Build on the values, goals and mission of the community and government

An open data policy can be pursued with the intent of realizing many different varieties of public good, including greater government transparency, honesty, accountability, efficiency, civic engagement and economic growth. An explicit statement of goals, values, or intention of an open data policy can help clarify the outcomes governments hope to achieve. A statement of mission highlights both the general importance of open data, and the specific importance of releasing information for that government’s particular political context. In addition, the process of developing this statement may serve the democratic goal of increasing public participation by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to explore the value of open data from their own perspectives.

Further reading:

• Sunlight's "Whereas, Open Data" Roundup

Examples of language for this guideline:

Here are examples of the language for this guideline as included in policies on this site. Please note that the selections of text below are imperfect, and you should check out their source policies to read them in context.