OpenTheGovernment.org - Sunshine Week Programs - Sunshine Week 2007: Closed Doors; Open Democracies? -

Sunshine Week Programs : Sunshine Week 2007: Closed Doors; Open Democracies? :

Sunshine Week 2007: Closed Doors; Open Democracies?

***Important information for registered sites***

What?

Civic organizations, libraries, universities and other groups around the country are invited to participate in our second dialogue on open government and secrecy by hosting or co-sponsoring programs
The program, which will include panel discussions, audience questions, and ideas for action, will be webcast to sites around the country
The program will focus on access to government information, including the impact of government suppression and manipulation of scientific information on public health and safety - and accountability. The dialogue will start with a lively discussion of the issues and end with ideas for action
Sites are encouraged to show the national program and plan local programs tailored to open government issues in their communities! Audience members at all sites will have an opportunity to call in (using any telephone) and email questions to our live panels. We will answer as many questions as time permits.

See a list of our confirmed speakers here!

Where?

The event will be held in the Holeman Lounge of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C and webcast to sites around the country. We're inviting you to host a program in your community!

When?

The event will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 1:00pm- 2:30pm Eastern Daylight Time (please note that Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on March 11, 2007!). Once registered, sites may access the archived webcast for about one month after the program. If the event falls during your Spring Break, please consider showing it at a later date! Our panelists have agreed to answer questions from registered sites after the live event.

Sunshine Week is March 11- 17, 2007. Visit www.sunshineweek.org to learn more about Sunshine Week.

How?

You can now watch the webcast for free!

Site registration is now available. The cost is $250 per site. All sites are required to pay this fee even if showing the program at a later date (through the archived webcast) to help us underwrite our costs. Registration ends March 9, 2007.

If you have questions or are interested in being a state coordinator, please contact: Emily Feldman, Program Associate, OpenTheGovernment.org, efeldman at openthegovernment.org.

To help you plan your webcast (also under Resources):

See a list of suggested technical requirements for the webcast.
State Coordinator Directory, for a list of those volunteering with us to help groups in their communities find co-sponsors and organize programs
Directory of Registered Sites

Resources

Click here for resources to help you plan your program and reports and articles of interest

Other Sunshine Week Events

Background

The first national "Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know" was launched in March 2005 and will be celebrated in 2007 from March 11-17. Sunshine Week's intent is to raise awareness of the importance of open government to everyone in the community, not just journalists. "Closed Doors; Open Democracies?" is brought to you in celebration of Sunshine Week by the American Association of Law Libraries, American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, League of Women Voters, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Freedom of Information Coalition, National Press Club, OpenTheGovernment.org, Special Libraries Association, Sunshine Week, and Union of Concerned Scientists.