuring integrity and accountability in our governing institutions.
NEFAC’s focus on freedom of information and government transparency aligns well with this mission, Cavanagh said. Each year, for example, NEFAC hosts an awards luncheon to honor those individuals who have promoted and defended the First Amendment, particularly the public’s right to know. NEFAC honored Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Risen of The New York Times earlier this year for his commitment to freedom of information.
In addition to the annual luncheon, NEFAC’s work includes:
- The New England First Amendment Institute The institute is an annual, three-day, intensive training program on freedom of information law and investigative reporting techniques for 25 working New England journalists. It provides editors and reporters with the support and training necessary to become accomplished investigative journalists, well versed in the access laws that govern today’s difficult reporting landscape.
- The NEFAC Report This monthly newsletter features original reporting by the journalists, attorneys and FOI advocates who are on the frontline of freedom of information battles and protecting First Amendment rights.
- KnowNewEngland.org NEFAC created this website in 2011 to give the public insight into the value of public records and the type of information that can be accessed through various FOI laws. The data provided on this site – related to Education, Fiscal Priorities, Public Safety and Environment – is all accessible through public documents.
To learn more about NEFAC, please visit www.nefac.org. You can also read more about OpenTheGovernment at www.openthegovernment.org.
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.