July 7, 2009
VCOG Seeks Nominations for Freedom of Information Awards
VCOG's FOI Awards Information
Do you know someone who works hard to keep government open and accountable? Have you read an article, seen a television show, or heard a radio program that helped you understand the importance of government records and meetings? Has someone in local or state government demonstrated a real commitment to citizen access to government information?
The Virginia Coalition for Open Government is seeking nominations for its annual Freedom of Information Awards. The awards are given in three categories: citizen, media, and government. They are based on the nominee's outstanding efforts in using public records and meetings to keep government open and accountable to the people.
The coalition's citizen award, the Laurence E. Richardson award, is named for veteran Charlottesville broadcaster Laurence Richardson (1920–1999), a VCOG founder and longtime First Amendment and Freedom of Information supporter.
Past winners include David Poole, the founder of the Virginia Public Access Project; former Librarian of Virginia Nolan T. Yelich and the Library Board for ensuring that public records from former Governor James S. Gilmore's administration were transferred to the Library of Virginia; a citizen activist who successfully sued the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for spending records; the Virginia Beach FOI Office; and a Roanoke Times reporter who used the FOI Act to uncover a city councilman's double-billing practices.
Nominations should be accompanied by an explanation and any supporting materials (articles, letters, website links, etc.) that will help the judges evaluate the nominee's achievements.
To nominate someone, please complete this online form http://www.opengovva.org/component/option,com_mosforms/mosform,10/Itemid,183/
A printable form is also available, and can be mailed to VCOG, Attention: Awards, P.O. Box 2576, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Supporting materials can be mailed to the same address.
Winners will be announced in conjunction with the coalition's annual conference October 15–16 in Staunton.
