Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can our organization join NAEA since we have lobbying restrictions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?
A: Yes. Public charities may use up to 20 percent of their budgets for lobbying purposes. However, since the NAEA membership fee is significantly less than 20 percent of most organizational funds, your membership fee will fall well within the legal guidelines for nonprofit charities.
Q: Can we use federal grant funds to join the NAEA?
A: Federal Circular A-122 permits grant funds to be used to join professional associations such as NAEA. NAEA estimates that 50% of membership dues will be used for lobbying activities; however no federal funds can be used for lobbying. Therefore, 50% (or $75) of an organizational membership fee should come from non federal grant funds. If this is not possible, please contact NAEA and your dues will be segregated from any lobbying expenditures.
Q: What is the relationship between NAEA and other abstinence organizations?
A: NAEA seeks to work together with all abstinence organizations to support programs around the country. Because of the unique capabilities of NAEA as a 501(c)(4) organization, NAEA seeks to strengthen the overall impact of abstinence education.
Q: Why should I join NAEA today?
A: Given that abstinence opponents at the state and federal level are now working aggressively to defund abstinence education, the abstinence community must quickly unite to defend and promote abstinence on Capitol Hill. The stronger the NAEA membership base, the greater NAEA’s ability to effectively lobby on behalf of abstinence organizations. There truly is strength in numbers! Based on the need to quickly develop a common voice for abstinence that can be clearly heard in the halls of Congress, it is essential that every educator, provider and supporter of abstinence education link arms through NAEA.
Q: What will I receive in exchange for my membership?
A: As an individual, you will receive discounts on professional development opportunities, representation in Washington DC for your efforts, general media training, talking points, legislative updates and other informational resources.
As an organization, you will receive all of the above services, plus an opportunity to participate in member services that include discounts on insurance, computers, retirement plans and other goods or services typically used by abstinence organizations. Professional development discounts will be limited to two staff members per organization.
Q: How can I contact NAEA?
A: The NAEA office is located at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20006. You may contact us at (202) 248-5420 or by email at info@AbstinenceAssociation.org
Important Points
Public charities may use up to 20 percent of their budgets for lobbying purposes.
NAEA estimates that 50% of membership dues will be used for lobbying activities; however no federal funds can be used for lobbying. Therefore, 50% (or $75) of an organizational membership fee should come from non federal grant funds.
NAEA seeks to work together with all abstinence organizations to support programs around the country.
The stronger the NAEA membership base, the greater NAEA’s ability to effectively lobby on behalf of abstinence organizations.