Authorship of this update is attributed to the Jeanne Elberfield and the Listening and Lobbying Sprint of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Friends, I am writing this update with much optimism in my heart and mind. The Listening and Lobbying Sprint is working diligently towards a draft policy and guidance addressing political lobbying for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Over the past few months, we have learned from a nonprofit expert and PYM’s lawyer about the IRS definitions and limitations on lobbying for a 501(c)(3). We have had regular conversations about how this information helps us to find a solution that mutually satisfies Friends who are led to political advocacy, the PYM Quaker community with diverse leadings and ministries, and the PYM as a 501(c)(3). We continue to ask Spirit to guide our hearts and minds as we navigate our way forward.
We have had several breakthroughs in our understanding. One of significance is that the policy will be for the Yearly Meeting alone, not the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings. This clarity comes from our conversation with PYM’s lawyer. We learned that PYM, as the umbrella organization, risks losing the 501(c)(3) status for all (Yearly, Quarterly, and Monthly Meetings) if we lobby as a Yearly Meeting. If Quarterly and Monthly Meetings lobby, they risk their own tax-exempt status, but this does not risk other meetings’ tax-exempt status.
We continue to work in a gathered and collaborative manner as we write a draft to be considered at Continuing Sessions in November 2024. We look forward to a Spirit-led, thoughtful consideration of the draft. We invite and encourage you to be present for the discussion in Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business. We ask that you continue to hold this work in the Light.
