About MN COGI
Mission
The mission of the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MnCOGI) is to promote public access to government activity and information.
Guiding Principles
MnCOGI carries out its mission through uniting, informing and enhancing the impact of organizations and individuals committed to open access to public records.
It is the active responsibility of government to promote public participation supported by open access to accurate public information by and about the government.
Documents/records produced with public funds, regardless of physical format, are part of the public record.
Compliance with open meeting and public records laws must be monitored and enforced by responsibility authorities and institutions that are held accountable.
Because collection, maintenance and preservation of information are the responsibility of each government office each must be held accountable.
Research and education are essential to preserve and improve access to public information.
Education and support for all Minnesotans about their rights and responsibilities is best accomplished through a broad-based coalition of informed advocates for open access.
Preservation of public records is a critical part of achieving accountability to be encouraged by MnCOGI.
MnCOGI will link with and support parallel efforts at the federal level while maintaining a specific focus on the free flow of information on public policy matters at the state and local levels in Minnesota.
History
The Minnesota Coalition is based on a national coalition initiated in 1986 by the American Library Association. The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information is recipient of the 2005 Eileen Cooke State and Local Madison Award. (Read the nomination l etter from the Award, the award letter, press release 1, and press release 2.)
Supports
Supporters of the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information include:
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Capitol Area Library Consortium (CALCO)
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TIPR (Telecommunications Information Policy Roundtable
