Fw: Re: Dictionary, Handbook, and new non-profit
ralph parker
|
Doug Hall
Doug
Gary Shostak
Doug Hall
I am in the process of energizing national networks to distribute the info to all of their locals. Lutheran Social Services, US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, state government refugee coordinators, etc.
Most of the resettlement agencies will claim poverty and ask for free copies. That I can't do. The agencies receive $900 per newly arriving refugee to help set them up a home. A family of three, therefore, results in $3,600. I am essentially trying to convince the agencies that $14 per family for the Handbook is not a big investment and will help them with orientation, etc.
It should be very easy to raise money for the handbook. Showing a copy at meetings of church groups, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, etc., should result in easy donations. I am hoping that local resettlement agencies will ask their volunteers to help raise that money.
(As an aside, did you know that some resettlement agencies have policies AGAINST the use of any volunteers? I don't quite understand the reason for it, but some do!)
Doug
--
Gary Shostak
I have some contacts in the Mass DPH resettlement health people & would try to get them to buy some handbooks. Also willing to talk with local groups. When i first became aware of Bhutanese refugees coming here I spoke to at least one resettlement agency that refused my offer to volunteer. Don’t remember which one but was surprised.
One thought - perhaps you could publicize the Handbook to any group that does refugee resettlement for translation to use with other populations.
Also when I was putting together health info in Nepali a former colleague put me in touch with a List Serve of people who do translation & work with refugees throughout the US and other countries. It was very helpful & sending an announcement to them when time is right might be very valuable.
The list serve is: [CLAStalk-list]
Below is a copy of the email Jessica sent out for me which put me in touch with many people. I’ve included it in case you think it might be worthwhile to contact::
Gary
> From: jessica goldhirsch <jessicag...@alum.bu.edu>
> Subject: [CLAStalk-list] health education materials for refugees
> To: CLASta...@diversityrx.org
> Date: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 9:17 AM
>
>
> Dear Colleagues,
> I received this request from a colleague volunteering with Nepalese refugees.
> Please respond directly to him below, if you can be of help.
> thanks
> jessica goldhirsch
>
>
> We need culturally appropriate prevention & patient information in Low Literacy Nepalese for Nepali speaking Bhutanese refugees. The diseases most pressing are:
>
> Type 2 Diabetes; Hypertension; cardiovascular disease; and oral health.
>
> Most of the people in this population who are 40 years & older have limited education in their native language of Nepali and very little English language ability. They eat a rice based diet typical of south Asians. A knowledge and understanding of this diet is essential if the information is to be useful.
>
> Since resettlement in the US many are eating more and exercising far less than they did in refugee camps in Nepal where they have lived since their expulsion from Bhutan in 1990. They have had poor health care prior to coming to the US and almost no health education. In addition to these problems, many are dealing with the general frustrations and anxieties associated with resettlement in a new land, trying to learn English and find entry level jobs, etc. Some are suffering from depression and there has been 13 documented suicides.
>
> We could provide Nepali translators so documents in Hindi targeting Indians, for example, could be good templates if they are well done & not copyrighted.
>
> Hope this is enough. If not, let me know & I’lll work on it so more. Will be away till Sat so will not respond till then if more is needed.
>
> Spoke with people at Spiral today who suggested I write to RHIN which I did today. Also put out a request on a national list serve of people volunteering with this population around the country (mostly former Nepal peace corps volunteers).
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Gary
> gary Shostak <g.sh...@verizon.net>
Darren Miller
Doug Hall
I do not know why some agencies will not support or use volunteers. It seems to me to be a counter-productive policy. But there are some that do that. Not many, but some.
In selecting topics and writing the Handbook, we had 3 criteria. One of those was that the information had to be comparable and reasonably accurate in all cities, states, and communities. For that reason we did not include things that might be quite different in each community. We very definitely encourage local agencies to write up supplementary materials that give specifics such as driving license requirements, location of housing agencies, etc. We feel comfortable that our content is applicable everywhere in the US. (I have had to caution requests from Australia that they might have to rewrite the portions dealing with public programs.)
The book is NOT copyrighted. We have placed it in the public domain. Anyone is free to copy it.
