Each March, members of the media participate in Sunshine Week, a national initiative co-sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press that focuses on transparency for all levels of government.
But journalists aren’t the only ones involved. Participants can — and should — include government officials at all levels, schools and universities, libraries and archives, nonprofit and civic organizations, and historians.
In fact, any individual who has an interest in open government can be part of Sunshine Week. The coalition of supporters is broad and deep.
And as the website (www.sunshineweek.org) dedicated to promoting awareness of Sunshine Week points out, individual participation can make all the difference.
So how can you get involved? It’s simple: Do something to engage in a discussion about the importance of open government.
Maybe that means you attend a public forum or a classroom discussion.
Or maybe you read an article or series of articles about access to important information.
It doesn’t matter what you do. It just matters that you get involved in the process.
After all, Sunshine Week isn’t just for journalists on the trail of government conspiracy or wrongdoing. It’s for average people — business owners, homeowners or people who have an issue with an arrest.
Sometimes those average people come across brick walls while looking for public documents. But by using Sunshine Laws, they can take down those brick walls and effectively change the way their local governments do business to ensure the public has access to the documents and information they have the right to.
As newspapers, we try often to remind readers that journalists don’t have any super powers. We simply use the laws that keep information free and accessible to the public to report on the issues that matter to the public. And as journalists we, too, come across those brick walls and have to seek legal counsel or take the issue through the court system.
The ASNE chooses to observe Sunshine Week to include the March 16 birthday of Founding Father and author of the U.S. Constitution James Madison. It was he who wrote that “consent of the governed” requires that the people be able to “arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
Every day as journalists we attempt to arm our readers with information by covering open meetings, by looking at critical issues, by seeking and examining documents to look for trends or issues. We present the information and allow our readers to make decisions about who they vote for, what organizations they support, where they send their child to school or even where they choose to buy a home.
As long as the “sun” is shining, we can do that. And a cloud that blocks the sun or a shadowy corner that happens when a government agency doesn’t understand freedom of information or open meeting laws will not discourage us from that mission. The torch that we carry, the public’s right to know, will brighten any dark spot.
This week and every single day, we celebrate those who blazed the trail before us, the tenacious journalists and citizen warriors, who have continuously upheld each and every person’s right to “arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”
Opinion
Transparency in government involves more than journalists
- Opinion
-
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
-
Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
-
Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
-
‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
