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Individual vs. Organizational  Activity

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

Release Date: 09/16/2020

Individual Activity During Election Season show art Individual Activity During Election Season

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

On today’s episode, we dive into rules surrounding partisan activities for employees of 501(c)(3) organizations. With the election just around the corner, we will give you some best practices for how to keep your 501(c)(3) safe from any partisan activity while you engage in electoral work as an individual.       Attorneys for this Episode Melissa Marichal Zayas  Brittany Hacker  Victor Rivera Labiosa    Shownotes  Rules for 501(c)(3) organizations   Remain nonpartisan when acting on behalf of your 501(c)(3)  ...

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Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

Election season is well underway and politics is everywhere. It's one of  our busiest time at Bolder Advocacy. On this episode, we bring you three of your questions to answer on the pod... it’s another round of Ask Us Anything, Electionpalooza Edition!   Lawyers for this episode Tim Mooney Susan Finkle Sourlis Monika Graham   Shownotes - Question: Presidential campaigns working with outside groups on door-to-door canvassing for their get-out-the-vote efforts— is this illegal coordination under federal election law? - Answer:    - Base coordination rules...

info_outline Voter Assistance State Resources show art Voter Assistance State Resources

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

With only a small handful of weeks remaining until the general election, you may be wondering about how you or your nonprofit can get involved in voter assistance activities such as providing rides to the polls, registering voters, and helping voters vote by mail. Would you be surprised that these activities are often regulated by both state and federal law? On this episode, we’ll discuss our Practical Guidance Voter Assistance resources series, created in partnership with Democracy Capacity Project, and explain some of the rules you should be thinking about in the final countdown to the big...

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Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

 This is a special rebroadcast of our episode on election protection and nonpartisan voter assistance from 2022. Since the original airing, Bolder Advocacy, in partnership with The Democracy Capacity Project, has expanded our series of state law guides on nonprofit voter assistance. Most states are covered and you can find them on our resource library page. We'll be back in two weeks with a brand new episode. --- On this episode, we’ll discuss how different types of tax-exempt organizations can ensure the right to vote is protected by engaging in election protection activities and...

info_outline AI and Election Disinformation show art AI and Election Disinformation

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

As AI continues to advance, its potential to influence elections and democracy, both positively and negatively, has become a critical issue. In this episode, we delve into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and election disinformation with Jonathan Mehta Stein where he discusses how AI, particularly generative AI, can be used to create deepfakes and other misleading content that could destabilize elections, deceive voters, and potentially alter election outcomes. We also explore how nonprofits and community organizations can play a crucial role in combating this...

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Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

As we’ve talked about on previous editions of the pod, advocacy includes a wide array of different options to help change things for the better in our communities. One of the more important, but less discussed methods, is litigation. On this episode, we dive into the role litigation plays in nonprofit advocacy, its treatment under the law, and things to think about if your nonprofit is looking to use this tool for good.   Lawyers for this episode Natalie Ossenfort Tim Mooney Quyen Tu   Litigation as an advocacy tool (citizen suits, appeals, amicus briefs etc.) Treatment under tax...

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Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of student advocacy and voting. Additionally, we discuss how 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in advocacy efforts during election season. Joining us today is Ally, our Bolder Advocacy legal intern, to answer questions about the impact of student advocacy on campus.    Hosts: Susan Finkle Sourlis (Attorney) Monika Graham (Attorney) Alexandra Roseberry (Intern) On-Campus Advocacy Culture On-Campus Activities  Voter Laws and Students Getting Involved With Advocacy as a Student How Nonprofits Can Participate in...

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Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

We are back again with another edition of Ask Us Anything where we select some of the most popular questions we've received lately to answer on the pod. We are also thrilled to introduce Bolder Advocacy's two newest attorneys Brittany Hacker and Melissa Marichal Zayasas they join us on the pod.   1. Effective Ways for 501(c)(3) Private Foundations to Advocate During Election Season: • Voter education • Issue advocacy • Conducting research and publishing reports • Making grants to public charities 2. Can Nonprofits Endorse Candidates Up for Election? • Differences in rules for...

info_outline Politically Motivated Attacks show art Politically Motivated Attacks

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

Political attacks on nonprofit organizations can come in many forms, including legal challenges or public smear campaigns. Given the current political climate, organizations that engage in policy reform and election season advocacy are coming under increased scrutiny. As a result, it is crucial to be proactive and develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard your organization’s reputation and operations. On this episode, we will discuss how your organization can ready itself in advance of potential politically motivated attacks.    Lawyers for this Episode  Monika...

info_outline Election Detective show art Election Detective

Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

On this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of campaign finance reporting, exploring the essentials of what is included in these reports and uncovering valuable insights they provide. From contributions and expenditures to reporting requirements and deadlines, we break down the intricacies of campaign finance reports to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate and comprehend campaign finance reports.   Attorneys Monika Graham Susan Finkle-Sourlis Victor Rivera Labiosa   Shownotes - Types of Campaign Finance Reports   - Federal perspective from the FEC (Federal...

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More Episodes

Staff, volunteers and board members of 501(c)(3)s have to make sure they avoid supporting or opposing candidates on behalf of their organization when they’re on the clock. But, those rules only apply to the organization. People that work or volunteer for a 501(c)(3) can – on their own time, and in their  individual  capacity - support or oppose candidates of their choice. But, as always, the devil’s in the details.  On this episode, Tim, Leslie and Quyen cover best practices to keep your personal partisan support separate from your 501(c)(3) work. 

 

Our attorneys for this episode 

 

Shownotes 

  • 501(c)(3)s cannot support or oppose candidates for public office – see ROTG episode 01.  But those rules do not apply to individuals on their own time in their own capacity. 
  • Important to show separation  
  •  IRS Guidance is old 
  • Key is to ensure (c)(3) funds are not subsidizing personal partisan work  
  • Tips for showing separation on social media  
  • Multiple accounts I 
  • Disclaimers   
  • Can a (c)(3) employee go to the DNC? 
  • Yes, in personal capacity 
  • Employer may have policies that have added restrictions 
  • Best practices 
  • Acting in good faith  
  • Don’t be cute  
  • Do any partisan things on your own time  
  • Be clear that it's you and not the organization – know what hat you’re wearing 

 Resources