Twin Cities Polyamory Discussion Group

Town HallApril, 2009

Foundations◦ The Polyamory Culture Movement◦ Brief History of the TCPDG◦ Recent Revelations and Consensus

Directions◦ Vision Statement◦ Mission Statement

Journeys◦ Non-Profit/ 501(c) Status◦ Naming/Branding◦ Membership◦ Framework: Committees

Agenda

Poly Resource Timeline

1960’s 1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s

… and more!

Online ResourcesWebsites/Blogs Podcasts Video

The sign that we’ve “made it” as a movement…

The Poly Pride Day “After Party”

National Polyamory Leadership Summit

The National Polyamory Leadership Group is a collaborative group of polyamory community leaders from around the U.S. who have come together to work to carry the polyamory movement forward.

November, 2008 – New York, NY (34 leaders/activists/organizers)

March, 2009 – Philadelphia, PA (40 present + 11 via. teleconference)

??? – Somewhere on the West Coast (TBD)

1999• New List Started

2001• May Day• Pride Booth• CONvergence• Lending Library• Council as 7 equal

positions

2003• Transition from

“open” list to “closed” list

• Dance @ Bryant Lake Park Center

TCPDG’s History

2004

2006• Focus Group

(MNPolyFriends)• BBQ of the

Beast(6/6/6)

2008• CONvergence

100% funded by donations

• New Logo/Branding

• BECAUSE

TCPDG’s History

From the TCPDG Bylaws:

The purposes of the group are as follows:

The Primary function of this group is to provide a supportive environment that encourages the discussion of responsible, intimate, caring, multi-partnered relationships and related issues.

Secondary functions of this group are to encourage any form of loving relationships between members, by providing a support role for members, and by providing and encouraging social gatherings for member interaction. 

Tertiary functions of this group are (1) for members to participate, on a voluntary basis, in various public venues, in a variety of ways, intended to educate the public about our group, as well as about Polyamory in general, and (2) to advertise our group's existence in a public way to encourage additional members.

Our Activities

With regards to the Twin Cities Polyamory Discussion Group, what sort of things would you like to see become reality:... 20 years from now?... 10 years from now?... 5 years from now?... Next year?... Next month?... Tomorrow?

With regards to polyamory and society as a whole, what sort of things would you like to see become reality:... 20 years from now?... 10 years from now?... 5 years from now?... Next year?... Next month?... Tomorrow?

We Need a Vision

Activism•Persuasion•Create change

Outreach•Public Awareness•New Members

Support•Information•Resources

Social•Community•Events/Parties

Group Functions

Transitioning towards a 501(c) Rebranding Dues and Membership Establishing Committees

◦ Bylaws◦ Group/Community Alliances◦ Social Activities◦ Outreach/Activism◦ 501(c)◦ List/Forum Moderation

Presentations

Determine if you really need to start a non-profit Decide on the purpose and mission Recruit board members Check for availability / reserve a name

Steps to Becoming a Non-Profit: Visionary

Write the Articles for Incorporation Incorporate as a non-profit Create a business plan with a budget Draft the corporate bylaws Hold the first official board meeting

Steps to Becoming a Non-Profit: Planning

File for a federal tax ID number Obtain tax-exempt status from the IRS Obtain tax-exempt status from the state Obtain a state tax ID number Register as a charity File annual registrations

Steps to Becoming a Non-Profit: Filing

Join an existing effort Create a special program for an existing

effort Start a local chapter of a national or

regional organization Maintain an informational organization Find a fiscal sponsor for your organization

Alternatives to Creating a Non-profit Organization

Rebranding

Membership Dues

Currently $10/person per year (June 1st) Members can request hardship waiver

Dues collected◦ 2000: $340◦ 2001: $698◦ 2002: $840◦ 2003: $710◦ 2004: $538◦ 2005: $755◦ 2006: $652◦ 2007: $448◦ 2008: $510

Membership Dues

Printing: $ 30 Table at Pride: $ 40 Picnic supplies: $ 50 Web hosting service: $ 60 P.O. Box rental: $ 42 Mixer (net cost): $200 PayPal fees: $ 6 Total expenses: $428

2008 Expenses

Membership Levels

Council member involved in coordination of activities for each committee

WE NEED YOU to volunteer where you feel able to help:◦ Bylaws◦ Group/Community Alliances◦ Social Activities◦ Outreach/Activism◦ 501(c) Establishment

Committees