VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Click here to see 2019 FOIA training calendar.

In fulfilling its statutory mission to conduct educational programs about FOIA, the FOIA Council provides training upon request to interested groups, such as the staff of state and local agencies, members of local governing bodies, media organizations, citizen organizations, and any other group that wishes to learn more about FOIA. Staff from the FOIA Council will travel to the location of the group requesting training. The training is tailored to meet the needs of the particular group, can range from 45 minutes to several hours, and can present a general overview of FOIA or focus specifically on particular exemptions or portions of FOIA frequently used by that group or organization.

Organizations requesting training are strongly encouraged, but not required, to consolidate training by including other like organizations within a single or neighboring jurisdiction(s) wherever possible.

This training is free of charge and is available generally from March through November. Because the FOIA Council is a legislative agency, training is generally not available while the General Assembly is in session.

The FOIA Council's training is preapproved by the Virginia State Bar for continuing legal education credit for licensed attorneys, the Department of Criminal Justice Services for law-enforcement in-service credit, the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association, and the Virginia School Board Association for academy points.

If you are interested in setting up FOIA training, please call the FOIA Council at (804) 698- 1810 [local] or 1-866-448-4100 [toll free]. We suggest that you contact us as soon as you have potential dates in mind for training so as to avoid scheduling conflicts.

The Council views its training duty as its most important mission and welcomes every opportunity to provide FOIA training programs.