MNSPJ looks at data privacy practices and the public right to know

In service to its membership and to the general public, the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists (MNSPJ.org) offers regular training and educational events. As part of this effort, a hybrid in-person/online workshop on gathering data and navigating the Minnesota Data Practices Act is scheduled for 12-1 pm on Wednesday, April 26th.

Partnering with the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI), MNSPJ will host two of Minnesota’s foremost experts on data gathering practices. Don Gemberling, an architect of the Minnesota Data Practices Act, and Star Tribune Data Editor MaryJo Webster will explore the obstacles and best practices for accessing data. Together, Gemberling and Webster will offer tips for navigating Minnesota’s Data Practices Act. The pair will also review real-life scenarios where journalists have had trouble gaining access to public information.

The free event, “Data declined? Turn to the MN Data Practices Act,” will be held at the Minneapolis Star Tribune and be streamed live online. Details are available on eventbrite.com(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minnesota-spj-workshop-data-declined-turn-to-the-mn-data-practices-act-tickets-595059207107)

All MNSPJ events are open to the general public. Members receive a discount on any registration costs, plus quarterly newsletters with information on important networking opportunities.

The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the oldest, largest and broadest-based organization of journalists in the U.S., was founded as Sigma Delta Chi in 1909. The Minnesota Chapter, founded in 1956, has been recognized for its work on Freedom of Information (FOI), campus relations, member communication and programming.