[sac-board] Incorporating SAC

I think it's important to bring this for a vote immediately if we are =
really considering it.  Historically as a board we have the habit of =
discussing things to no avail. I'm sorry to say it, but it is true.

Incorporating is a process.  If we have an approval to start on it now, =
there is probability we'd be finished by year end.

I am not one to make waves and personally status quo is fine with me. =
All I want from my astro-club is exactly what we have now--meetings to =
absorb a little more astronomy knowledge and a core group of avid =
observers to get out under a dark sky with.

There are, however, worthwhile perks to being tax emempt 501 (3) (c)  =
with the IRS--like accepting donations and giving a tax receipt, writing =
off mileage to public events, etc.  You have to be incorporated for this =
as well.

But more importantly I fear we've now put ourselves in the position of =
such paranoia that we will be hard pressed to find folks willing to step =
up to a board position (3 of which are up this year for term limits) for =
fear of losing their personal assets. Already there was talk of =
discontinuing the MM for fear of lawsuits. =20

Incorporation is also another protection against a lawsuit that would =
eventually address a board members assets.  It would make SAC into its =
own legal entity. =20

It is only another part to what we can do.  Of course it is not a =
license to be careless with the safety and well being of others.  We =
should be and I feel we have been diligent in making star parties as =
safe as possible.  Incorporation is not in lieu of the waivers being =
discussed, it is only another step of protection.

I've done quite a bit of research these past couple of weeks with the =
help of other concerned SAC members and other Arizona astronomy clubs =
and am willing to see it through with help if it is the desire of our =
membership to proceed.  And if it is not the desire of our members to =
incorporate--then I'll be just as happy to expend my pent up observing =
energy cursing the monsoon for the next 10 weeks.

Please let's put this to a vote tonight.

Jennifer Polakis, VP
Saguaro Astronomy Club

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