Sunshine Week to honor "Local Heroes"
Across America, people are making a difference in their communities by utilizing information gleaned from the freedom of information laws in their cities, states and the federal government.
To recognize these “Local Heroes,” Sunshine Week will soon be seeking nominations for its annual awards to individuals who have played a significant role in fighting for transparency in government.
Sunshine Week 2012, to be celebrated March 11-17, is being co-sponsored for the first time this year by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The goal is to focus attention and spur dialogue about the importance of protecting and utilizing access to government information.
The Sunshine Week Local Hero of 2011 was Gloria Howell of Stevenson, Wash., who forced disclosure of public records that revealed corruption in the county auditor’s office, leading to the auditor’s resignation. Read more about Gloria and other past honorees in the Local Heroes gallery to the right
The 2012 Local Hero winner will be honored at the 2012 ASNE annual convention in Washington, D.C. April 2-4. The winner’s expenses to attend the conference will be covered by Sunshine Week. Second- and third-place winners will receive $500 and $250, respectively.
UPDATE: The deadline for nominations has been extended to Wednesday, March 7.
To nominate a Local Hero, use the link below:
Meet the 2012 Nominees: