TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I really appreciate your effort in providing these and your many other
links, and your analysis, in the course of this discussion. Law isn't
readily digestible for most of us, but in sharing your 'stuff' you've
given me at least one major AHA! as well as a more well-rounded
impression of what is happening, what is at stake in the suit. No more
muddling and mulling these fog-bound issues for me, I'm feeling very
clear about them now.
So, without further adieu, please accept this golden shovel and my
appreciation. Your determined digging into the lawbooks and your
generous efforts at informing us about the issues is a classic of
Internet Communicativeness. How good it is to learn this way!
Take good care.
Ned Bedinger
doc -at- edwordsmith -dot- com
Lauren wrote:
>> From: Bonnie Granat
>
>> So the IEEE can lobby but STC can't?
>
> I never really thought of the tax status of STC in this case.
>
>>From STC:
> "STC is recognized as an educational organization as described in Section
> 501 (c)(3) and Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code."
>
>>From the IRS:
> "Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and
> legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed
> discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities. For more information
> about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for
> more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002
> CPE topic Election Year Issues."
>
>http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html
>
> Here's an IEEE discussion about lobbying,
> "Another type of United States tax-exempt organization that is closely
> related to a 501(c)3 tax-exempt category is a 501(c)6 organization. The key
> difference between 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 organizations is the obligation to
> serve the public good. 501(c)3 organizations must serve the good of the
> general public and all of industry. Work that the government does often
> falls under this category as well. 501(c)6 organizations must provide
> benefits to all members of an industry, even if the organization is made up
> of only a portion of that industry. 501(c)6
> organizations are not obligated to satisfy the needs of the general public
> through their output."
>
> and a letter sent to the IEEE by the IRS,
>http://www.ieeeusa.org/policy/guide/irslobby.html
>
> IEEE policy on affiliations and 501(c) requirements,
>http://www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/whatis/policies/p5-1.html
>
> IEEE policy on the status of affiliating with non-501(c) organizations,
>http://www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/whatis/policies/p9-1.html
>
> ---
>
> The STC can lobby on behalf of its members; however, how should it lobby in
> this case? There is too much controversy, meaning that the law is not clear
> in this particular case. Once the vagueness of the law is cleared, then the
> STC can take a position and lobby.
>
> Lauren
>
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
