At its July 25th meeting, the LeadingAge California Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to reorganize the association’s corporate structure to increase its advocacy potential. The approved recommendation directs the staff to submit to the membership a plan to create a 501(c)(6) advocacy organization, adding it to our existing 501(c)(3) structure. This move would allow the association to: 1) remove the current cap on lobbying activity, 2) expand the association’s role from issue advocacy to include supporting candidates, 3) allows for the possible creation of a political action committee (PAC), and 4) brings the association in line with the 71 percent of other LeadingAge affiliates with similar structures.
“This move puts us on a strong footing to elevate our visibility in the State Capitol,” said Joanne Handy, President and CEO of LeadingAge California. “The board has given the staff new tools to make the voice of nonprofit providers heard among policymakers.”
The proposal was researched and developed by a member task force, in consultation with our attorneys and tax experts, including: Todd Murch of Eskaton, Mike Manley of the Institute for Senior Living (retired), and Randy Stoll of Mt. San Antonio Gardens. The change requires an amendment to the association’s bylaws and will be placed before the membership in May 2014. More information will be available to members as the final details are confirmed.
