Twin Cities Polyamory Discussion Group

Town HallApril, 2009

Name How long have you known that you’re poly? How long have you been with TCPDG? What are your expectations for the town

hall?

And, most importantly…◦ Give a little known fact about yourself

(There may be a quiz later)

Introductions

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

If you have something to say, speak up! If you have a question, ask! Respect the moderator Respect each other

A Few Guidelines

FoundationsPresenter: Jessica Karels

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

DirectionsVision & Mission Statement

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

Pause for Brainstorming

Activism•Persuasion•Create change

Outreach•Public Awareness•New Members

Support•Information•Resources

Social•Community•Events/Parties

Group Functions

Should our group as whole support those who want greater involvement in outreach and activism, both locally and nationally?

Should we consider splitting into two separate organizations?

Meeting Our Purpose

Pause for Brainstorming

JourneysThe Next Steps

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

Transitioning Towards a 501(c)

Presenter: Randy Frehse

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

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

RebrandingPresenters: Curtis Zentz and Randy Frehse

Membership DuesPresenters: Bill Wesen

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 LevelsPresenters: Christy Danathar

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

Committees