MNCOGI Upcoming Events

Fall 2010 MNCOGI Workshop

This fall, a full-day workshop for citizens, advocates, and journalists will explore issues of data practices, government transparency, and public record access. Some potential topics to be covered:

What is a public record, and how does email and social media fit into this definition?
How can you successfully work with government agencies to get the information you need?
What are important data practices issues facing the Minnesota Legislature?
How will budget crises affect access and retention of goverment records?

This site will be updated with additional information as it becomes known.

MNCOGI Past Events

Fair Use and Social Media: A Primer by Paul Hannah

Tuesday, June 29, 2010
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Women Venture Meeting Room
2324 University Ave West, St. Paul (just East of Raymond)
Event flyer

Confused about how and when Fair Use applies to entries on Facebook, Twitter and blogs? Paul Hannah, media lawyer, provides pointers on Copyright law for journalists, concerned citizens, bloggers and all concerned about Fair Use in online expressions. As a well-known Twin Cities media attorney, Mr. Hannah knows the law and can clarify it for those who may be intimidated, confused or overwhelmed by it.

This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available.

Freedom of Information Day & Award Ceremony

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall - Pohlad Auditorium - 2nd floor
Event flyer

Keynote speaker~ Chief Justice Eric J. Magnuson

Presentation of the 2010 John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information Award
to Reed Anfinson Publisher and Owner of the Swift County Monitor-News
The award will be presented by John R. Finnegan, Sr.

The Freedom of Information Day event is free and open to the public.

*** Podcast interview with Reed Anfinson about the importance of Freedom of Information (conducted by Renee McGivern) ***

SUNSHINE WEEK 2010

Sunshine Week Toolkit

Freedom of Information: Your Key to Open Government, with Jane Kirtley

Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Monday, March 15, Noon
James J. Hill Reference Library
80 W. 4th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Event Flyer

Webcast - Building Transparency

Friday, March 19, 2010 - 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CST

Participants in past Sunshine Week webcasts have expressed a preference for viewing/participating from their own office rather than gathering for a group view.

The link will be available 24 hrs. prior to the event at the SW event page. http://www.openthegovernment.org/article/articleview/420/

Panelists include Norm Eisen, Special Counsel to the President for Ethics and Government Reform; and Miriam Nisbet, Director of the Office of Government Information.

No registration required.