Democracy only works when citizens are free to engage in public discourse and can hold their government accountable. It is to these causes that the First Amendment Coalition is devoted. For more than three decades, FAC has worked tirelessly for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the public's right to know. The impact of the organization's work belies its small size and budget. The First
Amendment’s guarantees of free speech and press, as well as the public’s rights of access established by state and federal laws, can make government accountability a reality. While elected officials may pay homage to these rights in principle – after all, who is against free speech and open government? – they are often subverted by government officials whose natural tendency is to resist public scrutiny. Based in California and active locally, statewide, and nationally, FAC is nonpartisan, drawing support from across the political spectrum. In its work, FAC does not play ideological favorites. It is committed to protection of speech, and of speakers, regardless of how unpopular they are. FAC’s work includes:
Litigation (filing lawsuits and contributing amicus briefs in cases with far-reaching impact, with legal services provided by participating lawyers on a pro bono or reduced-fee basis);
Legal Hotline, a free-to-the-public legal consultation service (available on FAC’s website for questions about access to government records and meetings, the First Amendment, and related matters);
Public education and advocacy (including public forums open and free to all, journalist workshops, issuing public comment and writing commentary);
Oversight of California state and federal bills and other policies about free speech, government secrecy and government accountability. FAC is uniquely positioned to bring together traditional media, new media, and the general public so these constituencies can work together to enforce government transparency and First Amendment rights. Ultimately, FAC is here to serve citizens who know that democracy only works when they have the facts necessary to make smart decisions about matters of public policy. Some of those citizens have written big checks in the past to keep FAC in the game. Many others contribute smaller amounts and, through their support, power FAC’s effectiveness. FAC hopes to enlist many more individuals in its ranks. Together we can do what none of us can do alone.
