On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 7:45 PM, Phil Pennock < [email protected]> wrote:
> On 2013-06-24 at 19:37 -0400, Mike Julian wrote: > > And even more, you can verify this all at the IRS site (use EIN > > 20-1950324): > > > http://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/mainSearch.do;jsessionid=3CUvnfrc7sbd6BlKF+9tKQ__?mainSearchChoice=pub78&dispatchMethod=selectSearch > > Well, knowing the EIN helps but I couldn't find that, and a search for > LOPSA didn't help, so I switched from looking at the IRS site to > searching the LOPSA sites for information. > > > >> LOPSA is incorporated in the state of New Jersey and is registered > with > > >> the IRS as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. > > >> > > >> Is there something more specific you're looking for? > > I think I'm getting deja vu, I think I had this discussion a couple of > years back and someone corrected me then too, but I'll go ahead: > > So my recollection of the SAGE-era discussions is that one of the issues > that led to frustration and the creation of LOPSA was that SAGE, being > part of USENIX, was covered as a 501(c)3 and so could not attempt to > influence legislation, which led to problems with one of the various > DMCA-like laws creating angst among sysadmins. > > If LOPSA is also a 501(c)3, not a c6, then that means that LOPSA too is > enjoined from voicing an opinion on legislation which affects us in our > professional careers, does it not? > > I was not around back when all of the USENIX/SAGE/LOPSA hoopla was going on so I can't comment on that. However, my understanding of tax law is such that while it would be a violation of our 501c3 status to come out and endorse a candidate, it is within the law for us to offer advocacy on issues we find important as a profession and organization. You can find good material covering this here: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/limits-political-campaigning-501c3-nonprofits-29982.html Specifically: "*Legislative or issue advocacy.* Your organization can engage in legislative advocacy and issue-related advocacy, as long as it follows certain rules and steers clear of political campaigning." Such activity should be taken with caution so as not to endorse any specific candidates or political party. However, advocacy is well within our rights. Is there a specific issue prompting this to be brought up or is this more out of curiosity? While I'm replying as a LOPSA member rather than a member of the LOPSA Board, you can always feel free to send the board an email directly at [email protected] if you'd like to discuss an issue. Or you can air your questions publicly as you have here as well. Both are acceptable and that is up to you. Best, Evan > -Phil >
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