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There are heroes among us. Heroes who may be well known within their respective states and communities, but whose labors have gone unrecognized elsewhere. Heroes whose efforts have kept state and local government records and meetings open and accessible to their fellow citizens. It is time to recognize these heroes in the same way we recognize the heroes of the federal Freedom of Information Act. It is time for a new Open Government Hall of Fame, to honor those whose lifetime commitment to citizen access, open government and freedom of information has left a legacy at the state and local level.
“Heroes of the 50 States: The State Open Government Hall of Fame” is a joint venture by SPJ and the National Freedom of Information Coalition. It was developed by leaders in both organizations as a way to recognize long-term contributions of individuals to open government in their respective states.
Specifically, induction into the Hall recognizes “long and steady effort to preserve and protect the free flow of information about state and local government that is vital to the public in a democracy.”
Each spring, one person will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The announcements will be made at a conference jointly sponsored by SPJ and NFOIC.
Eligibility
The Open Government Hall of Fame is open to anyone who has made a substantial, sustained and lasting contribution to open government or freedom of information within one particular state. Even if the nominee has been active in national efforts or national organizations, the judges will only consider accomplishments at the state level.
Nominees may come from government, the media, the non-profit sector, the legal profession, or any other area of endeavor that involves citizen access to government records, meetings and procedures. Nominees may be living or dead, active or retired.
Nominations
Nominations should include the following:
— Cover letter identifying the nominee and the person or group making the
nomination.
— Adequate support material to demonstrate the worthiness of the nominee.
Please send all nomination materials to:
Charles Davis, Executive Director
NFOIC Headquarters
University of Missouri
101 Reynolds Journalism Institute
Columbia, MO 65211
Nominations must be received by February 4, 2009.
Judging
All nominees will be evaluated by a screening committee of SPJ and NFOIC leaders,
who will select the winners.
For more information contact SPJ Headquarters at
317/927-8000, or e-mail us at awards@spj.org, or contact Charles Davis at 573/882-5736.
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This committee oversees most of the Society's awards, which are dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in journalism. Any changes in guidelines, judging criteria, categories or eligibility are reviewed by this committee.
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