Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122249

Sharon Wilson, JD, LLM, Director, Center for Community Nonprofit Organizations, Beasley School of Law, Temple University, 1719 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-1465, ccno@temple.edu and Louis S. Rulli, JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, 3400 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6204.

Nonprofits CAN lobby. In fact, lobbying for a cause is an essential part of a nonprofit's mission. Many nonprofits, including 501(c)(3)'s, mistakenly believe that they are not allowed to lobby. This session outlines the extent to which nonprofits can lobby and become active "players" by helping nonprofits and advocates understand the legalities surrounding lobbying, advocacy and advocacy in the work place. Session attendees will learn how the various non-profit tax statuses differ from each other and impact an organization's advocacy and lobbying activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will understand the extent to which they can participate in the legislative arena without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.
• Participants will learn about various non-profit tax statuses and how they differ from each other.
• Participants will understand the difference between grassroots and direct lobbying.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered