The
Sunlight Foundation (we're big fans of Sunlight here at Grasshopr) has been leading the charge to make our government more open and transparent. While there are many high-profile efforts in the area of government transparency, they recognize there's a difference between the concept of transparency and actual implementation of technologies and policies to make it so.
In an effort to help all of us visualize the players, processes and challenges involved in achieving a more transparent government, they've introduced the "Cycle of Transparency" concept and graphic. As you might guess, advocacy organizations, lobbyists, engaged citizens, and, of course, lawmakers play key roles in the process.