By Teshia Birts, CAE
Posted on 2012-02-01
I want to remind chapter and associated group leaders about the importance of a corporate status. This may be a no-brainer to some, but many organization leaders confuse this with the tax-exempt status (i.e., 501(c)3, 501(c)6, etc.) There is really no connection between these two.
The process for becoming a formal non-profit, professional or trade organization typically involves obtaining an Employee Identification Number (EIN) which eventually becomes the organization’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) (once granted tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service).
During that same time, most leaders/staff also work on having the organization become a recognized business entity in their state (or in another state with the help of a registered agent, but that’s a different blog post). This process typically involves (1) completing an application for incorporation and (2) paying a registration fee when the application is filed.
Information regarding the forms, where to submit them and filing fees can ordinarily be found on the state’s Secretary of State or Corporate Commission website.
This part of the process is relatively easy and painless. In fact, most states have gone completely electronic with this procedure. The problem that I come across working with many smaller organizations is submitting the follow-up reports AFTER they have been incorporated. You see, in order to maintain that corporate status, you must file regular reports letting the state know your organization continues to function as a business. This is the opportunity for them to collect updated information on your organization as well (e.g., officer, business address, etc.) Many states also collect a fee each time the report is filed (which may be annually, biennially, etc.)
Submitting these annual reports is important – if you don’t, your organization runs the risk of having its corporate status suspended or removed.
Why is all of this important anyway? Because having that “corporate covering” is the first line of defense for lawsuits brought against your officers, members and staff. Many underwriters for directors and officers’ insurance, general liability insurance or event cancellation insurance won’t issue policies to unincorporated entities. Some vendors like hotels and resorts will not conduct business with them either.
Many states do very well in sending reminders several weeks before annual reports are due, but if your association contact changes frequently or if you just aren’t sure, do some research on your state’s Secretary of State or Corporate Commissions website. Better to be safe than sorry!
I want to remind chapter and associated group leaders about the importance of a corporate status. This may be a no-brainer to some, but many organization leaders confuse this with the tax-exempt status (i.e., 501(c)3, 501(c)6, etc.) There is really no connection between these two.
The process for becoming a formal non-profit, professional or trade organization typically involves obtaining an Employee Identification Number (EIN) which eventually becomes the organization’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) (once granted tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service).
By Christine Royce
Posted on 2012-01-29
This month’s Leaders Letter provides several resources that list the top science stories of 2011—ranging from monthly highlights to high tech inventions. What was your favorite topic? What story caught your attention and made you go hmmmmm—now that is something to think about?
While I can’t say I have a favorite topic, there were several stories that did catch my attention. The first being the tsunami following the earthquakes in Japan. I had been in Japan several years ago and have several friends there so the story first caught my attention from the personal perspective where I was worried about friends as well as having an interest in where the epicenter was, the resulting damage to the nuclear plants and of course the devastation and suffering the earthquakes caused. What made the tsunami an interest was the fact that it was predicted to hit the San Francisco Bay area during the NSTA Conference there—this itself was exciting since after all we are science educators and any type of science engages us. It was however also interesting to hear the number of friends say—I can’t believe (insert name of family member here) called me at 4:00 a.m. this morning to tell me to stay away from the bay. My mother was included in this activity all the way from the east coast. I guess it holds true that many of us want to “see science happen” and it was perhaps good fortune that the tsunami was less destructive than originally predicted as well as hitting a good distance north of our location.
I think the other story that was bittersweet for me was the last launch of the shuttle Atlantis. It brought the end of an era of space travel one step closer. If I ever had a chance to go into space, I would (so perhaps the warning about staying away from the tsunami by mother is fair) and hearing that Atlantis was now permanently grounded made me wonder how that pursuit be it mine or others would continue in the future.
Which story caught your attention?
This month’s Leaders Letter provides several resources that list the top science stories of 2011—ranging from monthly highlights to high tech inventions. What was your favorite topic? What story caught your attention and made you go hmmmmm—now that is something to think about?
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-01-28
Are you attending the NSTA conference in Indianapolis this spring? At this point, you should be registering, making arrangements for lodging and transportation, and thinking about your lesson plans for the substitute (if you haven’t done so already).
If this the first time you’ve attended the national conference, it can be overwhelming at first. Here are some suggestions, updated from last year’s blog:
Consider attending the first-timers session on the first day. This year, Dr. Christine Royce is hosting the session Conference Tips for First-Timers on Thursday, March 29 3:30–4:30 PM in the JW Marriott Indianapolis, JW Grand Ballroom 5. It’s worth the time.
There are a few other things you should do before you go:
Read more suggestions on what to take and what to do.
Some hints on what to take:
At the Conference:
Back Home:
Does anybody else have tips for conference newbies? Please leave a comment.
Update: 2012.08.21
NSTA has created these “infographics” to help you maximize your conference experience—click on an image to open a full-sized PDF:
Are you attending the NSTA conference in Indianapolis this spring? At this point, you should be registering, making arrangements for
By Peggy Ashbrook
Posted on 2012-01-27
I am so looking forward to the NSTA national conference in Indianapolis in March 2012! It’s not that I’m tired of my everyday life and teaching work—it’s that I’m eager to be back from the conference with fresh ideas and new connections to create in the curriculum. NSTA conferences are joyful events, populated with educators doing what they love best.
