Government Resources on Freedom of Information: FOIA Advocacy
Sunshine Week Advocacy Resources
- Celebrate Sunshine WeekSunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.
- Free Government Information (FGI)Free Government Information (FGI) is a place for initiating dialogue and building consensus among the various players (libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, researchers, journalists, etc.) who have a stake in the preservation of and perpetual free access to government information. FGI promotes free government information through collaboration, education, advocacy and research.
ALA GODORT 2025 FOIA Virtual Panel Discussion Event
A Sunshine Week panel discussion with Mr. Frank LoMonte, Dr. Kenneth Evans, and Dr. David Cuillier
Organizer: ALA GODORT Education Committee 2025 Sunshine Week working Group. Co-Chairs: Anna Xiong (Rice University) and Patricia Takacs (University of Florida).
In a democratic society where access to government information is vital for informed civic engagement, barriers to transparency remain a persistent challenge. This panel, featuring Dr. David Cuillier from the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Dr. Frank LoMonte, a legal expert, and Dr. Kenneth Evans from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, will explore the evolving landscape of government transparency and the fundamental role that information access plays in maintaining an accountable democracy. The discussion will address key topics such as the legal framework behind freedom of information, the obstacles faced by journalists, librarians, researchers, and citizens in securing public records, and the implications of government secrecy on public trust. Kenneth M. Evans, Ph.D., is a scholar in science and technology policy at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and assistant director for innovation policy at Rice University’s Office of Innovation. David Cuillier, Ph.D., is director of the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project, and co-director of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment, at the University of Florida. Frank D. LoMonte J.D. is an adjunct instructor at the University of Georgia School of Law and serves as legal counsel at the Cable News Network, where he advises and trains the global media company’s journalists on a variety of legal compliance issues, emerging legal risk areas and best legal practices for their careers.