Is propaganda real? How does it work?

As we celebrate Sunshine Week, the Freedom of Information Act, and Open Meetings laws, it's important to remember that there are people and forces actively seeking to misdirect and confuse us, and working to obscure the truth.

"Merchants of Doubt" (2014) is a documentary film that gives us a chilling look into the coordinated efforts of the people who have worked to twist truth and sow discord in the public dialogue about important topics that affect the health and safety of Americans.

Attendance is offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Reserve your ticket today to guarantee your spot! All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to The Local Journalism Foundation's FOIA Fund.

This special film screening will take place Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at KP Cinemas on Portage Street in downtown Kalamazoo. NowKalamazoo staff will be there to speak prior to the film.

Watch the movie trailer

What is Sunshine Week?

Sunshine Week is a week-long celebration and awareness-raising of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings laws. Sunshine Week is held in mid-March each year in honor of the birthday of James Madison, the primary author of the U.S. Consitution’s Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, which enshrines freedom of the press.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted at the federal level in the U.S. in 1966. Individual states have additional legislation covering FOIA requirements and exemptions. Michigan FOIA was passed in 1976.

FOIA outlines which government departments and functions must publish or share upon request information deemed to be open to the public. The laws outline procedures through which citizens can request information, the timeliness with which government staff or officials must respond, and any costs for furnishing the information, as well as procedures for disputing any determinations of what constitutes “public” information along the way.

I see why journalists would care — why should I care?

Democracy is a “use it or lose it” proposition. Transparency and accountability are critical ingredients to the healthy functioning of democratic government.

The more we all take an interest in public information and the proceedings of public bodies, the more responsibly and equitably they function.

Government bodies and elected officials make decisions that significantly affect each of us and determine how our tax dollars are spent.

Unfortunately, Michigan as a state has one of the least transparent governments in the country. In a 2015 study of each state’s Sunshine Laws, the Center For Public Integrity gave Michigan a grade of “F” for its openness, ranking it 50th out of 50 states.

Other Sunshine Week events

Can't make this event? We're hosting several other Sunshine Week activities:

FOIA with OLLI — We're teaching a course through Western Michigan University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The course is restricted to OLLI members. Visit WMU's website for more information.
Public FOIA Workshop — Come learn how to submit Freedom of Information Act requests to your local government. This workshop will also cover contacting elected representatives. Register here.
Town Hall Field Trip — Join NowKalamazoo staff in attending a meeting of the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education public meeting. We'll discuss Open Meetings laws and observe the board in action. More information about our Town Hall Field Trip event series here.

Sunshine Week 2025: Film Screening

Come watch 'Merchants of Doubt' with NowKalamazoo and learn more about disinformation!