Open Government Leadership Institute

The Washington Coalition for Open Government announces that it is now accepting applications for the Open Government Leadership Institute, to be held from May 1 to 3, 2009 at the Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road in Federal Way.

Thirty-six public officials from all levels of government within Washington will be selected to participate in an intensive training on Washington's open government laws and regulations led by experts in the field. Each participant will be assigned a mentor to guide the participant in avoiding legal and public relations problems in the future. Participants will be awarded "Open Government Leader" certificates on completion of the Institute, and will then serve as the go-to person within the agency when questions arise on public records or open meetings issues. Faculty for the Institute will be recruited from the legal, judicial, journalistic, and public service communities, and Richard M. Sepler, director of the Port Townsend Planning Department will act as facilitator.

Applications and more information are available on the coalition web site www.washingtoncog.org or by mail from WCOG, 6351 Seaview Av NW, Seattle, WA 98107-2664.

The Open Government Leadership Institute has been endorsed by Secretary of State Sam Reed, Attorney General Rob McKenna, State Auditor Brian Sonntag, the Bench-Bar-Press Committee, Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty, and the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. Support for the Institute has been provided through the National Freedom of Information Coalition by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Norcliffe Foundation of Seattle.

The Washington Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by a group of individuals representing a broad spectrum of opinions and backgrounds, all dedicated to the principles of strengthening the state’s open government laws and protecting the public’s access to government at all levels
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Washington Coalition for Open Government
6351 Seaview Avenue NW
Seattle, Washington 98107-2664
www.washingtoncog.org
phone: (206) 782-0393
fax: (206) 623-4474

WCOG is building a network of citizens who support open government laws and practices. Please send to info@washingtoncog.org your name, address, phone, and e-mail address. We will notify you, as they arrive, of threats to open government and opportunities to strengthen it.