Updated March 2025!

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public records laws have long been critical tools at the core of the Center for Constitutional Rights' social justice work in support of community and movement partners. This guide is a key resource of the Center for Constitutional Rights' Open Records Project: FOIA for the Movement. 

FOIA Basics for Activists is designed to support activists, organizers and social movements in filing FOIA requests to aid their ongoing campaigns and work. Please note that this guide does not contain legal advice regarding the litigation of FOIA requests in court.

Recent updates include the Sweet Tea with Transparency set of state open records resources for Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana!

CCR tries to update this resource at least once a year with new templates, examples and more!