Our website contains the full text of each chapter.
www.gyanjyotikendra.org
It is possible to download, print each chapter, and copy to make as many copies of the book as one needs. We are pretty sure, however, that it is actually cheaper to order copies of the book than it is to do things that way.
We are also encouraging anyone who would like to use the English and translate it into other languages for other refugee groups to do so. Many of the sections will translate directly, but some relate to Nepali cultural issues (e.g., open air cremation, traditional foods, bhat feeding ceremony) that would have to be greatly revised or removed for other groups.
Doug Hall
Gyan Jyoti Kendra
RPCV Nepal 15
Nepal resident 1968-1975.
Doug Hall
Sorry it took a while to respond. I am going to send two copies of the
Handbook to you. That way, if you get a change to talk with people about
it, you can show them a copy. I am assuming that your mail address is
still 4 Pamela Drive, Arlington, MA.
Doug Hall
On 2/24/2012 10:44 AM, Gary Shostak wrote:
> Hi Doug,
>
> I have some contacts in the Mass DPH resettlement health people& would try to get them to buy some handbooks. Also willing to talk with local groups. When i first became aware of Bhutanese refugees coming here I spoke to at least one resettlement agency that refused my offer to volunteer. Don�t remember which one but was surprised.
>
> One thought - perhaps you could publicize the Handbook to any group that does refugee resettlement for translation to use with other populations.
>
> Also when I was putting together health info in Nepali a former colleague put me in touch with a List Serve of people who do translation& work with refugees throughout the US and other countries. It was very helpful& sending an announcement to them when time is right might be very valuable.
>
> The list serve is: [CLAStalk-list]
>
> Below is a copy of the email Jessica sent out for me which put me in touch with many people. I�ve included it in case you think it might be worthwhile to contact::
>
> Gary
>
>> From: jessica goldhirsch<jessicag...@alum.bu.edu>
>> Subject: [CLAStalk-list] health education materials for refugees
>> To: CLASta...@diversityrx.org
>> Date: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 9:17 AM
>>
>>
>> Dear Colleagues,
>> I received this request from a colleague volunteering with Nepalese refugees.
>> Please respond directly to him below, if you can be of help.
>> thanks
>> jessica goldhirsch
>>
>>
>> We need culturally appropriate prevention& patient information in Low Literacy Nepalese for Nepali speaking Bhutanese refugees. The diseases most pressing are:
>>
>> Type 2 Diabetes; Hypertension; cardiovascular disease; and oral health.
>>
>> Most of the people in this population who are 40 years& older have limited education in their native language of Nepali and very little English language ability. They eat a rice based diet typical of south Asians. A knowledge and understanding of this diet is essential if the information is to be useful.
>>
>> Since resettlement in the US many are eating more and exercising far less than they did in refugee camps in Nepal where they have lived since their expulsion from Bhutan in 1990. They have had poor health care prior to coming to the US and almost no health education. In addition to these problems, many are dealing with the general frustrations and anxieties associated with resettlement in a new land, trying to learn English and find entry level jobs, etc. Some are suffering from depression and there has been 13 documented suicides.
>>
>> We could provide Nepali translators so documents in Hindi targeting Indians, for example, could be good templates if they are well done& not copyrighted.
>>
>> Hope this is enough. If not, let me know& I�lll work on it so more. Will be away till Sat so will not respond till then if more is needed.
Gary Shostak
Yes. At same address. I'll let you know who I speak to or email.
Thanks,
Gary
4 Pamela dr
Arlington, MA 02474
71-641-0140
On Mar 4, 2012, at 9:26 PM, Doug Hall <dough...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi Gary,
>
> Sorry it took a while to respond. I am going to send two copies of the Handbook to you. That way, if you get a change to talk with people about it, you can show them a copy. I am assuming that your mail address is still 4 Pamela Drive, Arlington, MA.
>
> Doug Hall
>
>
>
>
> On 2/24/2012 10:44 AM, Gary Shostak wrote:
>> Hi Doug,
>>
>> I have some contacts in the Mass DPH resettlement health people& would try to get them to buy some handbooks. Also willing to talk with local groups. When i first became aware of Bhutanese refugees coming here I spoke to at least one resettlement agency that refused my offer to volunteer. Don’t remember which one but was surprised.
