About NFOICNational Freedom of Information CoalitionNFOIC_2068ffc2-4a54-4d76-b9c7-e2d706bb5d26We are a nonpartisan alliance of citizen-driven nonprofit freedom of information organizations, academic and First Amendment centers, journalistic societies and attorneys... History -- The NFOIC first met in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. It was called the National Freedom of Information Assembly. The meeting arose out of a need to support specialized First Amendment organizations with the expressed goal to protect the public's right to know. Known as "free standing,'' these organizations began around the country in response to a recognition that government entities and officials were not always willing to recognize the public's right to access public records and meetings, a necessity in a democracy. The Assembly met again in Dallas in 1991, the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, and planned to meet in January of the next year to formulate a plan for mutual support. At that meeting, the National FOI Assembly was formally renamed the National Freedom of Information Coalition.Information OrganizationsAcademic CentersFirst Amendment CentersJournalistic SocietiesAttorneysDonald W. Reynolds Journalism InstituteCurrently, NFOIC headquarters are housed in the new Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute.NFOIC Board of DirectorsA board of directors governs the NFOIC. Each board member serves a three-year term. The chairman designate serves for two years and may be reelected for one term. The board meets at least twice a year, once in conjunction with the coalition's annual meeting.Hyde PostPresident -- President, Georgia First Amendment FoundationPeter ScheerVice President -- Executive Director, First Amendment CoalitionKatherine GarnerSecretary -- KLGarner ConsultingMal LearyTreasurer -- Managing Editor, The Maine Capitol Connection ChannelFrank GibsonDirector and past President -- Public Policy Director, Tennessee Press AssociationMark HorvitDirector -- Executive Director, Investigative Reporters and EditorsDon LindleyDirector -- Managing Editor, The Durango HeraldSarah NordgrenDirector -- Director, Content Development and Alliances, The Associated PressMitchell W. PearlmanDirector -- Lecturer in Law and Journalism at the University of Connecticut; Executive Director Emeritus, Connecticut FOI Commission; Secretary, Connecticut Foundation for Open GovernmentBarbara A. PetersenDirector and Past President -- President, Florida First Amendment FoundationMegan RhyneDirector -- Executive Director, Virginia Coalition for Open GovernmentThomas M. SusmanDirector -- Director, Governmental Affairs Office, American Bar AssociationJohn S. and James L. Knight FoundationThe NFOIC is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, an organization supporting transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts.NFOIC StaffKenneth F. BuntingExecutive Director -- Missouri School of JournalismMelissa MacGowanGrants/Contracts Assistant -- Missouri School of JournalismTo protect our right to open government.First AmendmentOpen GovernmentFreedom of InformationInformation Rights & ObligationsEnsuring everyone’s right to information and help public institutions meet their legal obligationsPublic InstitutionsOur goal is nothing short of ensuring everyone’s right to information, and helping public institutions meet their legal obligations in the most efficient manner possible. OrganizationsWork to start up new, and support existing, citizen-driven Freedom of Information and First Amendment organizations._90c1c1a9-3d89-41cc-bfb3-0786298261131CitizensState CoalitionsTwice annually, NFOIC awards grants to strengthen state coalitions and member organizations, foster their growth, and support a broad range of open government endeavors in individual states. Information ExchangeFoster the open exchange of information through networking and an annual conference._860602f7-fd85-41d8-9911-a91a57649b942Education & CounselCounsel and educate appointed and elected public officials on their legal responsibilities around open government and transparency.3Public OfficialsState GovernmentsLocal GovernmentsWe are an education and outreach resource for state and local governments to counsel on transparency and open government issues, laws and legislation.Court CasesOffer financial support to defray costs and expenses in open government court cases3.1Knight FOI FundThe NFOIC also administers the Knight FOI Fund, which offers financial support to defray costs and expenses in open government court cases throughout the year.FOI VoiceOffer a national, collective voice on freedom of information issues._2e01c749-fa27-4491-8479-cf4f861632c24FundraisingSupport member fundraising._26619ad3-e69a-47a8-8b31-6875d603553c5Issues & RecommendationsExplore critical issues, making recommendations for either state or national action._d56c53b1-72d5-40ed-a85a-ab4823e3db116Reports & PublicationsPrepare educational reports or other publications.72013-10-16http://www.nfoic.org/about-nfoicOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net