Entering the Political Sphere
Passing successful Green New Deal (GND) policies requires votes, and getting policy practitioners and elected officials on board is one of the biggest barriers for GND efforts. How can grassroots GND efforts with limited resources gain political sway in a system that favors powerful and wealthy interests? Entering the political sphere can be a difficult undertaking due to the money and expertise required, the legal restrictions, and the networks involved in running a successful campaign. Corporate polluters and interests rely on heavy interference in policymaking to subvert the people’s demands for climate action; building pressure in favor of GND policies will be crucial in turning the tide toward meaningful policy reform. The following resources cover different strategies that efforts have begun to use to enter the political realm and some rules to keep in mind when doing so, including distinguishing between 501c3 and 501c4 rules, educational GND training for local politicians and their staff, or even running GND candidates.
501c3/4 rules and regulations can be confusing and expensive to implement correctly. Below we have gathered some helpful advice on how to navigate the system and some examples of organizations who have expanded to have a 501c4 organization for their lobbying work to engage in political action. Talk with your lawyer before engaging in lobbying activities.
501 C3 Vs 501C4 : Key Differences and Insights for Nonprofits
This article covers difference to consider when filling and deciding the future of your organization.
501(c)(4) Strategy and Discussion Guide Report
This comprehensive guide has been developed for individuals, organizations, and funders interested in starting 501(c)(4) organizations. It discusses the strategic questions that must be considered in determining whether, when, and for what purpose(s) to create a (c)(4).
501c3 Rules
This article provides helpful advice to keep in mind under the different filing codes.
