Starting a Cemetery Preservation Association
Scot, I agree on all. Marie
---- ScotStout@aol.com wrote:
hello, all. the next discussion topic i'm somewhat hesitant about bringing
up, because i don't think we're quite to this stage yet, and that's
"Starting a Cemetery Preservation Association." however, should
we decide to create an association, it will take a while so it might be better
to start discussing it at this time just so we have a head start.
again, this info comes from savinggraves.com. i've deleted portions that
don't pertain to our situation. PLEASE feel free to comment on these
discussion topics!! i'd like to hear input from more people, even if it's
just to say you agree or disagree!
again, my input is in RED:
Starting A Cemetery Preservation Association
To give you a basic idea of what's involved in the process of starting a
Cemetery Preservation Association, we have set up a "bare bones" guide
that may be of some help to you in getting started. Thanks go out to the members
of the Indiana Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project mailing list for the
valuable input they provided in putting this together.
Before doing anything else
· Check to make sure that there is not a pre existing group in your
focus area. A local Historical Society if there is one would be a good source
for this information. i don't believe there is one, since caren has stated
that she has tried to get the locals interested in cleaning up the cemetery.
also, if there was such a group, i don't think PRC would have been in this
situation for the last 55+ years.
· Find out if there are existing readings of the cemeteries in your
focus area. If they do exist you might want to see about updating them. the
three lists i have are merged and on my web site as well as lori's web site
(myfamily.com). total number of burials known at this time is 241.
Prior to holding a first meeting
· Collect both information and the names, addresses and phone
numbers of people who want to be directly involved in organizing a cemetery
preservation association. in progress. can anyone think of
additional people? i will try to get the price
brothers involved.
· Once you have a core group (say 3 to 6 people) that have
expressed a desire and a willingness to get involved , you can schedule a
private meeting with them to discuss the most pressing issues that could be
solved through a cemetery preservation association and how each of them wanted
be involved in the
organizing committee. At this stage, it is very important that this becomes a
group project, rather than just your project.
· The organizing committee needs to choose the issues to discuss
and lead the discussion as to why a cemetery preservation association is needed.
· Start to develop a plan or organization, thinking about issues
such as incorporation and such.
Your First Meeting
· At the first meeting, it is important to collect the names and
addresses of those attending.
Organizing
· Once you have had at least one meeting, and everyone is in
agreement that you need a cemetery preservation association, it is time to get
organized.
You need to establish bylaws, elect officers, set up committees, and
establish an action plan.
· You may find that it is to your advantage to establish yourselves
as a non profit corporation. While this is a simple process, the law on how to
go about this process varies from state to state so you should check with your
local state for the correct information.
· You also may want to file to establish your association as a
501c3 federal non profit corporation.
· If you are going to be dealing with money, you need to set up a
bookkeeping system. You should also apply for a business name to protect the
identity of your cemetery preservation association. In order to open a bank
account, you will need to have a Tax I.D. Number.
· If you want to be eligible for certain grants and to receive a
special bulk mailing rate, you may want to apply for tax exempt status.
· As you work through the process, you will want to become familiar
with the resources, including local and regional as well as the various online
resources.
· Make plans to promote the association. One good place to
start is by registering your Association with the Saving Graves Association
Registry.
Regular Meetings
· Plan on holding regular meetings (general consensus as to a
mutually agreeable date). online discussion via
e-mail suffices nicely, since we're all spread out across the nation.
· Create a website. This alone can take up the majority of the time
that you devote to the association. and we have TWO!
(mine & lori's)
· Try to make use of community volunteer groups for help when
possible. i was thinking this might take place after
we get the initial cleanup done, mainly as maintenance.
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