CALDA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MISSION

The mission of the Legislative Committee is to provide the CALDA Board of Directors with extensively researched and fully vetted recommendations. We recognize and respect that it is the Board's responsibility to set policy.

We are committed to transparency and inclusivity in our operations. The Legislative Committee will actively engage with all board members, valuing collaboration and fostering mutual trust and respect in our working relationships.

Our focus is on evidence-based communication and advocacy. We will rely on knowledge and facts rather than personal opinions to present CALDA's position on legislative matters. The Advocacy Blog is how we communicate with CALDA stakeholders on legislative matters.

As a politically neutral entity, the Legislative Committee will not endorse or support individual candidates or political parties. Our sole purpose is to advocate for issues and legislation that align with CALDA's goals and interests.

In addition, the Legislative Committee is responsible for developing a comprehensive 5-year strategic legislative strategy. This strategy aims to ensure CALDA's continued independence and strengthen our position as a leading organization in the legal document assistance field.

By embodying these principles and commitments, the Legislative Committee strives to contribute to CALDA's overall mission of advancing the professionalism and competence of legal document assistants in California.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CALDA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

As a 506 non-profit organization registered in California, CALDA (California Association of Legal Document Assistants) must adhere to certain guidelines and restrictions when it comes to advocacy for its mission statement and promoting its legislative agenda. Here are some general considerations:

1. Mission Statement Advocacy: CALDA can actively engage in advocating for its mission statement, which typically involves promoting the interests and causes that fall within its stated purpose and goals. (See CALDA Legislative Committee Mission).

2. Legislative Advocacy: CALDA can engage in legislative advocacy by actively pursuing its legislative agenda, which includes promoting bills or laws that align with its mission and objectives.

3. Lobbying Activities: CALDA can engage in lobbying activities, which may include communication with legislators, influencing the passage or defeat of legislation, and educating policymakers about their stance on relevant issues.

4. Public Support: CALDA can reach out to the public, members, supporters, and other like-minded organizations to gain support for its mission, legislative priorities, and related advocacy goals.

However, it's important for CALDA, like any other non-profit, to be aware of certain limitations and restrictions:

1. Political Activities: CALDA cannot engage in direct partisan political activities or support specific candidates running for office. Nonprofits are prohibited from endorsing political candidates or engaging in campaign activities on their behalf.

2. Bipartisan Efforts: CALDA needs to remain nonpartisan by ensuring that its legislative agenda and advocacy efforts are not skewed towards a particular political party or ideology.

3. Political Contributions: CALDA cannot make financial contributions to political campaigns or parties. This includes donating funds, endorsing candidates, or funding any political activities related to partisan politics.

4. Excess Lobbying Activities: CALDA needs to ensure that it does not exceed the allowable limits for lobbying activities imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to maintain its non-profit tax-exempt status. The IRS provides guidelines, such as the expenditure test and substantial part test, to determine the limits of lobbying activities for 501(c)(3) organizations.

To ensure compliance and a thorough understanding of the specific rules and regulations applicable to CALDA's situation, the legislative committee will consult with the appropriate consultants such as legal professionals specializing in nonprofit law or a certified public accountant familiar with non-profit tax regulations.