The New England First Amendment Coalition is the region’s leading defender of First Amendment freedoms and government transparency — the foundation of a healthy democracy.
Support democracy and donate
Learn about our recent commentary, advocacy and community programs.
COMMENTARY
Boston Community Wants More Answers
NEFAC’s Rob Bertsche recently spoke to Dan Rea at WBZ | CBS Boston about how a 2023 Massachusetts law is keeping the public in the dark about a bus accident that killed a 5-year-old boy. NEFAC has been calling on the state’s attorney general to revise regulations and make individual driving records available again.
It’s Time to Strengthen R.I.’s Access to Public Records Act. Here’s Why.
“These common-sense changes to Rhode Island’s open-records law can help increase lagging public confidence in our government,” wrote NEFAC’s Mike Stanton in a Boston Globe op/ed. “My hope is that Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, who has not allowed this bill a committee vote the past two years, and new Senate President Valarie Lawson, in an early test of her leadership, will stand up to the Governor and allow this bill to come to a vote.”
Concerns About Transparency Swirl Around Nashua Performing Arts Center
NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan said he suspects the superior court will conclude that NPAC Corp. is subject to the Right to Know Law.
“The city of Nashua has historically, in my opinion, not been cooperative with requests to disclose the public’s records as opposed to other cities and towns in New Hampshire,” Sullivan said. “We the people are the government, own the government, and they’re our records.”
▷ morE Commentary / subscribe
ADVOCACY
NEFAC Testifies in Support of Common-Sense, Practical Public Records Law Reform in Rhode Island
NEFAC’s Mike Stanton, a former Rhode Island investigative journalist and current University of Connecticut professor, addressed the Senate Committee on the Judiciary during its May 22 hearing on the bill.
“We’ve been told by legislative leaders that this isn’t really something of interest to other than reporters. They don’t hear it from your constituents,” Stanton said. “But of course your constituents are concerned about housing and health care and education. They also care about honest, effective and open government.”
NEFAC Executive Director Calls Out Lack of Transparency in New Bedford Government
“If sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants, there appears to be a sky of clouds shadowing the city,” NEFAC’s Justin Silverman wrote in an op/ed for The New Bedford Light. “A look at recent legal action, reporter experiences and appeals of public records requests all indicate a culture of secrecy.”
Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen Votes to Remove Limits on Public Comments
The City of Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently voted to change its public participation policies to reflect recommendations made by the New England First Amendment Coalition.
“It is a matter of constitutional law,” explained NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan during the May 6 hearing. “The government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society or the government finds that idea or that speech offensive or disagreeable.”
▷ morE ADVOCACY / subscribe
COMMUNITY
June 12 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: Broadcast Journalism 101
June 22 | Simmons College | New England High School Journalism Collaborative
June 26 | Online | Accessing Immigration Records
June 27 | Endicott College | Young Journalists Workshop
July 22 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: How to Use Signal to Protect Documents and Sources
Aug. 19 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: Immigration Reporting 101
Sept. 29 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: How to Start a Non-Profit Newsroom
Oct. 20 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: How to Start Your Own Podcast
Nov. 6 | Online | 30 Minute Skills: How to Network and Find Your Next Great Opportunity
NEFAC Leads Transparency Lesson for Government Officials Representing 24 Countries
Did you know NEFAC teaches classes to journalists and government officials from all over the world? Since 2011 and in partnership with WorldBoston, we have met with delegations representing more than 50 countries. Take a look at NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan’s recent meeting with visitors from two dozen nations.
NEFAC Meets with Perúvian Journalists to Discuss Common Free Press Problems
Since 2011, NEFAC has partnered with WorldBoston, a local non-profit organization, to coordinate presentations and educational programming during visits by international groups of journalists. The coalition has led 13 programs through WorldBoston, focusing on topics such as open government, free speech, misinformation and the growth of non-profit newsrooms.
30 Minute Skills: How to Cover Marginalized Communities
Often the stories of marginalized communities are the least likely to be told. By viewing this lesson, you’ll learn (1) the initial steps to take when covering a marginalized community for the first time (2) how to learn about a community’s culture and customs ahead of your reporting and (3) considerate ways to overcome obstacles in your reporting while still empowering your sources to share their stories.