The Missouri Sunshine Coalition is inviting citizens across the state to take a personal role in boosting awareness of the Sunshine Law and the benefits it affords to citizens from all walks of life.
The coalition is marking Sunshine Week, March 12-18, with an appeal for nominations for its Sunshine Heroes recognition. Dennis Ellsworth, executive director, said leaders of the statewide coalition will select the 2023 honorees later this year based on nominations requested by April 30.
Supporters are encouraged to think about private citizens, members of the legal profession, public officials, government employees, members of the media and any others who have distinguished themselves by using the Sunshine Law, fighting to preserve and improve it, or advocating for greater government transparency.
Last year’s recipients included a private citizen who successfully challenged secrecy in his local government, a Jefferson City-based news organization focused on using the law in its coverage of state government, and a county clerk with a history of providing education and promoting compliance with the law.
“We were blown away by how deserving the 2022 honorees were. Each made a genuine contribution to promoting government transparency,” Ellsworth said.
“Our experience from last year has encouraged us to continue to pursue stories of people who are respecting the law, benefitting from the law and using it for good.”
In addition to Sunshine Hero nominations, the coalition is soliciting personal stories of successes and challenges faced in using the Sunshine Law. The coalition plans to draw on these accounts to show the value of the law and to focus the coalition’s efforts on areas of greatest need.
To nominate an individual or organization as a Sunshine Hero, submit nominations by April 30. Stories about successes and challenges in using the law are welcomed throughout the year.
Send hero nominations and personal stories to Dennis Ellsworth, Missouri Sunshine Coalition executive director, at dennis11ellsworth@gmail.com.
Questions or suggestions? Call Ellsworth at (816) 261-5373.
