OLM, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?

Is the OLM a Non-Profit Organization?

By: Anthony Fallah Swaray

Sunday, April 12 was another faithful day, as some Liberians gathered at the Brookdale Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park for a meeting convoked by the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota. Several pertinent issues were discussed at the meeting ranging from Financial Accountability, TPS, the controversial Bartee’s appointment as Vice President, the OLM 1986 constitution, and the 2005 Amended constitution approved by IRS as the most appropriate document sufficing OLM’s role in the community as a 501c3 organization.

The meeting did not commence at 4pm as scheduled. I arrived at the meeting at 3:59pm and only two board members was present, Mr. Zakama and Mrs. Gray. The president, Mr. Dwanyen, his controversial vice president, John Bartee and Dwanyen’s unswerving financial secretary, Kulah Parker were not punctual. I was not surprise because some Liberians have made tardiness a cultural habit.

In another development, I have realized that it is also becoming a cultural thing for Liberians to gather without a police coming to caution us about the manner in which we have to conduct ourselves. This is a reality. Today, most Africans are aware that Liberians are incapable of governing themselves in public without the involvement of the police. I certainly agreed because when the meeting started thirty minutes subsequent to the schedule time, Mr. Kerper Dwanyen entered along with his controversial vice president and the financial secretary.

While the meeting was in progress, without any permission from the chairman of the board, Mr. Kulah Parker started distributing financial report. This was very annoying and unprofessional on the part of the financial secretary of the OLM.

At the same time, John Bartee went up to sit with the president and the board members. The chairman of the board frowned and immediately asked him to sit in the audience, but he vehemently rejected on ground that he was guest of the president. Mr. Bartee put up a scene which left the board with no other option, but to invite the police. The police intervened and John Bartee was instructed to sit in his rightful seat.

Well, that was just to give you a synopsis of what unfolded at the meeting on that faithful day. Let’s shift our attention to the main issue, which has to do with the OLM’s operation as a Non-Profit. According to my comprehension, OLM is a Non Profit organization. What is a Non- Profit organization? A Non-profit organization is one that is established purposely to engage in activities under public or private interest. Non- profit organizations focus on meeting the basic needs of people to enable them transform their lives into becoming useful people. Most Non-Profit organizations today operate as tax-exempt organizations under 501(c) (3).

This status enables Non-profit organizations raise funds to support initiatives as defined by the IRS. What does the IRS say about operating as a Tax exempt organization? The IRS says that “To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates”.

With this, I want this community to know that is the responsibility of our community leaders to define the roles and responsibilities of the OLM and operate in accordance with IRS laws regarding Non Profit. Let us be aware that misleading the IRS has legal implications. A hint to the wise is quite sufficient.
Please see some questions that continue to linger on my mind.

1.   OLM is a 501c3 organization. Why is the president still using the 1986 constitution?
2.   Why is it so difficult to adopt the 2005 Amended constitution that has been approved by the IRS?
3.   How long does it take to adopt a simple constitution?
4.   When will our community leaders see it befitting to work cooperatively in the interest of the community?
5.   When will our community leaders stop being quarrelsome?
6.   The president said “I don’t want the baby to be divided”, is he ready to allow the baby eat, play and benefit from his platform? If so, what are some of the strategies he has put in place since the last board meeting to allow this baby live a happy life.