March 16
Freedom of Information Day
An awareness observance on March 16 celebrating public access to government information, government transparency, and the birth of James Madison, the Father of the Constitution.
U.S. Congress
Legislative Resolution
The U.S. Congress first designated March 16 as Freedom of Information Day in 1986 via House Joint Resolution 371, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act and James Madison's birthday. President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation, and subsequent annual designations followed.
Introduction
Get ready to celebrate the power of knowledge and transparency on Freedom of Information Day on March 16! This special day was established in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to commemorate the birthday of James Madison, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution". It's a day that celebrates the public's right to access information from their government and promotes open communication and accountability. So let's take a moment to appreciate this important aspect of our democracy and exercise our right to seek out information. Happy Freedom of Information Day!
Freedom of Information Day Timeline
How to Celebrate Freedom of Information Day
1
Host an information fair
Organize an information fair where different organizations and government agencies can set up booths and provide information to the public. This is a great way to promote transparency and educate people about their rights to access information.
2
Attend a seminar or workshop
Look for seminars or workshops related to freedom of information and attend them. You can learn more about this important topic and also connect with others who are passionate about promoting transparency and accountability.
3
Share information on social media
Spread awareness about Freedom of Information Day by sharing informative posts on social media. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and encourage others to exercise their right to access information.
4
Write a letter to your government representatives
Use this day as an opportunity to reach out to your local government representatives and express the importance of transparency and access to information. You can also suggest ways to improve the current systems in place.
5
Organize a film screening
Host a free screening of a documentary or film that highlights the importance of freedom of information. This can be a great way to engage and educate your community about this vital right.
Why Freedom of Information Day is Important
It promotes transparency in government
Freedom of Information Day highlights the importance of transparent and open government. By giving citizens access to information, it allows for accountability and ensures that those in power are held responsible for their decisions and actions.
It empowers citizens
On this day, people are encouraged to use their right to access information about their government. This empowers citizens to be more informed and engaged in their communities, allowing them to better participate in the democratic process.
It celebrates an important law
Freedom of Information Day also commemorates the passing of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1966, which is a crucial piece of legislation that guarantees public access to government documents. It serves as a reminder of our constitutional right to know what our government is doing on our behalf.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Thursday | |
| 2024 | Saturday | |
| 2025 | Sunday | |
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Tuesday |
