Celebrate Sunshine Week

Sunshine Week was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors — now News Leaders Association — and has grown into an enduring initiative to promote open government.

This year Sunshine weeks is March 13-19. Join News Leaders Association in the annual nationwide celebration of access to public information and what it means for you and your community. It’s your right to know.

There are ways for community members to get involved and show your support for open government.

If you are part of a civic group, you can organize local forums, sponsor essay contests or press elected officials to pass proclamations on the importance of open access.

If you are an educator, you can use Sunshine Week to teach your students about how government transparency improves our lives and makes our communities stronger.

If you are an elected official, you 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.

If you are a private citizen, you can write a letter to the editor or spread the word to friends through social media.

Aspiring writers and educators can get involved with Sunshine Week by attending a government meeting, creating their own Sunshine Week activities or by simply taking time to learn about open government and its importance to democracy.