Is it true that the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana endorsed Nelson Peters? Is this allowed? Does this go against their purpose statement to receive tax-exemption? Are YLNI being mislead by other nonprofit organization in endorsing candidates?
What is the penalty for violating your exemption status?
No, it is NOT true that Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana endorsed Nelson Peters, nor have we endorsed any candidate ever. I am wondering what in the world led you to draw that conclusion.
ReplyDeleteYLNI has always been and remains non-partisan. We encourage participation in the political process as part of taking an active role in shaping the future of our community. We provide our membership & the community at large with opportunities to educate themselves on current topics so they can have informed opinions. And yes, our board of directors did endorse the Harrison Square project because we agreed that it is a unique opportunity for the future of our community. But we do not presume to speak on behalf of the nearly 1000 people in our membership network, and YLNI has never endorsed a political candidate.
Wendy Stein, President
Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana
www.ylni.org
"I am wondering what in the world led you to draw that conclusion."
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy:
I was asking the questions, after reading a comment about your organization, which means I've not reached a conclusion.
And the world that led me question whether YLNI was faking their purpose and was running as a PAC was in the world of blogosphere.
More specific at Advance Indiana blog in the comment section,if you want to go their and correct that blog as quickly as you address this blog for asking the questions.
From reading the AI, It sounded like your group is being monitored as a nonprofit.
A thousand members or a recycling of names from attending events. And you are right about your members having the right to endorse whomever. However, the members can not speak for your group and they should know that.
Nor should any endorsements appears on any of your literature, or officers. But heck you know that.
I have been to some of your events and I have not seen even a hundred members. The Harrison Square project was one such project.
But thank you for sharing the other side of the story in the blogosphere. And please go read AI and let me know what you think about the comment on that site.
I don't actually understand the comment posted on Advance Indiana. I can't tell if they're making suppositions on what would have happened had Peters won the primary or just throwing out random things s/he thinks happened. Regardless, once again I say that we did not endorse anyone, and I posted that comment there too.
ReplyDeleteWendy:
ReplyDeleteI actually understood the comment on Advance Indiana. But, I could see where it would be a problem. But I am glad that you left a comment on Advance Indiana.
Maybe, now we can get to the bottom of this, you think?