Celebrating National Sunshine Week: Pressing for Open Government in NC in Raleigh

Celebrating National Sunshine Week: Pressing for Open Government in NC

When: Friday, March 15 at noon Where: NCSU University Club Cost: $25 (includes lunch) Registration Deadline: Monday, March 11th This Timely Topics luncheon features N&O editor Ned Barnett. Ned Barnett has been with The News & Observer since 1991 in a variety of roles – metro editor, Sunday editor, and sports columnist. In his current role as associate editor since 2012, he contributes to the newspaper’s editorials and writes a twice-weekly column. Mr. Barnett will address the state of democracy in North Carolina, especially as it relates to citizens’ rights to participation and information in their government. He will present his perspectives on three important components of open government -- diminished access to meetings and records of public boards, the lack of public hearings on legislation, and citizens’ inability to propose ballot measures. His talk will inspire new thinking about how we can continue to press for fuller access to decision-making.  This event is connected to Sunshine Week which acknowledges freedom of information laws and the public’s right to access information. Sunshine Week is a national initiative organized by the American Society of News Editors to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. It occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Madison’s birthday and National Freedom of Information Day on March 16. This year Sunshine Week is March 10 – 16. Nonmembers are welcome and encouraged to attend! Lunch Menu: TBA (To request a vegetarian meal, please email Pat Butler at patabutler3@gmail.com. )   FAQs What are my parking options at the event? Free on-site parking. How can I contact the organizer with any questions? For questions, contact Pat Butler at patabutler3@gmail.com. Can I request a vegetarian meal? Yes, you may request a vegetarian meal by contacting Pat Butler at patabutler3@gmail.com. The request must be made by the registration deadline. What's the refund policy? You may request a refund 7 days in advance of the event through the Eventbrite registration system. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Your printed ticket is appreciated but not necessary. We will have your name on a registration list when you check-in at the event. Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to give your ticket to someone else. Please let us know so that we can update the name on our registration list. Contact Pat Butler at patabutler3@gmail.com. Can I pay at the door the day of the event? We prefer attendees to pay using Eventbrite, but we will accept payment at the door. You must still RSVP by the deadline to Pat Butler at patabutler3@gmail.com. We can only accept cash or checks at the door. We CANNOT process credit cards at the door.

Categories: Politics & Activism