Sunshine Week 2011 Letter to the Editor Template

March 2011

To the editor,

March 13 – 18 is (was) Sunshine Week, a nationwide effort to call attention to transparency in government and freedom of information. A Pew Research Center study, released earlier this month, showed that those who think local government does well in sharing information "are also more likely to be satisfied with other parts of civic life."

How well does our local government share information? We all have the right to know what our government is doing – both its successes and failures. Exercising our right to know gives us – the public – power. It allows us to contribute to our government and hold government accountable. But these laws are only as good as we demand that they be.

For decades, members of the League of Women Voters have acted as government watchdogs at the federal, state and local levels. We monitor [YOUR TOWN/COUNTY]’s budget, watch [LOCAL GOVERNMENT NAME] meetings, and hold them accountable. Join us in making [OUR TOWN] a healthy, vibrant and strong community for all.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

YOUR TITLE

YOUR LEAGUE

YOUR TOWN

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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With more than 90 years of experience and 800 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.