FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
The New England First Amendment Coalition will present to a delegation of Iraqi public officials next month as part of a U.S. Department of State-funded civics program.
The State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program supports short-term visits to the United States for foreign leaders to learn about a variety of topics, including the First Amendment. WorldBoston, a local non-profit organization, coordinates the IVLP presentations and educational programming.
Gregory V. Sullivan, an attorney and member of NEFAC’s Board of Directors, will speak to the group about the First Amendment and open government on December 1 in Boston. This will be the fourth time NEFAC has participated in the international program. The coalition previously presented to Iraqi, Canadian and South American delegations in 2011, 2019 and early 2022, respectively.
“Part of NEFAC’s mission is to expand the public’s understanding of the First Amendment not just in our region, but throughout the world,” said Justin Silverman, the coalition’s executive director. “This program allows us to reach citizens of other countries and teach them the value of First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know about government.”
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.
Leadership Circle donors include the Rhode Island Foundation, Hearst Connecticut Media Group, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters include Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, Genie Gannett for the First Amendment Museum, Linda Pizzuti Henry, Connecticut Public and GBH-Boston.