After the holidays, after Martin Luther King’s birthday, after Valentine’s Day, begins another great American tradition-the campaign season. As the issues of the way we live become increasingly complex and interrelated, it may feel like we’re in one campaign season or another all the time, but no one can deny the importance of the choices we make when we go to the polls or mail in our ballots.
Because the issues and the candidates are important~and-maybe especially so to neighborhood activists, it is tempting for neighborhood associations to jump into campaigns with both feet pointed firmly in the direction of involvement. But watch where those feet are leading you. Slow down a little and make sure your association doesn’t step in anything messy.
First, remember that to remain a recognized neighborhood association, the ONI Guidelines (determined by a citizen committee) stipulate that “statements in, support of or in opposition to any political candidate or ballot measures cannot be printed” in neighborhood association nor coalition newsletters.
That may seem counter to what you think neighborhood associations are about, but if you look at it another way it may make more sense. Of course neighborhood associations are about involvement and about politics, but they are also about inclusion of the many voices that make up a neighborhood-and not just those voices that are active or on the board. Partisan politics, as well as ballot measure politics which often take on a partisan flavor are exciting, democratic, and worthwhile, but a heated partisan issue can as easily drive wedges between people as well as unite them. Even if a neighborhood association board were to agree 9 to 3 on an issue, that still excludes at least 3 people and possibly numerous others who choose never to contribute because they disagreed on that particular issue. In general stay out of partisan politics; it doesn’t necessarily serve the long term interests of your association. There’s also the fact that when it comes down to it the newsletters are often ultimately paid for by Everyone’s tax dollars, and Everyone has a lot of different opinions.
Of course that doesn’t mean individual neighborhood activists shouldn’t take stands on campaigns for candidates or ballot measures. It just means neighborhood associations shouldn’t. A board member may also be a campaign manager for example. (Which, by the way, he or she should declare publicly, in the spirit of no conflict of interest or appearance of conflict.) It also doesn’t mean that neighborhood associations should not get involved in partisan politics in any way at all.
Many boards and some coalitions, sponsor “candidate fair” types of events which give people in the neighborhood a chance to hear from a variety of the candidates and both sides of issues. Your association or coalition may also be asked by specific candidates or representatives of ballot measures if they can present their stand to your group. Yes, you may schedule them if you like. A proviso here is that if you are open to a presentation from one candidate or group, you need to be willing to be equally open to an opposing candidate or group.
Technically the board (chair) isn’t obliged to make contact with all candidates just because one makes contact with you and they schedule a presentation. On the other hand, it is a good idea to make an effort to provide an equal opportunity to all, whether or not they make the original contact. Remember, if you specifically want candidates to attend your meeting, all of them need to be scheduled as far in advance as possible. Avoid giving one 3 weeks notice and another 3 days.
Also, remember that a candidate is a member of the public and a member of the public cannot be excluded from attending your meeting-that’s attending not necessarily participating. And of course it’s possible that candidates may be members of your individual association or even board members. Depending on your bylaws these folks may have a right to participate as well as to attend. What they do not have the right to do, however, is to use their participation in the meeting as a platform for their candidacy. It’s your meeting. If they should launch into a campaign speech, the chair may find them out of order and move back to the original agenda. Most people won’t take this kind of advantage, but as we know, candidates can get pretty worked up about the issues. That’s one reason they’re running.
A final thing to think about for the campaign season is political advertising in your newsletter. Unpaid advertising ... no! That’s an endorsement, or at least it will appear to be an endorsement--unless you provide a forum for all the candidates for the same race. This, in turn could result in requests from all the candidates in all the races ... goodbye newsletter, hello “voters’ guide.”
Paid political advertising ... maybe! That decision is up to the coalition or association. But should you accept ads from one candidate or in favor of one position, you must accept ads from the others. Make sure any such ads are clearly identified as “paid political advertising.” It is probably best to err on the side of caution in the case of political advertising and avoid any problems by simply not accepting any. This is the decision the southwest coalition (SWNI) has wisely made.
Now the really final thing: partisan and ballot measure politics are different than legislative lobbying. While the former relate to prudence, the ONI Guidelines, inclusion, fairness, and the public meetings law, lobbying relates, primarily to your IRS status. While non-profits such as the neighborhood associations may participate in limited lobbying, the key here is limited. Make sure you are aware of the limitations before you begin lobbying. Don’t do anything to jeopardize your non-profit status. It could be an expensive mistake.
Issues around campaigns are not always clear cut. If you have questions, contact your coalition or ONl (823-4519). They will try to help you work through the concerns.