Thank you, Rich, for explaining both sides of the issue.
I, too, would pay dues to a well-organized, not-for-profit, formal group
interested in the state-wide preservation of pioneer cemeteries, etc.
Melody Hull
Madison County Cemetery Commission
At 08:18 AM 11/24/04, you wrote:
Hi Brad,
It occurs to me that tax exempt status and a formal organization could be
beneficial to the INPCRP group. Perhaps most importantly, this could
enable the INPCRP organization to sponsor restoration projects that
receive state and federal funding. A recognized organization with a
definable membership would probably have a voice, albeit a minor one when
it comes to legislative proposals, etc. There are surely some strong
positives to becoming more than a virtual online group.
However, with this proposed bureaucracy comes the need for thoughtful and
intelligent leadership to manage the formation and administration of a
fledgling organization. A formal organization will require some startup
capitol just to get off the ground. This early work will no doubt incur
legal fees and other costs (printing, postage, media, etc.) so significant
membership dues are probably be in order. Now you need an accountant
(treasurer)to keep track of ensuing expenditures, a central place to hold
meetings, elect the organization officials, etc. I don't know about
anybody else, but unless you have political aspirations and plenty of time
on your hands, none of this sounds like much fun.
The bottom line, I think, is that the creation of a formal organization
will require a core group of dedicated individuals (with an affinity and
strong desire for this sort of government), and this will no doubt be
costly when compared to the manner in which the group now operates. At
risk is what the loosely formed INPCRP group already enjoys, which seems
to work pretty well all things considered.
On the other hand, there are certainly some benefits of a formal
organization not the least of which will be the ability to take a more
direct part in funding important cemetery restorations, and perhaps to
have more voice in all matters pertaining to Indiana's pioneer cemeteries.
If there were such people willing to dedicate the necessary time and
energy, and IF this is done right, I'd probably pay the dues.
Regards,
Rich Green
Historic Archaeological Research
4338 Hadley Court
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Office: (765) 464-8735
Mobile: (765) 427-4082
www.har-indy.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Brad Manzenberger
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 7:21 AM
Subject: [INPCRP] formal or informal
I just want to get an idea of what the general consensus is about
whether or not INPCRP should become a more formally organized group.
In the next few days please let me know your opinion on this. You can
post to this list or send to me directly at bradmanz(a)earthlink.net.
So,
Should INPCRP move to establish itself as a true non-profit organization
under the federal tax and other applicable laws? (Like the Indiana
Historical Society, etc.)
Or,
Should INPCRP stay an informal exchange ideas basically on the Internet
only? (Like it has been since its inception.)
This is in no way binding. I just want to know if we should continue to
discuss it or not.
Brad
==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
This list is for discussion of topics related to the Indiana Pioneer
Cemeteries Restoration Project only.
Please do not send genealogical queries through this list. The surname
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http://lists.rootsweb.com are
a better venue.
Thank you.
==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
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