Learn your rights to open government and get practical tips on exercising them at the federal, state, and local levels. Hear the latest on court battles, issues expected at the state legislative session, and the Obama administration’s open government initiatives. Network with other community leaders, and meet the most knowledgeable experts in the field — at the Washington State Open Government Conference on the University of Washington campus.
The Jan. 16 conference begins with a keynote speech by Attorney General Rob McKenna, a leader in the effort to heed and strengthen open government laws. The luncheon speaker is Heather Brooke, an award-winning journalist and author, and graduate of the University of Washington, whose pioneering use of open records laws exposed widespread misuse of public funds by members of the British Parliament.
The heart of the conference consists of simultaneous one-hour “break-out” groups held twice in succession, with choices among the following four topics:
- State and local public records
- State and local public meetings
- Campaign and lobby disclosure
- Federal public records and open meetings
Each group includes presentations and discussions led by attorneys, journalists, former elected officials, and others, who know open government laws and how to strengthen them. Each group will explore how to exercise your rights to monitor government and proactive opportunities that governments can take for greater transparency. This is also an opportunity to bring in your own discoveries and questions.
Mark the calendar for Jan. 16. Visit www.washingtoncog.org/20100116_registration.html to register for the conference. The registration fee is $25 which includes lunch and free resource material. After Jan. 8, the fee will be $35. Questions about the conference can be directed to info [at] washingtoncog [dot] org or by phone at (206) 782-0393.
