Mission & OrganizationBetter Government AssociationBGA_d6b2de34-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070_d6b2e03c-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070The BGA works for integrity, transparency, and accountability in government by exposing corruption and inefficiency; identifying and advocating effective public policy; and engaging and mobilizing the electorate to achieve authentic and responsible reform._d6b2e0d2-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070Integrity Transparency AccountabilityInvestigationsInvestigate allegations of waste, fraud and corruption in city, county, suburban and state government._d6b2e154-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0701Investigative UnitThe Investigative Unit looks into allegations of waste, fraud and corruption in city, county, suburban and state government, and the results are made public through partnerships with local media. The New York TimesBGA partner through the Chicago News CooperativeChicago News CooperativeBGA partnerChicago Sun-TimesBGA partner Crain's Chicago BusinessBGA partnerChicago Television Affiliate of ABCBGA partner Chicago Television Affiliate of CBSBGA partner Chicago Television Affiliate of FOXBGA partner BGA journalistic investigations are guided by the newly adopted BGA Guidelines for Investigations and Oversight Protocols._d6b2e1ea-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070PolicyPropose policy solutions to corruption, inefficiency, lack of accountability and waste in government._d6b2e280-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0702Policy Advocacy UnitThe Policy Advocacy Unit builds on the results of the BGA investigations to propose policy solutions to corruption, inefficiency, lack of accountability and waste in government. In 2010, the BGA Policy Unit is focusing on issues such as streamlining government, TIFs and judicial reform._d6b2e316-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070Citizen WatchdogsEncourage and teach citizens to monitor and report on their local governments._d6b2e3c0-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0703Citizen Watchdog Training UnitThe Citizen Watchdog Training Unit encourages and teaches citizens to monitor and report on their local governments, working with BGA investigators and editors. Trainings will take place throughout the state, particularly in underserved communities.CitizensUnderserved CommunitiesLocal GovernmentsBGA InvestigatorsBGA Editors_d6b2e47e-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070Education and CommunicationKeep the public informed with reliable facts, in-depth information and thoughtful perspectives._d6b2e532-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0704Citizen Education and Communication UnitThe Citizen Education and Communication Unit is committed to responsible civic engagement by keeping the public informed with reliable facts, in-depth information and thoughtful perspectives. Traditional Media Social MediaCitizensWhistleblowersLocal GovernmentsState GovernmentsOur newly designed website will serve as the hub of all the organization’s units, information and dialogue. Through traditional media and social media, as well as its website, the BGA reaches hundreds of thousands of citizens to educate them on developments in local and state government, train citizens on techniques for monitoring government activities, provide information for whistleblowers, announce calls-to-action and generate vigorous debate. _d6b2e5f0-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e070AwardsHighlight the importance of investigative journalism in advancing the principles of democracy._d6b2e6ae-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0705Investigative JournalistsRichard H. Driehaus FoundationRichard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting highlight the importance of investigative journalism in advancing the principles of democracy, especially in today’s climate of crisis in the journalism community. They are presented each fall._d6b2e776-8a37-11e1-8717-c95071d0e0702012-04-19http://www.bettergov.org/about_us/mission__organization.aspxOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net