Policy for support to outside organizations or individuals

At the May Edgemoor Neighborhood Association (ENA) monthly meeting, there was some confusion about how to handle a motion to grant ENA funds to an outside organization. The motion was rescinded and reworded several times until a motion to support a traffic study undertaken by the outside organization was finally passed.

Upon reflection of this event, it is clear that our neighborhood association is likely to receive many requests over time from individuals and outside groups asking for support, either monetarily or in principal. These organizations see ENA as a means to achieve their own personal or political objectives and the Board must be prepared for this to occur on a regular basis.

When motions are made at meetings without advance preparation, often action is taken in the heat of the moment, based on the information provided at the meeting. Consequently, the ENA membership could find itself voting to support a motion, a group or a political agenda that was not carefully considered and made without the knowledge of the entire ENA membership. Action might be taken based on information that is false or misrepresented.

To protect our neighborhood association and prepare for this situation in the future, a policy could be written regarding outside organizations or individuals requesting ENA support. Here are some suggested steps the organization could require:

v Request for ENA support of an outside organization be examined by the ENA Board or an appointed committee prior to the meeting the motion will be put forward.

v Request for monetary support be examined by the Board or Finance Committee prior to the meeting the motion will be put forward.

v Request for support be submitted in writing and signed by the individual or organization requesting support.

v Request for support be posted on the website and included in the monthly ENA newsletter prior to the meeting the motion will be put forward.

v Request for ENA President’s signature on “political statements” requires the document be posted on the website and included in the monthly ENA newsletter prior to the meeting the motion will be put forward.

v 501-c-3 status prohibits certain political activity. The Board should review the IRS laws governing non-profit organizations.

I would like to propose this issue for consideration at the June ENA meeting. Perhaps a committee can be appointed to prepare a policy for ENA to support outside organizations or individuals, either monetarily or in principal.

Sandie Koplowitz