2022 FOI Awards Announcement
The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI) 2022 Freedom of Information awards honor:
- Brandon Stahl, A. J. Lagoe, Gary Knox & Steve Eckert for KARE 11 Investigates –“The Gap: Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect” ;
- Leita Walker for coordinating a media coalition whose advocacy resulted in Minnesota’s first live-streamed criminal trial; and
- James Barnum for his tireless devotion to and pursuit of keeping government records public for over three decades.
The public is invited to a virtual award ceremony featuring a discussion with the recipients. Online Award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 16th, 7 pm.
Click Here to register in advance for this free webinar.
Principles
Democratic government is possible only if individuals have access to the government information they need in order to hold their government accountable.
Government at all levels has a responsibility to promote public participation by support of open access to all public government information.
Government information, regardless of physical form, must always, to the greatest extent possible, be available to the public. Government information is broadly defined to include all data held by the government including databases, information accumulated from raw data, documents, reports, maps and other publications, and all forms of correspondence.
Creation and preservation of government information that documents governmental operations are fundamental parts of assuring government accountability.
Research and public education about access to and availability of government information are essential to preserve and improve public access.
Activities
To assure the vitality of these principles, MNCOGI carries out or encourages the following activities.
MNCOGI promotes public knowledge of laws and principles regarding open access to government information by:
- Maintaining and updating a website with links to resources and directions about how to use Minnesota’s law;
- Hosting a blog for discussion of issues about access to government information; and,
- Operating a speaker’s bureau to provide public presentations on access to government information.
MNCOGI informs individuals and organizations concerned about open access to government information by
- Sponsoring “COGI-tations,” a series of presentations by subject matter experts;
- Promoting and supporting research on these topics; and,
- Linking with parallel efforts at the federal level that support Minnesota activities.
MNCOGI collaborates with other organizations to enhance participation in the affairs of government, particularly with regard to public access to government information, by
- Building a coalition of organizations and individuals that promote MNCOGI principles;
- Critiquing legislation, and,
- Evaluating government’s compliance with state law and principles of open access.
MNCOGI recognizes a commitment to openness in government and the public right to know through the awarding of the John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award on FOI Day, March 16.
MNCOGI seeks grants and conducts other fundraising to increase the visibility of information access issues in the Minnesota community as a whole and in individual communities.
Awards
American Library Association – 2005 Eileen Cooke State and Local Madison Award