Investigations and campaigns using FOI... and other news from mySociety
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** News from mySociety
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August 2021
** Transparency
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** A cross-border investigation into missing children
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A large scale project, Lost In Europe, has brought together journalists to investigate the thousands of children who go missing as they attempt to migrate across borders.
It's involved Freedom of Information requests in 16 countries — and we're pleased to have been able to play a small part by making introductions to our friends and partners within the Alaveteli network. Read all about this vital investigation here ([link removed]) .
** Removing barriers for disabled cyclists
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Councils sometimes unwittingly introduce obstructions on public paths that make it hard — or even impossible — for disabled cyclists to use them: see the photo above for an example.
It's understandably infuriating for those who find their access blocked. But, as it turns out, there's an effective way to get things changed: we spoke to some savvy campaigners who've had very good results with FOI. And best of all? We could all do the same ([link removed]) .
** How have you been using our refusals tool?
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Last month we launched new functionality on WhatDoTheyKnow, helping people understand why their FOI request has been refused, and showing how to challenge the refusal where appropriate.
We are, of course, really interested to see how it's being used, and whether it's getting results. Researcher Alex dug into the data here ([link removed]) .
** Jobs
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** Not just any old designer
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We're looking for a new member of our Design team... but we need someone who's more than just a designer. As with so many roles at mySociety, you'll have fingers in many pies.
Monday 16 August is the date to get those applications in by, and you can see the full job description and how to apply here ([link removed]) .
** Community
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** Where the wildflowers are
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Some people are quick to jump on FixMyStreet and report that their local verges have not been mown; but there's an increasing movement towards asking councils to let them grow wild. After speaking to the charity Plantlife, we're very much in favour of allowing those flowers to flourish.
Find out why here ([link removed]) — and then you might consider asking your local authority to consider the cost benefits, along with the better conditions for bees, bugs, butterflies and general biodiversity.
** A new home for KeepItInTheCommunity
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You may remember KeepItInTheCommunity, our project to map all community-owned spaces and places across the country. Well, it's going to a happy new home with its original funders, the Plunkett Foundation. See all the details here ([link removed]) .
** Climate
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** Keeping up with our climate work
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We're continuing to work in the open on our climate programme, with monthly updates to document progress. Here's the latest installment ([link removed]) , featuring new members of staff, a webinar, and a question over whether you can ever really make a pop-up more digestible, even with smiley faces... :)
** TICTeC
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** TICTeC logo Save the date
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Tuesday 28th September is Right To Know Day, and this year we'll be marking it with a special TICTeC Show and Tell. Speakers will showcase what has been achieved with FOI around the world.
Everyone's welcome, so mark the date in your diary, and we'll have more details a bit nearer the time.
Did you know that you can subscribe to our special interest newsletters too? Get an extra monthly bulletin on Democracy & Campaigning, Freedom of Information, Better Cities & Councils, or Research. Pick and choose your mySociety newsletters here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
** What we're reading
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* From GOV.UK: An insight into the uncertainty of designing the vaccination booking software ([link removed]) , while policy was evolving and requirements changing.
* Democracy Club has put out its assessment of the recent local elections ([link removed]) ; and they're also looking for a COO ([link removed]) .
* The Ferret discovers that a third of Scotland's biggest windfarms are linked to tax havens ([link removed]) .
* This Twitterbot ([link removed]) tags Belgium's politicians when they're distracted by their phones during debates.
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Image credits Child by the sea ** Aude-Andre Saturnio ([link removed])
; Blocked cycle path ** York Cycle Campaign ([link removed])
; Designer's hand ** Sigmund ([link removed])
; Poppies on a verge ** Myfanwy Nixon ([link removed])
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