Re: Organizers are local lobbyists
by
pawntucket
09/08/2008, 1:19 PM
Who cares who signs the paychecks? 501(c)(3)'s have limitations put on foundation- or grant-supported organizing positions, typically proscribing political campaign or organizing work. Your point still fails to address the larger issue--the distinction between community and political organizing. It doesn't matter who funds a community organizer's position, since a community organizer is NOT a political organizer. In fact, a community organizer working for a 501(c)(3) would imperil her position and put herself at odds with the law by using community organizing funds to organize politically. Do you research.
"Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes."
If you insist that community and political organizing are one and the same, then we have nothing further to discuss. Enjoy your ignorance.