Based on the success of our event in July, The Lens is kicking off a series of public-records workshops.
Beginning this month, we will host four workshops, each with a different theme: elections and campaign finance, crime, schools, and government contracting and spending.
We’ll start on Sept. 20 with elections.
Journalists from The Lens and public-records attorney Scott Sternberg will explain what government records can tell you, why you’re entitled to see them, and how to get them.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- A brief overview of state and federal laws regarding donations to political campaigns
- How to find your way through online databases of campaign donations for federal and state races
- How to use those websites to learn who’s donating to whom and how the campaigns are spending that money
- How to find information on past elections, such as turnout and whether people were turned away at the polls
- What types of reports and disclosures elected officials must file and how to view them
Future event dates can be found here.
Can’t make it but appreciate what we do? Consider making a gift.
Thank you to the New Orleans Advocate for generously donating their space.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 20
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: The New Orleans Advocate, 840 St. Charles Ave.
Questions: Email Anne at amueller@TheLensNola.org.
Free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $20.
Street parking is available and is free after 7 p.m.
