RESOURCES & LINKS


DOWNLOAD SAMPLE RTK REQUEST LETTER (Word)


• OPEN MEETINGS / OPEN RECORDS — Pennsylvania has a guide to its open meetings and open records laws. This 56-page booklet on the Sunshine Act and the Right to Know Law, updated in January 2007, can be downloaded here. It's also available in print, and can be ordered online here. It's supposed to be informative and readable. Well, at least it's informative …

PENNSYLVANIA AGENCY ACCESS POLICIES

We believe every state agency should make its Right to Know policy readily available its website, with a link clearly marked on its home page. Its policy page should include the name of the agency's Right to Know officer, contact information, instructions on how to submit a request, a list of fees, and a downloadable request form.

Such is not the case. Pennsylvania's agencies vary widely as to how they make this information available online. Some do a great job. But many bury this information deep within the site, almost defying the public to find it. Others don't offer this information online at all — At least we have been unable to find it.

MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE 205.36 — This directive, issued by the Governor's Office in November 2003, states policy and procedures for agencies to comply with when responding to requests for access to or copies of records under the Right to Know Lawn. A download of the directive is available.

IN PENNSYLVANIA

  • • PENNSYLVANIA CENTER FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT — Founded in 1992 at the Pennsylvania State University College of Communications, the Center provides educational programs, sponsored speakers, publishes books and articles in the popular and academic press, and serves as a media resource on a wide array of First Amendment topics.
  • • PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION — Trade association represents more than 300 Pennsylvania newspapers. Its legal department actively promotes the importance of open government in Harrisburg, and supports newsrooms across the state.
    • 'Brighter Pennsylvania' — Pennsylvania Newspaper Association initiative launched in 2006 to pursue meaningful reform in the state's open records and meeting laws.
    • PassOpenRecords.org — Blog launched as "A Movement to Lift the Lid on Pennsylvania Government" by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

  • • DEMOCRACY RISING PA — A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2004, working for integrity, value, transparency, and citizen confidence in Pennsylvania government.
  • • COMMON CAUSE/ PENNSYLVANIA — A non-profit, non-partisan citizens' lobby organization working to strengthen public participation and to make sure the political process serves the public interest.
  • • LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of PENNSYLVANIA — Promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government and to act on selected governmental issues.

NATIONWIDE

  • • NATIONAL FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COALITION — Alliance of state groups which works to protect the public's right to oversee its government, headquartered at the Missouri School of Journalism. The NFOIC offers more than $200,000 in grants each year, thanks to the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
    • The FOI Advocate — The newsletter of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. Subscribe to The Advocate Listserv, or read the latest editions online.
    • The FOI Advocate Blog — The official blog of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, bringing news of freedom of information developments far and wide …

  • • THE FREEDOM FORUM — Nonpartisan foundation based in Washington, D.C., works to preserve free speech, free press, and all First Amendment freedoms.
    • The First Amendment Center, a project of the Freedom Forum, works to preserve and protect First Amendment freedoms through information and education. The Web site offers a wealth of information and news about First Amendment issues, including "research packages" that review important Supreme Court cases dealing with the First Amendment.

  • • FOI NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — The AP regularly reports on free press, FOI and media access issues. Highlights of that coverage on this page.

  • • THE OPEN GOVERNMENT GUIDE — Comprehensive online guide to open government law and practice in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Compare the rights of citizens to see information and attend meetings of state and local governments. Published by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

  • • AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Office of Intellectual Freedom — Works to implement association's policies on intellectual freedom as embodied in the Bill of Rights, the association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

  • • OPENtheGOVERNMENT.ORG — A coalition including librarians, journalists, labor, good-government and environmental groups that advocates defense of the First Amendment, promoting free expression, strengthening national security and fighting censorship.
    • "Are We Safer in the Dark?" — Fun animated look behind the curtain of government secrecy. (3.2 MB Flash video download)
    • Secrecy Report Card 2007 — Annual report by OpenTheGovernment.org identifies trends in public access to information. (2.2 MB PDF download)


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The official registration and financial information of the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.