After reading Darcy's message (reprinted below) I contacted Women Work!
The National Network for Women's Employment. They have developed WHAT IS
LOBBYING WHAT IS NOT: A GUIDE FOR STATE NETWEORKS. Essentially, Kathy
Patrick of Women Work! states that "Although lobbying activities of
501(c)(3) are restricted, congress has been very clear that is does want
non-profit, charitable organizations to be involved in the public policy
process. So, the basic rule to follow is this: A 501(c)(3) can engage in
lobbying activities as long as lobbying does not consume more than 20% of
the groups time or resources. In fact, that leaves a lot of room, since
many of the activities you might think of as lobbying are not included in
the technical definition of lobbying."
I have a copy of the Women Work! guide, and would be happy to fax or mail
it (9 pages long) to anyone who requests it. The Women Work! e-mail
address is in the cc line of this communication, and you can also contact
them directly, or call Kathy Patrick at 202/467-5366. Women Work! has, in
my opinion, been the most effective voice in the last 20 years at giving
voice to women't issues in educationa and employment preparation.
***************************************************************************
Barbara Tavares
University of Hawaii
808/956-6194
***************************************************************************
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 06:14:52 -1000
From: Darcy Lees <dlees@inspire.ospi.wednet.edu>
Reply-To: edequity@tristram.edc.org
To: mironesc@hawaii.edu, btavares@hawaii.edu
Subject: Re: White House Celebration of Title IX 25th Anniversary
As NCSEE chair I have posted to the NCSEE Steering Committee Members,
for their information, Barbara Tavares previous e-mail messages. NCSEE
can not lobby based on our non-profit status. AAUW may have similar
status but I cannot speak for them.
Equity Advocates is the entity which has been sending to various groups
and individuals information on legislation and requests for action. To
access that group, contact Linda Shevitz at (410)767-0428 or
(301)345-9358. I have personnally received information about Carl
Perkins funding from both Barbara and Linda.
I think caution needs to be taken that as equity supporters that others
or even ourselves do not "divide and conquer us."
My agency legislative person told me two days ago that the picture for
education in DC is bleak and there are few friendly faces and a great
deal of scutiny. I am not saying to give up because we need letters and
calls for Carl Perkins and we all need to work together for equity for
all students.
Darcy Lees
NCSEE Chair
(360)753-2560