One of the most disturbing, long-term trends affecting the future of our nation is low voter turnout. I have, for some time, felt that our low voter turnout is a reflection of our fellow citizens taking the freedoms spelled out in the Constitution for granted, or a simple lack of understanding of the importance of voting in sustaining our republic.
While I'm not sure that anyone can move the first group to get involved, I do feel that the second group has some hope. With that in mind I've been working on an educational site for people who would like to know more about how our political system REALLY works, and learn more about policy, and it's effect on the average voter.
There are a lot of resources out there, both on the left and the right for people who already have developed a sense of their place in politics, but there aren't many places, that I have found, where people can develop an opinion based on solid, and easy to find information, to help them forge an opinion without the noise of the mainstream media, or the possible indignity of being treated like a moron for not really understanding the process, etc.
Most "casual observers" are turned off by much of the partisanship that is found in "watchdog" groups, or blogs of one flavor or the other, this place would strive to give honest and accurate information, without the varnish of one party or the other, so people could make informed decisions and help them forge an opinion in an environment that nurtured their interest.
I've been tossing this idea around in my head for several years, and feel that I have a good start on the actual content of the site. I've tried, with limited success over the years to get this thing off the ground, and always seem to run into some kind of roadblock, real or imagined. Now I find myself not only ready but aching to make this a going concern.
As my thinking process has progressed, I've found that I don't really know how to get something like this off the ground from a legal perspective. Though I am self-employed and know how to get a business off the ground, I don't really know what steps need to be taken in terms of classification (would this be a 501c?, would I need to report to the FEC?). Additionally, most of my resources have been incapable of giving me a straight answer on the subject.
So, in an effort to get SOME kind of a straight answer, I come to you, hat in hand. I know that I haven't provided enough information, and I will be willing to do so in the coming discussion. Additionally, it is my intention to get this site back up on the "tubes" in the weeks after the election, in preparation for the new Congress this January.
If anyone has any advise, or would be willing to help in any way it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Vibinc