Home President's Corner

|  |

LIGHTS--CAMERA--ACTION

"DEFINITION" All of us go through life knowing words but never truly understanding how great an impact they have on our lives. That impact is significant especially when those of us are chosen to work within and represent organizations -- organizations such as NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Incorporated. In addition, NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Inc.’s federal taxation status is a 501(c)(3).

First things first, “Incorporated”, so what exactly is the definition of “Incorporated”? What on Earth is the definition of a 501(c)(3) organization? More importantly, who cares? Aren’t we here to help individuals and families suffering from mental illness? Aren’t the missions of NAMI to support, educate, advocate, and research?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots organization that advocates for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Being a grassroots organization in itself is somewhat a contradiction in terms as the definition of “grassroots” means ordinary people in a community working in loose groups, while the definition of “organization” means a group of people identified by a shared interest or purpose (e.g. business). So what? Well, grassroots often form organizations that eventually become businesses that become incorporated. What does it mean to be incorporated, and what benefits can an organization get from being incorporated?

Incorporation is basically an act of starting a new corporation, and in essence creating a legal entity. A corporation can be an individual or an entity. The benefits are often legal and financial. The drawbacks are often the same as the benefits. Considering NAMI’s grassroots origin and its missions, it obtained 501(c)(3) status.

What does that mean, and why is that important? The specific definition is found under Title 26 (Internal Revenue Code), Subtitle A, Subchapter F, Part 1, § 501 (Exemption from tax on corporations, certain trusts, etc.), subsection c (List of exempt organizations), number 3. The importance enters into the fact that most non-profit organizations (i.e. NAMI) are entirely dependent on grants and individual donations. Without either they would fail in their missions. Every incorporated organization has rules and regulations for its operation (i.e. Corporate By-Laws).

They also have “Stakeholders”, “Directors”, and “Officers” and other entities. Such individuals, per By-Laws, have responsibilities to fulfill both in terms of administrative organizational requirements and organizational missions. Failure to understand the definitions given per By-Laws and fulfill mission critical responsibilities can have enormous repercussions in terms of organizational, legal, and tax status items.

In essence, if those in charge aren’t ensuring that the organization is doing what it set out to do (i.e. Mission Statement), and those in charge are not doing what is required of them (i.e. By-Laws), the organization as a whole has a major problem.

It is with this understanding that NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Inc. had its first of many planned “Strategic Planning Meetings”. There are many changes occurring within the organization locally as NAMI Florida and the national organization shift to a more corporate structure in terms of setting nationwide NAMI policy, procedures, and reporting. The concept of operations is that of a unified chain of command, purpose, and public message. This will involve all entities and programs under the “NAMI” brand. Many readers will see some big changes that will improve what we do, how we do it, and will be inclusive of many individuals of various ages and from various backgrounds.

An example of such change already occurred at the 2009 NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Inc.’s Wellness Fair and Sunset Stroll featuring “Illuminating Hope” Arts and Crafts from Suncoast Center that ended the National Mental Illness Awareness Week. John and Anne Jones and John Craig, Co-Chaired the Committee and were given full authority to organize and carry out the successful event. Florida Representative Janet C. Long (Dem-District 51) took time out of her busy day to open the event and lead the Sunset Stroll. In addition, since NAMI involves family, Rep. Long’s daughter, Anissa Raiford, Executive Director of the Pinellas County Medical Association, attended as well.

In addition, AstraZeneca set-up a very technologically adept display on Bipolar Disorder, while there were many performers, showcases, and vendors organized by Suncoast Center keeping guests entertained until the Sunset Stroll. The Stroll itself was closed with a very moving speech by Vincent House’s own Elliott Steele. It was a truly terrific event that everyone either familiar with NAMI or even new to NAMI enjoyed. Proceeds from the event will go toward NAMI Pinellas County local programs that help support, educate, and advocate for individuals and families suffering with mental illness. Future events include the Pinellas County Legislative Meeting and the Holiday Party in which members of the Consumer Council will have the ability to take the lead roles to showcase their skills and talents as speakers and event organizers.

As you can read there is a shift occurring to get more non-Executive Board Members to lead the organization into the future, and as time goes on a greater emphasis will be placed on those for whom the organization was originally designed to assist and move into the Recovery Model -- the Consumers and their Families. However, it first starts by everyone knowing and understanding the definitions. NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, is incorporated and its taxation status is that of a 501(c)(3) organization.

Once knowing and understanding the definitions associated with the aforementioned sentence, we will be able to truly establish a framework, formulate a strategy within the framework, implement the strategy, collecting outcome data, re-evaluating the process, and finally improve the steps that will eventually lead NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Inc. into becoming a more effective and efficient organization while not losing its grassroots flavor. We welcome everyone reading this to take part in shaping the future of YOUR NAMI Pinellas County, Florida, Inc.

Board of Directors
NAMI Pinellas County, Florida

|  |