Welcome to the
Iowa Freedom of Information Council
The Iowa FOI Council is a coalition of journalists, librarians, lawyers, educators and other Iowans interested in open government. We welcome your questions, your comments and your support.
15th edition of 'Open Meetings, Open Records Handbook' published
The Iowa FOI Council's popular handbook on Chapters 21 and 22 of the Iowa Code has been updated to incorporate changes made in the laws in the past two years. The booklets include the text of the new Iowa Public Information Board Act, which creates a state agency to provide information on and resolve issues related to the state "sunshine" laws. The handbook is available for $2 apiece. To order, contact kathleen.richardson@drake.edu or call 515-271-2295. The text is also available online at the link in the righthand column of this page.
'The People Have the Power': FOI training for citizens available online
"The People Have the Power: Making a Difference in Your Community," an interactive 90-minute program, was held around the state in September 2012 to introduce Iowans to the tools for becoming an engaged citizen. Workshop topics included how to participate in local government meetings and obtain public records, as well as First Amendment rights. The program was funded with a grant from the National Freedom of Information Coalition. Workshop materials are available at EmpoweringIowans.com. The Iowa FOI Council intends to hold another series of workshops in 2013; details to come.
Open government webinars archived
The Iowa FOI Council collaborated in 2011 with the Iowa Newspaper Association, the Iowa Broadcasters Association, the Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa Association of School Boards on a series of FOI webinars:
- Understanding Iowa Open Meetings Issues
- Public Records in Iowa
- Successfully Working With Media
The webinars, designed for both journalists and record custodians, are archived at www.INAnews.com.
Please contact us with comments or questions at:
The Iowa Freedom of Information Council
c/o Kathleen Richardson
515-271-2295
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
