Every spring, journalism groups and others celebrate "Sunshine Week" as a fulcrum point to pry loose information and prod governments to stop hiding secrets from the people who fund and elect them.

And it works — at least at the federal level. Lawmakers have used Sunshine Week to launch open-government legislation that is now the law of the land.

This year Sunshine Week is March 14-20, and the groups will highlight local heroes whose open-government work has made their communities better places to live.

While many groups are involved, the key organizer is the American Society of News Editors (ASNE).

• ASNE: More information on Sunshine Week. [2] If you have any questions about Sunshine Week, please contact Cristal Williams Chancellor, [3] 703-453-1138.