>>
>> One thought - perhaps you could publicize the Handbook to any group that does refugee resettlement for translation to use with other populations.
>>
>> Also when I was putting together health info in Nepali a former colleague put me in touch with a List Serve of people who do translation& work with refugees throughout the US and other countries. It was very helpful& sending an announcement to them when time is right might be very valuable.
>>
>> The list serve is: [CLAStalk-list]
>>
>> Below is a copy of the email Jessica sent out for me which put me in touch with many people. I’ve included it in case you think it might be worthwhile to contact::
Darren Miller
Fellow Friends of Bhutanese Refugees,
I volunteer with our local resettlement agency, helping Bhutanese refugees who have settled in the western suburbs of Chicago.
One of the young men in the local Bhutanese community passed away recently, and the Bhutanese community raised about $2000 to help with the family's expenses. They would now like to start a non-profit organization to collect and distribute funds to families in need when situations like this arise in the future. They have asked me to help them with the paperwork.
I want to both avoid any potential legal pitfalls, and also want to help them draft bylaws etc. that will be consistent with leadership and accountability traditions that my friends may have experienced in civic organizations in Nepal/Bhutan.
The little reading I’ve done so far suggests that registering as a 501c3 is probably overkill for this group. It looks like that would require a substantial amount of time, expense, and paperwork. Since most of the Bhutanese make nowhere near enough money to itemize, I suspect that tax deductibility won’t be a concern for them. They mainly just want to have a way to open a bank account and hold the organizers responsible for managing the group’s resources fairly and responsibly.
I know nothing about setting up a non-profit, so I've been reading everything I can find on the topic online. These two seemed particularly helpful:
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/c165.pdf
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/nfp10210.pdf
http://estela-kennen.suite101.com/how-to-write-bylaws-for-nonprofits-a13277
This sample charter document from the IRS looks useful, but the clause at the top indicating that the majority of the directors are US citizens may be problematic. Everything else I’ve read suggests that citizenship is not a requirement.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=123028,00.html
Have any of you helped the Bhutanese in your community with something like this? Anyone have some sample articles of incorporation or bylaws that you would be willing to share? Any other tips?
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.
Darren Miller
RPCV, Nepal 172
Email: dar...@darrenandwendy.com
Cell: 630-596-6486
Aaron Rome
Setting up a non profit is pretty simple and inexpensive in most states. There are actually websites that will help you with the paperwork for a couple hundred $ but you can also do it yourself. The benefit of being a 501c3 is not just for the tax deduction for the donors, but it will also make it easier to receive institutional grants from foundations and companies if they ever decide to try to get funding for any of their activities from outside of their community. From what I remember to set it up you have to:
* establish bylaws
* assign officers
* File a report with the secretary of state each year and a very simple tax form
The process will also help them get more organized and set their goals.
Thanks,
-- Aaron
--
Daniel S. Donaghue
Aaron Rome
Doug Hall
I think I can help. As I look back on my professional life I could be described as a serial non-profit entrepreneur. In December I completed the establishment of a non-profit corporation here in NH (probably my tenth in NH, plus one in DC, and one in Nepal).
First - the laws and regulations differ by state. So what is sufficient in one state may be missing something in another. You will need to check the specifics of the requirements in Illinois. Most states have a Center for Non-Profit Organizations or similar. In Illinois, I think it is
http://www.donorsforum.org/s_donorsforum/index.asp
You might check with their website and a phone call to see how they might be able to help.
Second - I think you are correct that you should not worry about 501(c)3 status right away. The two main reasons to seek that status are (1) to allow high income donors to be able to deduct their donations, and (2) to seek and receive grants from foundations, United Ways, etc. You may not need either, at least in the early years of an organization.
However, just because you do not anticipate seeking tax-exempt status right away from the IRS does not mean that you should ignore it. When you incorporate a non-profit in Illinois you should have the wording in the Articles of Incorporation that the IRS will require if/when the organization does apply for 501(c)3 status.
I am going to attach to this email a copy of the Articles of Agreement of the non-profit we just created here in NH, Gyan Jyoti Kendra. You will note the following:
first paragraph of Article 2
Article 7
much of Article 9
last part of Article X
All of these were included to ensure that the IRS requirements are met if/when we apply to the IRS. They do no harm to have in your original document.