I want to:
All of us who count astronauts as role-models can look forward to hearing NASA’s Associate Administrator for Education, Leland Melvin, speak on “Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders” (Thursday March 29, 9-10am, Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom).
The NSTA Learning Center has a Professional Development Community Forum discussion going on with tips for attending conferences. Here are some of the ideas contributed by veteran conference-goers:
Tina Harris: Take your own flat-rate postal boxes and tape with you so you can pack and ship as you accumulate give-aways and purchases. 3 flat rate boxes = $50 extra suitcase and you don’t have to lug it through an airport! We here in Indy are also offering some wonderful field trips (check the conference schedule).
Carolyn Mohr: The exhibitors’ hall is not ‘doable’ in one day. Some socials provide free treats and beverages and you get a chance to mingle with like-minded teachers.
Susanne Hokkanen: I recommend at least two workshops at each time slot, because sometimes workshops fill up fast, and your first choice may not be available or open or may be too far away to reach in time. And try to leave a time slot open just for “absorb it all” time.
Laura Jones: I also would recommend the most comfortable shoes you have.
Ms. Mentor suggests visiting the Conference Newcomers’ Page. She made some recommendations for the 2011 conference which apply to area and national conferences in any year, such as, Introduce yourself to teachers at the sessions or events. You’ll meet lots of interesting people and make many new personal connections.
I hope to meet some of you in Indianapolis or at another conference. You can register online now, and the early bird price is good through February 3. My wishful-thinking schedule has three (gulp!) sessions for each time slot—guess I’d better re-evaluate the list and look for a slot to “absorb it all”—wait, isn’t that what the plane trip home is for!?
Peggy
I am so looking forward to the NSTA national conference in Indianapolis in March 2012! It’s not that I’m tired of my everyday life and teaching work—it’s that I’m eager to be back from the conference with fresh ideas and new connections to create in the curriculum.
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-01-26
Our school is facing a budget crunch. Each department was asked for suggestions for cost-saving measures. Do you have any suggestions the science department can add to the list?
— Brenda, New York
It’s heartbreaking (or outrageous, depending on one’s point of view) to see teachers and administrators expected to provide more services with fewer financial resources. I know of several public schools that are even asking parents to donate classroom supplies. This imposes a burden, especially in times when many families also are struggling at home. I’m sure you and your colleagues are thrifty, but I’ve talked with some colleagues for suggestions to supplement your efforts.
Paper and copying can be a place to scale back.
Ask students for suggestions! They may come up with some good ideas that give them ownership in the process. (Keep your sense of humor—my students had suggestions such as Save paper with shorter tests or Save water by not making us wash our hands before lunch.)
Professional development (PD) often is on the budget chopping block, but it’s more important than ever. Rather than listing a series of unrelated events, be sure your activities all connect with your identified goals. Suggest PD activities that are free or have minimal costs: teacher-directed study groups, blogging, action research projects, independent study, presentations by your own teachers, online courses (such as those offered by NSTA), events at nearby museums or science centers, and online collaborations via discussion groups, tweetchats, videoconferencing, or networking sites.
None of these suggestions will save huge amounts of money. However, many of the suggestions may also lead to greener classrooms with less waste.
For more ideas:
Science on a Shoestring—The Science Teacher, July 2011
Professional Development—Science & Children, July 2010
Professional Development on a Shoestring – Ms Mentor, March 2009
NSTA’s Frugal Science Teacher books
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68751915@N05/6736170827/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Our school is facing a budget crunch. Each department was asked for suggestions for cost-saving measures. Do you have any suggestions the science department can add to the list?
— Brenda, New York
By Martin Horejsi
Posted on 2012-01-24
One year ago, this blog highlighted the unique opportunity of the Google’s Global Online Science Fair. Well, the fair was a success and the winners have been announced. According to a Google website, Over 10,000 students from 91 countries submitted amazing science experiments. With project topics ranging from “Can I program a robot in English?” to “Can I make a sailboat even faster with a winged keel,” to “How does marinade affect carcinogen levels in grilled chicken?,” we were fascinated, inspired and awed by the young scientific talent across so many fields all over the world.”
The winners are:
And here is an inspiring YouTube video of the winners describing their experiences and experiments.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmnAFj4Y3tc[/youtube]
And for those ready to take the plunge in 2012, here’s the promo video inviting participation. Submissions are being accepted on the site until March 30, and regional finalists will be chosen in May, and 15 finalists will be selected in June. The winners will be announced at Google’s headquarters on July 23, 2012.
How to enter? Watch the video below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sElBwQkK4mE&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]
One year ago, this blog highlighted the unique opportunity of the Google’s Global Online Science Fair. Well, the fair was a success and the winners have been announced. According to a Google website, Over 10,000 students from 91 countries submitted amazing science experiments.
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-01-21
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-01-18