TO: AFA Region Presidents
AFA State & Chapter Presidents
FROM: Joseph E. Sutter, Vice Chairman of the Board
Field Operations
RE: Political Campaigns — Important Reminders
While it is still 12 months away from the November 2008
Presidential Campaign, those seeking office are already in the process of
national debates, fundraising and endorsements. I wanted to take this
opportunity to again remind you that the Air Force Association is a 501 (c) (3)
tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code. One of
the provisions of this tax status is that the Association is
completely prohibited from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign
for or against a candidate for local, state or federal
office. [This is also the same for our previous tax status _ 501 (c)19.] Also, neither you,
nor anyone else in AFA, may use your position in the Association, its logo
or letterhead to endorse, raise money for or in any other way give
the appearance or perception that the Association either backs or is against
a particular candidate or issue.
There are, however, a number of activities in which your state
or chapter organization may consider participating.
Voter Registration Drives: Work with your local voter registration agency to sponsor
voter registration drives in public places such as shopping malls, sporting
events and community functions. Candidate Forums: With other
military-oriented organizations in your community, consider sponsoring
candidate forums. Invite all candidates for a particular office to share their views
on defense and veterans issues. The relationships you build with
other organizations as you organize this effort will be beneficial throughout
the year. Election Process: Volunteer to work at the polls on election day
by being an inspector of elections. Many communities require you
to complete a series of classes before being eligible to hold such a position.
You also may wish to establish a car pool system to drive AFA
members to the polls who do not have transportation.
I hope you will take this opportunity to encourage all of our
members to participate and vote in every election opportunity. This is a right and
a responsibility of citizenship.
