FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
Public records are one of the key tools journalists use to shed light on state and local government in Rhode Island.
Hear from working journalists who use Rhode Island’s public records law daily to tell important stories and hold our government accountable. Learn the good — and bad — of public records law in Rhode Island.
This Sunshine Week event is sponsored by ACCESS/RI, a group of open government advocates including the New England First Amendment Coalition. The event is free and open to the public. Spanish-language translation will be available.
The goal of Sunshine Week — March 10-16 this year with related events occurring throughout the month — is to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know.
March 16 | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
William Hall Library
1825 Broad Street, Cranston, RI
Featured Speakers
WHEELER COWPERTHWAITE | Providence Journal
COLLEEN CRONIN | ecoRI News
EDWARD FITZPATRICK (moderator) | NEFAC, The Boston Globe
ELI SHERMAN | WPRI-Providence
Prior to attending this discussion, it is recommended that you review NEFAC’s Rhode Island FOI Guide which includes introductory lessons on the state’s Access to Public Records Act and other open government resources.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC is supported by the Estate of Gloria Negri. Additional funding is provided by Leadership Circle donors including the Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work are Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, Genie Gannett for the First Amendment Museum, Linda Pizzuti Henry, the Champa Charitable Foundation Fund, Connecticut Public and WBUR-Boston.