UPDATE: The deadline for nominations has been extended to Wednesday, March 7.

Do you know individuals who have played a significant role in fighting for transparency in government? Or that have focused attention about the importance of protecting and promoting access to government information?

If so, Sunshine Week is now seeking nominations for its 2012 “Local Heroes” awards, which recognizes people fighting for greater government transparency. The annual awards honor individuals that are using information now available through public records and open meeting laws to make a difference in their communities.

 The nomination form for Sunshine Week’s “Local Heroes” awards is available online. This year, nominees are also being encouraged to submit videos. All nominations must be received no later than Feb. 20. Individuals from communities across the U.S. are encouraged to submit their applications. Sunshine Week, which will be celebrated March 11-17, is being co-sponsored this year for the first time by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The 2012 Local Hero will be honored with a trip to the American Society of News Editor’s annual convention in Washington D.C., the largest annual gathering of newsroom leaders from news organizations. Second- and third-place heroes will also be recognized. The 2011 Sunshine Week Local Hero was Gloria Howell of Stevenson, Wash. who revealed corruption in the county’s auditor’s office that ultimately led to the auditor’s resignation. Sunshine Week has been spearheaded by American Society of News Editor and funded by Knight Foundation since 2005. Since then, it has grown beyond news organizations to include students, teachers, private citizens, librarians, civic leaders, public officials, bloggers and non-profit groups and associations. For more information about Sunshine Week and its history, read Knight’s press release announcing the launch of Sunshine Week 2012.