ONN to host FOIA workshop to celebrate annual Sunshine Week

OTTAWA COUNTY — The Ottawa News Network will be celebrating Sunshine Week with a workshop aimed at educating and empowering Ottawa County residents on how to use the Freedom of Information Act.

Originally launched as "Sunshine Sunday" in Florida in 2002 by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, a national Sunshine Week was created in 2005 with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. As of December 2023, Sunshine Week is coordinated by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.

Sunshine Week annually occurs in mid-March to coincide with James Madison's birthday (March 16), who is known as the "father of the Constitution" and an early advocate for open government. The name borrows a famous quote from Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who wrote: "Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants" in a series of articles he wrote for Harper's Weekly in 1913 to advocate for open government.

The national, nonpartisan initiative promotes open government, transparency and the public's right to access government records.

ONN will host the FOIA workshop on Friday, March 20, to coincide with Sunshine Week this year (March 15-21).

Hosted by Executive Editor Sarah Leach, the event will teach residents about what information they have the right to request from their respective government bodies using FOIA, tips and tricks on how to be successful and what to do if a legitimate request is denied.

"It's critical for citizens to know that FOIA is a tool anyone can use," Leach said. "This is a common mechanism for journalists to hold government accountable, but it's also something anyone can use to learn more about how decisions are made, how their tax dollars are being spent and what is happening outside of public meetings."

Shedding light on government actions is a central mission of Ottawa News Network. Formed in late 2024 to fill a void in news coverage in Ottawa County, the nonprofit newsroom aims to ensure all county residents have free access to fair, independent news. 

“The Freedom of Information Act is an essential tool in maintaining transparency in government," said Clay Stauffer, chair of ONN's board of directors. "Ottawa News Network  is proud to sponsor this workshop that will help attendees to exercise their constitutional right to understand what their governmental agencies are doing on the people’s behalf.”

Event details

• What: Freedom Of Information Act Workshop
• When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 20
• Where: Ottawa County Fillmore Complex, Administrative Building, 12220 Fillmore St., Main Conference Room
• Cost: Free

Seating is limited, so participants must register ahead of time. To learn more or to register, click here.