[Pete]

Having run a 501(c)(3) for the last six years, I can tell you that if you’re doing public benefit work (like education, healthcare, community outreach), ‘nonprofit’ is probably what you’re looking for. ‘Not-for-profit’ can still mean you’re doing good—but usually for a smaller, member-based purpose. Talk to a nonprofit attorney or CPA before registering—it really depends on your mission.

[Pete]

It depends on the field. For civil rights, check out the ACLU. In education, I always point people to Khan Academy or DonorsChoose. They’re not just reputable, they’re innovative.

[Pete]

How to Find Volunteer Opportunities in New York City (NYC)

New York City offers a vast and diverse landscape of volunteer opportunities, reflecting its dynamic population and complex social fabric. Whether you’re interested in direct service, advocacy, or skills-based contributions, here’s how to find your niche:

1. Key Online Platforms & City Resources:

• NYC Service (http://www.nyc.gov/service): This is an official initiative of the City of New York designed to promote volunteerism. Their website features a searchable database of volunteer opportunities across all five boroughs, categorized by interest area, borough, and keywords.1

• New York Cares (http://www.newyorkcares.org): One of the largest volunteer organizations in the city, New York Cares partners with hundreds of non-profits and schools. They offer a flexible model where volunteers can sign up for individual projects that fit their schedule without long-term commitments, as well as ongoing opportunities. They require an orientation for new volunteers.

• VolunteerMatch (http://www.volunteermatch.org): A national database with a strong presence in NYC. You can search by location (zip code or borough) and interest area (e.g., “homelessness,” “education,” “environment,” “arts”).

• Idealist (http://www.idealist.org): While also a job board for non-profits, Idealist lists many volunteer opportunities, internships, and ways to get involved with organizations in NYC.2

2. Common Areas of Need & Types of Opportunities in NYC:

• Hunger & Homelessness:

• Food Bank For New York City, City Harvest, Coalition for the Homeless, The Bowery Mission: These and many other organizations need help with meal preparation, service, food sorting, and outreach.3

[Pete]

Look, most of these big box stores have a mix of political affiliations if you dig into their PACs and donor records. If Home Depot’s values or contributions bother you, sure—shop somewhere else. But if you’re basing your decisions on the political leanings of every corporation, you might run out of stores real quick.

[Pete]

Honestly? It’s not the easiest path unless you know exactly what you want and start building toward it early. I ended up in a corporate job just to pay rent, even though I studied political science. If I could do it again, I’d pair the degree with something more technical or career-focused. Passion is great, but so is job security.

[Pete]

Welcome to election season! They probably got your number from voter registration data. If you’re registered to vote, especially with a party, that info gets shared—sometimes even sold. It’s annoying, especially when you’ve had a long day and the phone rings right at dinnertime.

[Pete]

Must-Watch Political Documentaries (That Actually Stick With You)

Whether you’re exploring American democracy, campaign strategies, or the role of media and money, these documentaries can help you connect the dots—and maybe even inspire action:

1. Campaigns, Candidates & Power Plays

• The War Room (1993) – A behind-the-scenes look at Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, focusing on James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. It’s raw, real, and foundational.

• Knock Down the House (2019) – Follows four female progressive candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, during their 2018 campaigns. Personal, emotional, and motivating.

2. Systems, Laws & Injustice

• 13th (2016) – Explores the U.S. prison system and how systemic racism evolved through policy. Directed by Ava DuVernay—it’s gripping and award-winning.

• Requiem for the American Dream (2015) – Noam Chomsky breaks down how wealth and power have concentrated over decades. Clear, sobering, and thought-provoking.

3. Media, Influence & Surveillance

• The Social Dilemma (2020) – While not purely political, it reveals how social media algorithms influence public discourse and political polarization.

• The Great Hack (2019) – Dives into Cambridge Analytica and how voter data was weaponized in elections.

4. Satire & Dark Humor

• Thank You for Smoking (2005) – Technically a satirical film, not a doc, but it nails the spin and PR strategies used in political messaging.

• Where to Invade Next (2015) – Michael Moore explores social policies around the world and how they contrast with American policy. Funny, sharp, and surprisingly hopeful.

5. Bonus Picks for the Political Nerds

• Slay the Dragon (2019) – About gerrymandering and how grassroots activists are trying to fight back.

Active Measures (2018) – Covers Russian interference in U.S. politics with tons of documentation and expert interviews.

[Pete]

This whole IQ and politics thing… it makes me so angry. It’s used to justify elitism and dismiss the concerns of working-class folks. They act like people who don’t have fancy degrees are somehow less capable of making informed decisions. I’ve seen incredibly intelligent, empathetic people who vote based on their lived experiences and values, not some abstract test score. This whole focus on IQ just reinforces harmful stereotypes and divides us.

[Pete]

I appreciate Reuters and the AP for their methodological transparency. They clearly explain their sources and how they make race projections. For teaching purposes, I direct my students to C-SPAN’s election feeds for the raw, unfiltered coverage, which allows them to form their own analyses rather than relying on commentator interpretations.I appreciate Reuters and the AP for their methodological transparency. They clearly explain their sources and how they make race projections. For teaching purposes, I direct my students to C-SPAN’s election feeds for the raw, unfiltered coverage, which allows them to form their own analyses rather than relying on commentator interpretations.

