The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is seeking nominees for its Sunshine in Government Award, which seeks to recognize efforts by Wisconsin citizens and public officials to protect and strengthen open government.
The award, created in 2022, highlights the importance of an engaged citizenry in a democracy by recognizing individuals whose actions have helped foster government transparency and protect the public’s right to know.
Nominations are open to any Wisconsin individual, including citizens, public officials, educators and others who have made extraordinary efforts on behalf of government transparency. Those efforts may include, but are not limited to, facilitating access to information, advocating on behalf of public records or open meetings, exemplifying extraordinary leadership on behalf of the freedom of information and challenging efforts to impede the public’s right to know.
Nominations should include:
- A nomination letter.
- (Optional) Relevant supporting materials (newspaper clips, testimonials, voting records, etc.) that demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to advancing open government.
Honorees will be selected by the WNA Board of Directors’ executive committee. If no suitable nomination is submitted, no award will be made.
Materials should be sent via email to WNA Membership & Communications Director Julia Hunter by Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Inductees will be honored during the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame banquet on Thursday, Nov. 9, at The Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson, St., Madison, WI 53703. The event, which is open to the public, will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $65 per person or $500 per table of eight. Corporate table sponsorships are available for $750. Additional sponsor opportunities can be viewed here.
