Freedom of Information ActProject FOIA

Americans should not have to wait 30+ years for their federal agencies to reveal information. To hold them accountable, we must teach young Americans the tools to access public information so they can make critical and informed decisions at the ballot box. The Freedom of Information Act was designed to give us that ability. However, information remains shrouded in secrecy, and teaching citizens how to access it is essential for holding institutions and elected officials accountable and transparent.

The Task Force’s FOIA Project is designed to provide a framework for youth advocates to submit FOIA requests to their local, state, or federal governments. The guide will generally assist in what can and cannot be requested, the steps to take to submit requests, and what to do if those requests are denied.

The Task Force will bring professors and professionals together to create the FOIA guides. The Task Force will also ensure our FOIA guides are as easily accessible as possible. 

The Task Force will host teach-ins, as well as classes on how to submit a successful FOIA request. Professionals and professors (whenever possible) will be brought in during these to lead the teachings.