Citizens of Philipstown.Org Inc. ("COP"), is a 501(c)(4) community organization who believes that a more open government promotes enhanced accountability, provides critical information, and increases citizen participation and economic development and stability.

We believe that opening up government data to citizens is critical for enforcing transparency and accountability within the government. An open government brings about greater citizen participation, empowering citizens to ask questions, and has a significant economic potential for generating new industries and innovations.

Click on picture Town of Philipstown website

 “ A popular government without proper information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy—or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and the people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.”

James Madison, Letter to W. T. Barry, 1822

Our Goals 

Working Together. If we continue expanding and strengthening the knowledge base of our organization and the community's citizenry, we can work together, to promote even more effective solutions which have a real impact on people's lives.

Educate. An educated society is critically important  these days, because most residents are unaware of sunshine laws, the freedom of information act, and open meeting laws.

Enhance reponsiveness, presence, performance and impact at all levels. We wish to strengthen the individual and collective performance of all parts of our government, ensuring that the residents have a strong presence and voice in dealing with governmental functions and processes.

Improved Accountability. Without transparent and accountable systems enabling governments and citizens to engage in a mutually responsive way, the vast resources channeled to the public run the danger of increased inefficiencies. Even in a system with low levels of inaccuracies, public and civic oversight can help identify these areas, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness for the benefit of improved service delivery to its citizens.

How to Contact Us

Please contact us anytime! citizensofphilipstown@yahoo.com

You can also find us on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you.

Donate - We need your help so we can continue to post meeting videos, create events, speaker series, civic education discussions, and to make our government more transparent. Support COP today!