LFS Achieves Nonprofit Status

The Libertarian Futurist Society is now a nonprofit corporation and we are in the process of applying for federal tax-exempt status. Once we have completed this arduous process, it will become possible for LFS members and other supporters to make tax-deductible donations to sustain LPS activities. We hope to receive federal tax-exempt status before the end of the year.

LFS leaders have discussed for many years the advantages of tax-deductible nonprofit status. In a survey during the LFS reorganization of 1998-1999, all members were asked whether we should take this step. Overwhelmingly, LFS members said yes—with more than 90% offering their support. Because LFS leaders faced more pressing organizational issues in 1999 and 2000, the LFS Board of Directors wasn't able to begin the complicated application process until last summer. But we've made great progress since then, developing a set of by-laws (as required by law) that codifies our awards process and other important LFS activities.

One legal requirement—and a welcome one that could boost membership participation—is to begin holding an annual membership meeting. Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday morning, May 27, during LFScon. At that meeting, we will ask members to suggest future LFS activities and to vote on the time and place of our 2002 business meeting. So far, several members have suggested that such a meeting be held just before (or after) our annual Prometheus Award ceremony at each WorldCon. The 2002 Worldcon is scheduled for San Jose, California, and the 2003 WorldCon for Toronto, Canada.

If you plan to attend the 2001, 2002, or 2003 WorldCon, please contact LFS Director Victoria Varga at varga@compuserve.com. We are especially looking for LFS members to help with this year's Best Novel award ceremony at the Philadelphia 2001 Worldcon.