Get Involved

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SGS is permitted to perform some degree of advocacy and lobbying, but must operate within certain defined limits, primarily by staying non-partisan and avoiding “political campaign intervention”.   There are specific rules on the amount of lobbying allowed, and 501(c)(3)s are strictly prohibited from supporting or opposing any candidate for public office.   SGS may not conduct electioneering and may not form a Political Action Committee.

Lobbying

While it cannot be a “substantial part” of its activities SGS can lobby on issues and legislation, including providing information and testimony to legislators, or encouraging the public to contact their legislators (grassroots lobbying).  SGS does this as one of 16 membership organizations that belong to the Women First Research Coalition.  The coalition meets virtually on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5pm Eastern. More information can be found here.

If you have experience and are interested in this coalition, please send a brief statement of interest and CV to info@sgsonline.org (abbreviated CV pr bio sketch strongly preferred).

Other SGS Advocacy activity involves signing on to position statements or federal or state court cases (typically in the form of amicus briefs).  Taking positions on broad public policy issues and conducting general educational campaigns are permitted and not considered lobbying.