[Pete]

I. Core Organizational Structure:

1. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is indeed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

a) This designation, under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, means it is organized and operated for charitable purposes.

b) This allows PPFA to receive tax-deductible donations.

2. It is important to understand that Planned Parenthood is a federation of independently run health centers.

a) While PPFA sets the overall policy and provides support, local Planned Parenthood affiliates operate as separate 501(c)(3) entities.

II. 501(c)(3) Implications:

1. Tax-Deductibility of Donations:

a) Contributions made to PPFA and its affiliated centers are generally tax-deductible for donors.

b) This is a significant factor in their ability to raise funds.

2. Restrictions on Political Activity:

a) As a 501(c)(3), PPFA is prohibited from directly engaging in partisan political activities.

b) This means they cannot endorse or oppose specific political candidates.

c) They are allowed to do some lobbying, but there are strict rules governing how much.

3. Public Funding:

a) Some Planned parenthood clinics receive Title X funding, which is a federal program that supports family planning and related preventative health services.

b) However, due to restrictions, Title X funding cannot be used for abortions.

III. Public Perception and Controversy:

1. The 501(c)(3) status of Planned Parenthood is often a point of contention in political discourse.

2. Opponents of abortion rights frequently challenge the organization’s eligibility for this status, arguing that its services do not align with charitable purposes.

3. Supporters of planned parenthood, argue that the wide range of health services, including cancer screening, and preventative care fully aligns with the purpose of a 501c3.

4. The debate highlights the deep divisions in American society regarding reproductive rights.

[Pete]

Look, starting a nonprofit ain’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need more than just good intentions. It’s about paperwork, fundraising, and dealing with folks who think they know better than you. But if you see a real need, a gap that ain’t being filled, then you gotta push through. Just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll need a solid team backing you.

[Pete]

Donating to your own nonprofit is a complex issue with both legal and ethical considerations. While generally permissible, it requires careful navigation to ensure compliance and maintain public trust.

Legal Considerations
* IRS Regulations: The IRS generally allows donations to 501(c)(3) organizations, even if the donor is a founder, board member, or employee. However, these donations must be truly charitable and not result in personal benefit beyond the normal scope of the organization’s mission.
* Conflict of Interest Policies: Nonprofits should have robust conflict of interest policies in place. These policies should address situations where a board member or founder has a financial interest in a transaction, including donations. Transparency and disclosure are crucial.
* State Laws: State laws may also govern donations to nonprofits, particularly regarding self-dealing and conflicts of interest. It’s essential to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with both federal and state regulations.

Ethical Considerations

* Public Trust: Donating to your own nonprofit can raise questions about the true purpose of the donation. Is it genuinely charitable, or is it intended to benefit the donor in some way? Transparency and clear communication are vital to maintain public trust.
* Appearance of Impropriety: Even if a donation is technically legal, it can create the appearance of impropriety if not handled carefully. This can damage the nonprofit’s reputation and deter other donors.
* Best Practices: Best practices include full disclosure to the board of directors, independent review of the donation, and documentation of the rationale behind the donation. The amount of the donation should be reasonable in light of the donor’s financial capacity and the organization’s needs.

Practical Steps

* Consult Legal Counsel: Before making a significant donation to your own nonprofit, consult with an attorney specializing in nonprofit law.
* Disclose to the Board: Inform the board of directors of your intention to donate and provide full details about the donation.
* Document Everything: Maintain meticulous records of the donation, including the amount, date, and purpose.
* Seek Independent Review: Consider having an independent third party review the donation to ensure it is in the best interests of the organization.
* Communicate Transparently: Be transparent with the public about the donation, explaining its purpose and how it will benefit the organization.

Conclusion

Donating to your own nonprofit can be a valuable way to support its mission. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, following all legal and ethical guidelines. Transparency, disclosure, and independent review are essential to ensure that the donation is truly charitable and serves the best interests of the organization.

[Pete]

Political science, sure, it looks great on a resume, but let’s be honest, the real-world options aren’t as glamorous as the professors make it sound. You can definitely land jobs, but they’re often less about policy change and more about staying in the system. Some jobs to consider, though:

• Lobbyist

• Policy Analyst

• Public Relations Specialist

• Nonprofit Administrator

Government Analyst You’ll need to keep pushing to climb the ladder, but it’s definitely doable if you know how to play the game.

[Pete]

As a fresh political science graduate, I’m feeling pretty optimistic about the future! The salary range can vary depending on where you work, but I’ve heard that most entry-level positions in government, nonprofits, and think tanks start at around $40,000 to $55,000 a year. And as you gain experience and maybe even move into a policy analysis or communications role, the pay can go up significantly. It’s exciting because it feels like there are so many opportunities for growth!

[Pete]

With a political science degree, I see endless possibilities! This degree gives you the tools to reshape the world and create a more just, equal society. Imagine becoming a human rights lawyer, fighting for those who need a voice. Or maybe you’ll work in the government to change laws that impact millions. The world needs change makers, and this degree is your opportunity to become one. Just think—running a campaign, advocating for policy reform, or even influencing world diplomacy. The power to create change is right in your hands!