Thad, If it's ok, I'd like to post this or something similar to SACannounce as = well. I think it's a little more straightfoward for the SACnews if you = want to consider it. The Board would like to present to the members an initiative to = Incorporate Saguaro Astronomy Club as a Non-profit corporation. Incorporation affords some layer of protection to the Board in the = unlikely case of a lawsuit for injuries, etc. sustained at a SAC = sponsored event. Additionally, the Board would like to present to the members an = initiative to file for tax exemption from the IRS. This is also known = as a 501(c)(3). This status would enable SAC to give a tax deductible = receipt for donations and would enable personal write offs for mileage = etc. for public events. To become tax exempt you must be incorporated. The majority of astronomy clubs in Arizona are incorporated/tax exempt. = It is a good step for the protection of the board and for enhancing and = promoting that part of our purpose of the club to educate the public in = astronomy. (See article II of our Constitution and Bylaws). The cons would be the initial costs of incorporating and filing for IRS = tax exemption which are estimated to be approximately $700, and, the = annual paperwork that goes along with being incorporated. Additionally, the Board seeks amendment to our _Constitution and Bylaws_ = by way of an article that would permit Saguaro Astronomy Club to create = "Hold Harmless" waivers for participant agreement and signature prior to = participating in/entering a star party or other SAC sponsored event. =20 Please investigate and consider these important proposals for your = input/discussion/vote at the next SAC General Meeting. =20