[20786] in APO-L
Re: define political activity
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (John Grossi)
Wed Aug 25 13:17:00 1999
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 13:02:08 -0400
Reply-To: John Grossi <jgrossi@BBNPLANET.COM>
From: John Grossi <jgrossi@BBNPLANET.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
In-Reply-To: <Pine.OSF.3.96.990825092829.11077A-100000@osf1.gmu.edu>
Jed-
Your making one assumption which is not
neccessarily true.
You are making the assumption that APO-L
is an official "voice" of Alpha Phi Omega. This
is not the case. APO-L is a list that is not
officially sanctioned in by the National Fraternity.
There is of course the line of reasoning
that since the National Board knows about the
list (Brother Schroeder is a board member),
and does nothing to stop it's existence
(remember you have to have board permission to use
the name Alpha Phi Omega), that it's giving
implied recognition to the "list". So APO-L
floats in a grey area.
But, going with the stricter interpretation
is not neccessarily a bad thing since APO doesn't
have the money to use the courts to "define" grey
areas. Risk Management Policy at it's best.
-John Grossi
Advisor Theta Zeta - University of New Hampshire
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alpha Phi Omega Discussion List
> [mailto:APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU]On Behalf Of Jed R Bullock
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 1999 10:08 AM
> To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
> Subject: define political activity
>
>
> Concerning the posting of messages on the issue of political activity- and
> specifically, prohibition from participation on the part of a 501(c)3
> organization:
>
> In this case (the situation in which the topic was raised)- "political
> activity" can be defined by referring to
>
> TITLE 26 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE - THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
> Chapter 1 - Subchapter F - Exempt Organizations
> Section 501 (c) 3 -
>
> "Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized
> and operated exclusively for... charitable... or educational
> purposes... no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of
> any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the
> activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to
> influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)),
> and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the
> publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on
> behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."
>
> This is federal statutory law and it is unequivocally stated. Any
> violation may jeopardize Alpha Phi Omega's tax-exempt status. Any
> posting to the listserve dealing with a particular political campaign can
> very well be construed as a "publishing or distributing [of a] statement"
> on behalf of a candidate (who has filed with the Federal Election
> Commission) for public office. I hope this brings some more
> understanding to the issue.
>
> - Jed Bullock
> Active Brother, Alpha Delta Delta Chapter
> George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 17:53:11 -0400
> From: "Gerald A. Schroeder" <gschroed@CAPACCESS.ORG>
> Subject: Re: automated response
>
> This is a list server for the use of members of Alpha Phi Omega, a
> college-based, coeducational service fraternity. As a 501(c)(3) tax
> exempt, non-profit charitable organization, Alpha Phi Omega is prohibited
> from engaging in partisan political activity, and its policies very
> clearly prohibit such activities. Accordingly, in the future please do
> not use this list to send messages concerning any candidate for President
> of the United States. Jason, your cooperation is very much appreciated.
>
> Jerry Schroeder
> Past National President
> Alpha Phi Omega
>
> ------------------------------
>
