Free Online Presentations on Civics, Journalism and Media Law Available for Students of All Ages
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
The New England First Amendment Coalition is providing educators throughout the region with expert speakers for an increasing number of virtual classes being taught during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coalition can work with teachers of all levels — grade school through college graduate programs — to develop presentations addressing civics, journalism, freedom of information laws and other aspects of democracy and the First Amendment.
To schedule a speaker and discuss your classroom needs, please contact NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman at justin@nefac.org.
NEFAC’s remote speaker program is the latest example of how the coalition is helping to educate and keep communities informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition’s other efforts include:
• Explaining the responsibilities of government during the pandemic despite technological “learning curves.”
• Offering free online classes on the First Amendment and open government during times of public crisis.
• Calling for more detailed coronavirus case data in Massachusetts.
• Supporting a free legal hotline for New England journalists covering the pandemic.
• Writing an op/ed for The Boston Globe that spotlighted the increasing secrecy within all levels of government.
• Expressing concern over Rhode Island’s decision to suspend the state’s open meeting law.
• Joining more than 100 open government advocates to demand transparency and opportunities for public oversight during the health crisis.
• Reminding New England governors that news organizations are essential businesses and should be allowed to operate during state-wide lock-downs.
• Calling on Rhode Island Gov. Raimondo to provide more access to journalists covering her daily briefings on the pandemic.
Learn more about how NEFAC is helping New England communities during the COVID-19 pandemic here. Please support these much-needed efforts by making a donation today.
Pictured (top to bottom) Walter V. Robinson of The Boston Globe and Tom Fiedler, former dean of the Boston University College of Communication, speaking to students at Southern New Hampshire University; and NEFAC Executive Director Justin Silverman presenting to University of Connecticut journalism students.
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.
Major Supporters of NEFAC include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, WBUR, Boston University and the Robertson Foundation.