Messages in ICG #boardofdirectors (Slack) <2019-10-11 2019-10-13>
Vicky Assarattanakul 7:25
PM
Apologies, I cannot find the specific thread, but here are some replies
regarding an audit from the Yahoo list:
[8 replies Last reply 2019-10-15 4:35 PM]
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
If we decide to have an audit done it should be because the BoD
needs one to help it understand our financial position and to see what recommendations
the auditor may have with regard to our financial procedures. It should not be
simply because of fears about what the IRS or any other external body may
demand.
Byron
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
I can certainly appreciate that perspective, and before 2017 I would have
shared it. It’s less about fears and more the realization that many
small groups that no one ever thought would be paid attention to have been
audited by the IRS in the last 2 years (and especially this year) and found to
be in violation of something, and it cost some of them their 501c3 and others
closed from it completely. I don’t want to see that happen to us,
and the argument of “we’re too small” isn’t likely to be valid with the way
things have transpired for others of similar size.
It would be very helpful to also see where we
have areas that could be adjusted or maximized annually in our budget to ensure
that we can realize the full potential of our archives.
My whole reason for analyzing the financials in
preparation for the 5 year plan (based on the P&Ls and other data available
on the website) was to find a way to increase the funding for the archives in
the hopes of both expediting it’s re-release and growing our collection and for
our tech so that we could increase our capacity and ensure future viability and
stability for the archives. I think an audit or, at the very least,
a financial review by a 501(c)3 accountant, would be very helpful.
Cordially,
Mera Babineaux
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
Maybe it is time for the Treasurer to become a hired accountant position rather
than a volunteer position. That way all based will be covered on all the
nitty-gritty of reporting.
Most of you forget that we are only a large
social club that happens to have a 501(3)(c) status.
Jeanine
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
We’re more than just a social club, in my opinion. By virtue of our 501(C)3
recognition, we are deemed an educational organization. That is what we told
the IRS we were and they agreed when they issued the recognition.
Byron
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
How many chapters post their educational activities that happen? I know of a
few who share on FaceBook but most do not. If the IRS
asks for just what activities are going on what can be reported? The newsletter
is always begging for articles but chapters do not share what they have been
doing as outreach to the community. Keeping everything in "house" is
not the best use of the educational designation. Educational means reaching out
and sharing information to others outside of the organization.
Jeanine
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
GCFCG has posted some on our website and Facebook. It was determined we should
stop having workshops or panels until during and after CC40. The ICG members do
educational at CC but that is not and ICG event.
Merrily
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
The archives are the primary source of educational material, which is one of
the reasons that it is so imperative that we get them back online
quickly. We can also utilize word press on our website and social
media like Facebook and Instagram to provide more access to educational
resources through “blog” entries that share costume creation resources,
documentation of those who have created costumes, sewing techniques, articles
and educational videos outside the ICG, etc.
Education on the “International” level needs to
go through our tech resources. Chapters can organize their own
workshops at conventions, local libraries, fabric stores like Joann’s, and
other locations close to them which will also provide marketing opportunities
to attract more members capable of producing more content.
This is part of the reason that Marianne and I
created the 5 year plan. Over the last decade, the volume of
information created, shared, and accessed online by Costumers and Cosplayers
who are NOT ICG and could help the organization by being members while also
benefiting from the publicity to our members would help keep us solvent and
relevant for decades to come..
Cordially,
Mera Babineaux
Vicky Assarattanakul 2 years ago
Yes, we have the Archives and a few active chapters that post on Facebook what
their activities are.
But most of the chapters do not and the
Newsletter is begging every issue for content Why are they not submitting
activities reports to it?
The big issue is with all the chapters that can not
be bothered with the monthly BoD check in or submit their
required monthly membership reports with all the required information for
members as stated in both the By-Laws and Standing Rules. Those are to are the
social clubs who are taking advantage of the Non-Profit status of the ICG. Convince
me otherwise that they are not social clubs taking advantage of the status.
Jeanine