Third, make sure that you understand the requirements regarding who can be an incorporator. I do not believe there is any prohibition against non-citizens. There certainly is not in NH. However, there is a requirement in NH that the incorporators be at least 5 and none can be "related by blood or marriage."
Fourth, find out where you file. In NH for example, it is a two step process, first at the office of the Secretary of State, and then with the Town or City Clerk.
Fifth, once incorporated apply to the IRS for an Employer ID. This can be done online and you get the number immediately. You will need that number to open a bank account for the organization.
Sixth, the incorporators should meet and vote a set of By-Laws, which typically provide more detail about the operation of the Board and establish officer positions etc. There may be state requirements regarding conflict-of-interest provisions that you will need to include in the by-laws. I will attach the bylaws of Gyan Jyoti Kendra to this email. All of Article X in the By-laws is meant to satisfy state requirements. You will also note that other sections of the by-laws are written to meet IRS requirements should we apply for 501(c)3 status.
The Incorporators then elect the first Board of Directors. That first Board can simply be the same people who were incorporators or not. But the Board is a different entity from the Incorporators. The first Board then elects its officers.
Seventh, once set up, there are requirements that then should be followed regarding keeping of minutes of Board meetings, annual financial reports to IRS, etc.
Other Comments from my experience-----
In addition to this and other non-profits that I have set up, I am on the Advisory Committee to the Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire, a non-profit that was established here by the leaders in the Bhutanese refugee community. They, too, have grappled with the cost of funerals. Their idea has been to create a sort of revolving loan fund. A simple cremation with ancillary arrangements can cost $4,000+ here. Families just can't get that money together within 24 hours (the Hindu cultural goal of cremation within 24 hours is a problem for the funeral homes and they are hesitant to proceed without payment in hand). Given more time, extended families and friends have been able to raise the money. So a revolving loan fund that is used to pay for today's funeral in anticipation of repayment within a month or so makes sense.
Even the highly educated Bhutanese have no grasp of the need for transparency in the operation of a non-profit that is trying to raise money. Those who are not "part of" the Board worry about where the money goes and can resist any attempts to fund-raise. Also, quite as a natural order of things, Brahmin/Chettri dominance can become an issue. Getting women involved can also be culturally difficult, but necessary, if the organization is to be perceived by the broader American community leadership as something they might want to support.
I would be happy to provide additional advice as you sail these waters. But it is important that you have someone to turn to that knows Illinois law because of the differences among states.
Doug Hall
Nepal 15
--
Darren Miller
Doug,
Thank you, as always, for such a thorough answer. Your contributions to this listserv are always very helpful.
Last night, the Bhutanese fellow who is organizing the initiative here sent me an email with more information. It seems they are several steps ahead of me. They already had a community meeting to discuss this, already identified organizers and potential officers, and already drafted some bylaws. See attached if you are interested. I was very impressed! I have not yet had a chance to thoroughly compare their bylaws to the documents you shared, but did notice that some of the 501c3 language that you highlighted is missing. I need to review all of these documents more carefully.
Your comment about women and caste is very interesting. I immediately noticed that all five proposed board members here are high caste men. They happen to be among the most educated, most articulate, well-respected people in the community, so I understand why they were selected. But I certainly see the value of diversity. I need to think some more about how to discuss that with them.
The bylaws also propose a fourteen member “advisory board” that’s more representative of the overall community, including several women and all castes.
I noticed that the “Gyan Jyoti Kendra” group isn’t a membership-based group. Can you share the reasoning behind that?
I’d welcome additional thoughts from others on this listserv, too.
Thanks again!
Darren Miller
Bhutanese Community Association of DuPage
2011
Mission Statement
The BCAD shall work for the well-being of the Bhutanese community, its culture, tradition, religion, language and integrity. It will also work to coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and organizations to accomplish the common aims of improving the lives of individuals and families within the Bhutanese community and to help facilitate their continuing adjustment in the United States. The Bhutanese Community Association of DuPage is a non-profit, charitable organization that qualifies as an exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Vision Statement
To serve all people within our community; helping them move from initial transition to ongoing success and development.
