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Freedom of Information

Explore SPJ FOI

– FOI A-Z Guides for: Students | Pros
– Meet the Committee
– Related News and Articles

SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee is the watchdog of press freedoms across the nation. It relies upon a network of volunteers in each state organized under Project Sunshine. These SPJ members are on the front lines for assaults to the First Amendment and when lawmakers attempt to restrict the public's access to documents and the government's business. The committee often is called upon to intervene in instances where the media is restricted.

Processing Algorithms: A Reporter’s Guide

Artificial intelligence is everywhere — the result of algorithms meant to make our lives better. But what happens when those algorithms aren’t fair? And what happens when it’s government agencies that are using artificial intelligence to conduct the people’s business?

This project will highlight examples of reporting on artificial intelligence and tips for how you can find similar stories on your beats.

Public information officers

Who they are, why they're a problem for journalists and the public, and what we're doing about it.

Related: Case studies: Seven attempts by PIOs to stymie journalism

SPJ Leak Seeker: Share information with reputable news media

Many reputable news organizations offer secure pathways for people wanting to leak information, and SPJ is building a list to help facilitate the effort.

Find FOI near you

Get in touch with the Sunshine chair or chairs in your state and find FOI Centers, quotable sources, resources and more.

Get in touch with the Sunshine chair or chairs in your state and find FOI Centers, quotable sources, resources and more.

Related Links:
— Project Sunshine
— SPJ Local Connection: Find SPJ leaders in your area
— Quill: Stories About FOI
— More FOI Resources

FOI step-by-step guides

If you're unfamiliar with FOIA laws or just need some guidance, we can help.

– FOI for students
– FOI for pros

Additional guides:
– Reporter’s Guide to FERPA: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
– Open Doors: Accessing Government Records
– Campus Access Center

Quill:

Understanding Shield Law

More from Quill:
– Journalist’s Toolbox at 25
– Bad week for journalism can have long-term impact
– Why the #FreePress editorials were not enough

First Amendment Forever Fund

It isn’t getting any easier to fight for press freedom. It’s getting worse. The Forever Fund is a sustained war chest to guarantee someone is always fighting for press freedom. If we don’t do it, who will?

Legal Defense Fund

The Society's Legal Defense Fund provides journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. SPJ collects and distributes contributions for aiding journalists in defending the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

SPJ’s Campus Access Center

Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.

The Society of Professional Journalists is here to support student journalists nationwide as they begin to mold their careers. Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.

Follow this link for resources that can help you and your chapter regarding freedom of information news and education.

First Amendment T-shirts for sale

SPJ is selling First Amendment T-shirts. We now have two designs — the original "I Back the First" shirt, and the all-new "May the First Be With You" design.

Introducing iFOIA

The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation provided funding to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to help update its Open Government Guide. That updated guide led to the development of the RCFP’s new project, iFOIA.

 

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