For Northern CA journos and community groups – award for advancement in freedom of info. Good luck!
-mia
++++++++++++++++++++
- 27th Annual James Madison Freedom of Information Awards
The James Madison Freedom of Information Awards recognize Northern
California organizations and individuals who have made significant
contributions to advance freedom of information and/or expression in the
spirit of James Madison, the creative force behind the First Amendment.
The awards are presented annually by the Freedom of Information
Committee of the Northern California Chapter of the Society of
Professional Journalists. There is no fee for submitting an entry. An
awards ceremony and dinner is planned in mid-March, during National
Freedom of Information Week, near Madison's birthday.
Eligible for nomination are Northern California journalists, citizens,
media organizations, or community groups who, during 2011, have defended
public access to meetings, public records, or court proceedings or
otherwise promoted the public's right to know, publish and speak freely
about issues of public concern.
Award Categories (awards may not be given in every category):
Professional Journalist, Nonprofit Organization, Source/Whistle Blower,
Career Achievement, Citizen, Public Official, Educator, Cartoonist,
Legal Counsel, Student Journalist, Electronic Access, News Media.
* The Professional Journalist and Student Journalist awards recognize
journalists who have been involved in fights for access to records,
meetings or court proceedings, who have made exceptional use of public
records in their reporting or who have promoted education on FOI issues
through stories, editorials or other advocacy.
* The Public Official award is given to a governmental official who has
demonstrated extraordinary commitment to keeping public records or
meetings public, or otherwise has taken exemplary leadership on FOI or
First Amendment issues.
* The Beverly Kees Educator Award recognizes extraordinary efforts by
educators to cultivate a devotion to the values of freedom of information.
The Norwin S. Yoffie Career Achievement Award is named in honor of a
stalwart supporter of the chapter's Freedom of Information Committee,
who died in November 2000 after many years of distinguished service to
SPJ and the cause of freedom of information.
Click here to submit a nomination online.
<https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGZva3dwUUVQNTVZVHdlN3hySlc2WGc6MA>
Questions: Please contact Geoff King or Rebecca Bowe at
spjnorcalfoi@gmail.com <mailto:spjnorcalfoi@gmail.com>.
Please include "James Madison Awards Question" in the subject line.