Raising awareness for government transparency
To the editor:
“Sunshine Week,” which this year is the week of March 12-18, coincides with the National Freedom of Information Day, which is March 16. Sunshine Week raises awareness of the importance of open government and promotes dialogue on the impact of excessive official secrecy. Sunshine Week prompts public discussions on open government with participants, including nonprofits, schools, civic groups, and media organizations.” https://nationaltoday.com/sunshine-week/ has more information.
Sunshine Week:
Promotes government accountability.
Government transparency builds public trust.
Government transparency increases efficiency and effectiveness.
“The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a legal instrument that offers citizens and journalists access to information and documents controlled by the United States government, furthering government transparency.”
Five Facts about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):
When the United States signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) into law in 1966, it was the third country in the world to do so.
Sweden was the first country to adopt a FOIA – in 1766
People use the FOIA to request unusual information, from complaints about the café at the CIA to the FBI’s dictionary of Twitter slang.
Anyone – regardless of citizenship – can request information from the US government via the FOIA.
FOIA’s Privacy Act allows you to access all information the US government has about you.
To file an FOIA online, go to https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html.
Laurie Teal, League of Women Voters Brown County
Effective coaching, child-rearing keys
To the editor:
Seven keys to effective coaching and rearing children:
Acknowledge that they are important to you;
Motivate them with challenges they can achieve;
Communicate your desire to help them succeed;
Trust them to make mistakes and learn from them;
Develop their confidence by encouraging them;
Direct their path until they can do it on their own;
Partner with them through good and bad experiences.
If you are a coach or parent of a minor, it is important for you to help them achieve success.
Whether it is on the playing field or at the kitchen table doing homework, athletes and children need mentorship to thrive.
Many people today carry with them in their minds the negative words and actions and the burden of self-worth. In addition, a former coach or parent has broken their will.
There are a few who have endured poor coaching and parenting. They go on to lead productive lives. But there are many who never recover and languish in doubt. They can acquire destructive lifestyles and never see their dreams come true.
So, here are seven keys that I believe will help keep them on the path to success in their lives.
You must be willing to serve them with the example you set in order for them to learn from you.
And that is what coaching and parenting is about, learning and achieving success.
And above all else, pray for them everyday.
Curtis Moore, Nashville
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