WHAT NONPROFIT STAFF CAN DO in elections on and off the job
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WHAT STAFF CAN(‘T) DO Political Activities, On and Off the Clock The PowerPoint and a link to the recording of the webinar will be distribute in a follow up email
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WHAT NONPROFIT STAFF CAN DO in elections on and off the job. Presented by. About us. A national hub of voter engagement resources and trainings to help nonprofits integrate nonpartisan voter participation into ongoing activities and services. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of WHAT NONPROFIT STAFF CAN DO in elections on and off the job
WHAT STAFF CAN(‘T) DOPolitical Activities, On and Off the Clock
The PowerPoint and a link to the recording of the webinar will be distribute in a follow up email
Founded in 2005, Nonprofit VOTE partners with America's nonprofits to help the people they serve participate and vote.
We are a leading source of nonpartisan training, materials and other resources for nonprofits doing voter engagement work.
Find out more about our mission and partners on our site www.nonprofitvote.org
ABOUT US
About
TODAY’S PRESENTER
WhoDavid A. Levitt
PrincipalAdler & Colvin
AGENDA
Agenda
Voter Engagement at Work Political Activity Outside of Work Example Cases
VOTER ENGAGEMENTAT WORK
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization may not intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
-1954 amendment to US Tax Code(The Johnson Amendment)*
* The words “or in opposition to” added by Congress in 1987.
WHAT 501(C)(3)S CAN’T DO
Can’t Do
WHAT THAT MEANS
A 501(c)(3) organization may not:
• Endorse a candidate or support a political party
• Donate money or resources to a candidate or party
• Conduct any partisan election-related activity Can’t Do
WHAT WE CAN DO
501(C)(3) organizations may conduct nonpartisan voter engagement activities designed to help the public participate in elections:• Voter Registration• Voter Education• Candidate Engagement• Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
Can Do
POLITICAL ACTIVITYOUTSIDE OF WORK
Nonprofit staff are free to engage in partisan activities, such as supporting a candidate, on their own time (i.e., outside of work).
THE BASIC GUIDELINE
Guideline
• Using nonprofit resources including your paid time for partisan political purposes
• Being partisan when representing your nonprofit at or outside of work
WHAT TO AVOID
Don’t Do This!
• Office space• email accounts, stationery
and logos, telephones, etc.
USING YOUR NONPROFIT RESOURCES
501(c)(3) nonprofits may not use resources for partisan purposes
EXAMPLES
• Volunteers• Showing your colors
(Political attire, etc)
COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
EXAMPLES
• What: – Volunteer on campaigns– Attend political events– Support your candidate– Run for office
• When: – Personal time outside work hours – On vacation– On personal days– On unpaid leave
WHAT STAFF CAN DO
Do This!
• Phone calls and emails– Keeping it separate– Incidental use ok
• Social media accounts– Higher standards for
Executive Directors
PARTISAN COMMUNICATIONS AT WORK
EXAMPLES
• Guidelines for all staff• Guidelines for
Executive Director• Prevent attribution to
the organization
APPEARING AT EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS
EXAMPLES
• Being listed on Campaign Literature/Websites
• Disclaimers: using an *asterix
GOING PUBLIC WITH YOUR SUPPORT
EXAMPLES
• Keeping your campaign outside your office
• Taking a leave of absence to do more
• When might I need to resign?
RUNNING FOR OFFICE
EXAMPLES
• Factsheets, Guides, Toolkits and more available at www.nonprofitvote.org
RESOURCES
Resources
MORE RESOURCES
Resources
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[email protected] (8683)www.nonprofitvote.orgNonprofit VOTE89 South StreetSuite 203Boston, MA 02111
George [email protected]
Julian [email protected]
