Lobbying and Representing Community Media Interests Mike Wassenaar, ACM Joe Torres, Free Press ACM Northeast Regional Conference October 2014

Lobbying Rules and 501c3 Non-Profits 501c3 Non-Profits can educate policy makers as part of their mission or as field experts 501c3 Non-Profits can refute direct attacks 501c3 Non-Profits can spend a portion of their resources on legislative efforts (when a specific law is being debated), but they must be below federal maximums, and must be reported. Additional Federal Reporting may be required

Gov’t or Quasi-Gov’t Agencies Government Agencies and Departments are not prohibited from representing policy positions and interests Most have coordination policies to ensure that units of government speak with one voice Reporting standards vary by state

What are We Prohibited From Doing? Non-profits are prohibited from campaigning and supporting political candidates Governments have similar state prohibitions against supporting candidates, but can be involved in issue campaigns Voter Registration and Voter Education efforts DO NOT qualify as support

OK, But Why Should We? All laws relating to our existence are promulgated through either legislative or administrative processes at the federal, state or local level Non-Profits have a duty to serve the public at large and their constituents Government has an obligation to serve the interests of the governed

References Summary of Definitions – Center for Non-Profits IRS Campaign Prohibition: – Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction- of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section- 501%28c%29%283%29-Tax-Exempt-Organizations

Some Basics to Remember Know who you’re talking to Know why they should care Know what you are asking Concentrate on the next step Be Persistent Reward Action. Punish Inaction?

Contact Us Mike Wassenaar, President, ACM Joe Torres, Sr External Relations, Free Press