Sunshine Week

To Have and to Hold

The Society of Professional Journalists has created a special Web page to help umask the U.S. senator who has put a secret hold on the OPEN Government Act, which would bring meaningful and much-needed reform to the Freedom of Information Act. The House already has passed similar legislation.

"We need your help to identify the ridiculous political antics of a senator who thinks we aren't paying attention — a senator who thinks his or her interests are more important than yours," the SPJ site notes. "With one quick phone call and e-mail, you can help us unmask Senator Secrecy."

The OPEN GOvernment Act is supported by hundreds of organizations, including The National Press Club, the Sunshine in Government Initiative and OpenTheGovernment.org.

SPJ is asking members and others to call their senators to ask whether they've put the hold on the bill, then to go the SPJ Web site to record the tally.

Sunshine Week 2007 Participants

The first cut at a list of Sunshine Week 2007 participants is now online.

The listing of more than 800 news organizations, civic groups, schools, libraries, government officials and individuals is categorized by state. Participants are identified through a basic Web search and other means and are included if they've mentioned Sunshine Week on their Web sites, held an event or otherwise noted the importance of open government. Those who did more extensive, dedicated coverage will be featured in an upcoming online gallery of Sunshine Week work.

The participants list can be seen on the Sunshine Week Web site.