Getting government data: How to file a Freedom of Information Act request and/or use the Sunshine Laws to get information. Any U.S. citizen, foreign national, foreign government, state government, partnership, corporation, or association may make a FOIA request—but most don’t. How do reporters dig into government data and find out information the public doesn’t know?
Find out how to make requests for government data at the federal, state, county and city level.

This is an intermediate class with presentation and hands on components. If you have a laptop, bring it.

Instructor: Susan Mernit is Oakland Local’s volunteer editor and publisher. She assigns stories, raises money, writes blogs & articles, and works with nonprofits and community organizations. A former arts activist, and then VP at Netscape and Yahoo! Senior Director, she lives in North Oakland, and is passionate about food access & permaculture issues. Her long time personal blog is susanmernit.com and susanmernit.tumblr.com  Contact Susan at susan@oaklandlocal.com, follow her on twitter at oaklandlocal and susanmernit.