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
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Thank you.