Aims/Purposes
Included but not limited to the following:
1. To provide translation and interpretation service in the community.
2. To help guide youth and children socially, morally and in a productive path, with a particular focus on supporting and equipping parents as they lead their children and their households.
3. To promote Bhutanese arts and culture.
4. To provide all community members the opportunity to live a life in dignity and respect.
5. To build healthy relationships with other communities, organizations and skill development centers to assist our members in becoming more self-reliant and independent.
6. To conduct programs for seniors, youth and children.
7. To create awareness programs in the community to further personal and group adjustment; encouraging appropriate acclimation and integration in a new land.
8. To address ongoing issues within the community as far as practicable.
9. To encourage new arrivals in their overall adjustment in the United States, instilling them with hope and optimism in every stage of their resettlement process.
Bhutanese Community Association of DuPage
Bylaws
Article 1
Name and Affiliation
This Association shall be titled and known as the Bhutanese Community Association of DuPage (BCAD).
Article 2
Membership
Ø All people of the Bhutanese community in DuPage County.
Ø All people 18 years and older are eligible for membership in the association and shall enjoy full voting rights.
Ø The annual membership fee for the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors and the General Members shall be $50, $25 and $15 respectively.
Article 3
Rights and Responsibilities
Ø Every member has the right to take an active part in the programs and activities of the Association.
Ø Every member shall make personal and joint efforts to uphold and promote the aims, objectives and overall development of the Bhutanese community.
Article 4
Board of Directors
The following positions shall constitute the Board of Directors of Bhutanese Community Association of DuPage:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Coordinator
The duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors are as follows:
1. President
Ø The President shall supervise all the activities of the Association.
Ø The President shall schedule and preside over all meetings of the Association.
Ø The President will be responsible for overseeing the planning of all Association activities, including the delegation of necessary tasks and responsibilities to ensure all functions are accounted for in each activity or program.
Ø The President shall be a required co-signer on all checks and drafts of the BCAD.
Ø The President shall serve as the official spokesperson of the Association.
2. Vice President
Ø The Vice President shall assist the President in performing presidential duties as needed.
Ø The Vice President shall be a required co-signer on all checks and drafts of the BCAD
Ø The Vice President shall perform all the duties and responsibilities of the President in event of the absence or resignation of the President.
Ø The Vice President shall perform any other duties assigned by the President.
3. Secretary
Ø The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records and files of all Board of Director meetings. The Secretary will also document all subsequent actions and outcomes of those meetings.
Ø The Secretary will be responsible to provide advanced notice to all Association members of upcoming events and activities of the Association.
Ø The Secretary shall be a required co-signer on all checks and drafts of the BCAD
Ø The Secretary shall perform any other duties assigned by the President
4. Treasurer
Ø The Treasurer shall act as the custodian of all funds and fiscal files of the Association.
Ø The Treasurer shall maintain appropriate, accurate and current financial records of all the activities conducted by the Association.
Ø The Treasurer will prepare a budget for all the activities and expenses of the Association.
Ø The Treasurer shall be a required co-signer on all checks and drafts of the BCAD
Ø The Treasurer shall perform any other duties assigned by the President.
5. Coordinator
Ø The Coordinator shall be responsible to both establish and support a Community Development Committee.
Ø The Coordinator shall be responsible to research community development opportunities and make informed recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning potential actions to promote community development.
Ø The Coordinator shall perform any other duties assigned by the President.
Article 5
Board of Advisors
Ø The Board of Advisors shall advise the Board of Directors to make appropriate decisions and actions on behalf of the Association.
Ø The Board of Directors shall determine the size and the formation of the Board of Advisors.
Article 6
Terms and Conditions for Service on the Board of Directors
Ø Any voting member of the Association, who is at least 25 years of age, shall be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
Ø A member serving on the Board of Directors or pursuing service on the Board of Directors shall have no criminal convictions (with the exception of traffic violations)
Ø Tenure for any member of the Board of Directors is two years, and a member may serve a maximum of two successive terms in any position on the Board.
Ø Any member serving on the Board shall be a resident of DuPage County for at least one year prior to their term of service.
Article 7
Termination and Resignation of Board of Directors Members
Ø Any member of the Board of Directors desiring to resign from the Board must submit a written request addressed to the President and delivered to the Secretary.
