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Issues

AI Powered Transparency

Why this page exists
Because AI just made real oversight doable from your kitchen table. These guides show you exactly how we run our own transparency ops—no gatekeepers, no secrets—so you can do it too.

Why AI belongs in transparency work

  • It drafts like a pro. Clean requests, fee-waiver letters, cure notices, and appeals—without spending your weekend wrestling with wording.

  • It reads mountains. Handbooks, rulings, productions, email threads—summarized with citations and deadlines pulled out for you.

  • It remembers the thread. Keep context across tasks and projects so you don’t start from scratch every time.

  • It plugs into your inbox. Built-in email integrations (Gmail) let you query messages right in the chat—no endless copy/paste.

 

If it walks like a duck and writes your public-records request like a duck… we don’t need to argue what to call it. We just need to use it—ethically, rigorously, and in the public interest.

Why it Matters

You’ll find three short, printable PDFs. Read them in order, then run your first request the same day.

  1. Transparency Copilot Starter Kit (v1.1)
    The whole system: choosing the right AI pair, setting up one dedicated Gmail, connecting built-in integrations, running Claude’s MCP tools for desktop workflows, the four-step oversight loop (IDENTIFY → REQUEST → AUDIT → PLAN), starter prompts, and troubleshooting.
    → Download PDF

  2. Claude MCP Quickstart (1-Pager)
    How to use Claude Desktop plus Desktop Commander to automate file/folder tasks, keep tidy case trees, and script repeatable moves.
    → Download PDF

  3. Email & Records Workflow — Checklist
    Label/filters that actually matter, Drive foldering, “first week” tasks, and security hygiene.
    → Download PDF

 

Built-in Gmail is enough for 99% of people. If you really want to script attachment handling inside an MCP workflow, you can add a custom Gmail MCP later—totally optional.

The stack we recommend

  • Best combo: ChatGPT + Claude

    • Use ChatGPT for giant PDFs (statutes, handbooks, long productions) and citation-level summaries.

    • Use Claude for drafting, planning, and MCP desktop workflows (creating folders, templating files, running repeatable tasks).

  • Budget note: If you’re serious, plan on 1–3 months of a Pro/Plus membership while you spin up. You can start with just one of them if you’re pinching pennies.

  • Email first, then AI: Choose one dedicated Gmail for all records work. Turn on the built-in Gmail integration in each assistant. That’s it.

Why this will make you bonkers for transparency work

  • Instant traction. Your first letter goes out in hours, not weeks.

  • Dopamine loops that matter. Deadline captured. Missing field spotted. “Clock-stop” abuse flagged. Production gaps highlighted.

  • Compounding wins. Every ruling, response, and production feeds the model—your next action gets sharper.

  • No press pass required. This is public, lawful, replicable civic power.

How Ai Fits into the four step method

How AI fits into our 4-step method

  1. IDENTIFY
    Ask: What records actually move the public interest? Who holds them? Which statute controls?

  2. REQUEST
    Draft precise asks (scope, dates, formats, fee caps, metadata) in minutes, not hours.

  3. AUDIT
    Track deadlines, “clarifications,” AG referrals, fees, redactions, and missing items—systematically.

  4. PLAN
    When cooperation fails, escalate with cure letters, AG challenges, and, if needed, mandamus.

Safety, ethics, receipts

Safety, ethics, receipts

  • Two-factor everything. Keep secrets out of prompts (use .env when you script).

  • Prefer open formats (CSV, PDF/A, TXT). Redact responsibly—especially private citizens’ PII.

  • Verify against the statute; AI is a tool, not a lawyer.

If this lights you up 

 join the fight—your support lets us keep shipping public, free tools and training.

Donate → GoFundMe (supports development and public releases)
Volunteer / Tips → info@theholetruth.org

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