On this episode, we discuss gun violence and the role nonprofits can play to influence gun control legislation.
Our Lawyers for This Episode:
Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort Ryann Alonso Quyen Tu
Quick Overview
501(c)(3) public charities can:
- Lobby for legislation to prevent gun violence,
- Engage in public education campaigns, and
- Fight disinformation and misinformation
Organizations can lobby for legislative reform (or defend against bad bills), but they are subject to lobbying limits.
Additionally, public education designed to inform the public about the realities of gun violence that does not advocate for or against legislation won’t count against an organization’s lobbying limits.
501(c)(4)s can also do all of the above in addition to supporting or opposing candidates who may align with or oppose the organization’s position on gun violence and potential reform.
Keep speaking out about this issue, even when it isn’t making headlines. In a time where many corporations are responding with silence, this is a great opportunity to:
- Work in a coalition so that you’re not tackling this alone.
- Boycott gun manufacturers
- Litigation
Hit them in the wallet. The bottom line is corporations only care about their bottom line.
Resources:
- State Firearm Laws
- Public Charities Can Lobby: Guidelines for 501(c)(3) Public Charities
- Election Checklist for 501(c)(3) Public Charities: Ensuring Election Year Advocacy Efforts Remain Nonpartisan
- Praising and Criticizing Incumbents: How 501(c)(3)s Can Hold Elected Officials Accountable for Official Actions
- Primer on Social Welfare Organizations: Using 501(c)(4) Organizations for Good
- Accountability Advocacy: How 501(c)(4)s Can Hold Elected Officials Accountable for Their Actions
- 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) Collaboration
- Bolder Advocacy’s TA hotline: online form or 866-NP-LOBBY
- Email us at advocacy@afj.org