Ø Any member of the Board of Directors shall be terminated by the remaining Board members under the following conditions: any violation of the rules and regulations of the Association, any misuse of Association financial funds, and absence from three Board meetings in one calendar year.
Article 8
Election
Ø An independent Election Committee shall be formed by the Board of Advisors with the final approval of Board of Directors to conduct fair and transparent elections during the general meetings of the Association. Once votes have been tabulated and certified by the Election Committee, the nominee with the majority of votes for any position shall be elected immediately and installed at the next Board of Directors meeting .
Article 9
Meetings
Ø After consultation with Board of Directors, the President shall set the time, date, venue and agenda of the general meetings of the Association. General meetings of the Association shall take place two times a year. The Board of Directors shall meet together once a month. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at the discretion of the President.
Ø A 2/3 majority of Board of Directors members is considered a quorum for Board meetings.
Ø A 2/3 majority of Board members is required for approving and enacting any decisions concerning the Association.
Ø A printed notice of the annual meeting will be given to all member households through the mail or in person at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.
Article 10
Liquidation or Dissolution of the Association
Ø In the event of dissolution, any remaining funds of the Association shall be applied by the Board of Directors to meet the Association’s aims and objectives. No individual members, directors or officers of the Association shall benefit or share any of the Association’s assets during the dissolution. All remaining and outstanding bills shall be paid in a timely manner prior to the dissolution of the Association.
Article 11
Amendments
Ø These bylaws may only be amended by the 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors
From: bhutaneser...@googlegroups.com [mailto:bhutaneser...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Doug Hall
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 8:58 AM
To: bhutaneser...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Has anyone helped a local Bhutanese community for a non-profit?
Darren,
Doug Hall
Wow. The group certainly has done a lot of work on bylaws. I stress, however, that the Articles of Incorporation come first. They are most important because they are what is filed to create the organization. The bylaws follow later and provide more detail.
Some of their text may be based on other Bhutanese community associations recently formed elsewhere in the US. There are specific parts of it that make me worry because it will duplicate the problems that have occurred elsewhere.
Under its mission it says "charitable organization that qualifies as an exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code." The by-laws cannot decide whether an organization is tax exempt, only the IRS can do that. What needs to go into the Articles of Incorporation are the statements that the IRS requires. Even then, the IRS can still deny 501(c)3 status.
Under law, 501(c)3 status is granted only to organizations that have specific identifiable purposes. See http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=175418,00.html
|
In the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws should be some statement that specifically lists which of these purposes are those of the new organization. Clearly it is not "erecting public monuments" or "fostering amateur international sports competition." For Gyan Jyoti Kendra, for example, we specifically state that the purpose is "educational." The IRS staff who review an application for tax exempt status need to see something that objectively complies with the law. If they cannot find the language, the application will almost certainly be rejected.
These bylaws do no specify how often Board meetings must occur, whether attendance must be in person or can be by electronic means, how many of the Board constitute a quorum required to take action, etc. This is very specifically an area where I have seen very weak compliance with normal American patterns. Decisions of the Board must be made at a meeting and recorded in minutes. This provides assurance that one member of the Board is not making decisions or taking actions that have not been pre-authorized in some fashion by the entire Board. Board motions that authorize the President "to make arrangements for the annual meeting" or for the Treasurer "to make payments for funeral costs on behalf of Ram Gurung" protect the entire organization and its members from long arguments after the fact and protect the authorized officer from charges of doing everything on his own.
These are just thoughts... I wish the group the best.
Why no membership for Gyan Jyoti Kendra? Obtaining and maintaining a membership is great for organizations that want to involve a lot of people. But it takes a lot of time and effort. For certain kinds of organizations it makes sense (think Audubon Society, Friends of Nepal, Public Radio stations, etc.) These organizations tend to obtain most/all of their operating funds as dues or donations from their members. We don't expect to do/need that. At first we will operate on the basis of sales of books and all my time being donated for free so we have no labor cost. Later we may apply for foundation grants to fund certain projects that will allow us to hire Nepali staff or contractors (think Brookings Institution, Center for Applied Linguistics, etc.) We will expand our Board of Directors from the current five shortly, but we will not need a membership base and could not afford to expend the energy and money to create one.
Doug