Freedom of Information (FOI) Workshop, 1 of 2

Presented at A New HOPE (2022), July 22, 2022, noon (120 minutes)

Public records requests are an important research tool. But for these requests to be effective, you need to know how to make the requests so they have the best chance of success, and to be able to counter obstacles that agencies may throw in your path. This workshop teaches the nuts and bolts of submitting FOI requests to federal, state, and local agencies. Learn how to formulate and submit records requests (even from your phone), and how to overcome stonewalling, delays, unfair fees, and release of records in unhelpful formats. Find out how to tap agency portals to track requests, how to negotiate with agencies on the scope of your request, how to best appeal incorrect agency decisions, and how to seek declassification of classified records. The workshop will offer ample opportunities for Q&A, so bring your toughest FOI questions and real-life examples to learn from.

Presenters:

• Michael Ravnitzky
  **Michael Ravnitzky** is an attorney and former journalist who has 25 years of experience in using the Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws.

Links:

• https://scheduler.hope.net/new-hope/talk/SYRBCZ/

Similar Presentations:

• DEF CON 18 (2010) / How To Get Your FBI File (and Other Information You Want From the Federal Government)
• A New HOPE (2022) / Freedom of Information (FOI) Workshop, 2 of 2
• HOPE 2020 Virtual Rescheduled / 75,000 FOIA Requests Can't Be Wrong: Lessons From a Decade of Transparency Spelunking