Lobbying Advisory Council

The Conservation Council of North Carolina is committed to representing environmental interests in North Carolina. One of our primary services to the environmental community, and strengths as an organization, is to provide a voice at the General Assembly and other key decision-making arenas for environmental organizations that may not have the resources to be there themselves through membership in the Lobbying Advisory Council (LAC). The CCNC lobbyist is one of the few full time lobbyists working on behalf of the environment at the General Assembly, and the CCNC Board of Directors believes that this important work is significantly stronger when it is guided and supported by a broad base of environmental groups working on diverse issues. We work closely with other groups because we believe in strong coalitions of conservationists with broad interests and skills. The more groups and individuals we bring on board, the more influential we become. And, participation in the LAC gives organizations a voice in Raleigh, and supports and strengthens their individual advocacy efforts.

Our elected officials, in their numerous study committees and out of office activities, as well as our state agencies and regulatory boards are all heavily lobbied by industry, special interests, and developers who do not represent the interests of the public and North Carolina's environmental community. The Lobbying

Advisory Council helps CCNC balance issues presented to lawmakers.

An annual membership in the LAC starts at $350, based on the group's budget and availability of funds. Organizational memberships, which do not afford the same level of member benefits, are only $150. All full LAC members are invited to attend CCNC Board meetings, and help develop and implement the legislative agenda with the CCNC Board.

Tax-deductible groups can participate in the Lobbying Advisory Council. Groups under the IRS 501(c)(3) can join the LAC even though their contribution will be for direct lobbying. Under the IRS code, a 501(c) (3) is only limited if more than a "substantial amount of its activities is carried on to influence legislation." Many groups have taken the 501-(h) election –Form 5768— and are able to make expenditures on direct lobbying up to 20% of their budgets.

Working with LAC groups, CCNC is able to develop and implement a pro-active environmental legislative agenda.

Member Benefits

LOBBYING ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dues: $350 - $6,000 annually, based on group's budget and availability of funds.

• Access to full-time environmental lobbyist
• Develop and implement legislative agenda with CCNC Board
• Special briefings for Advisory Council members during session
• Quarterly Newsletter to 5 members
• Subscription to the Conservation Insider—timely email updates on legislative and political arenas from the inside perspective
• All action alerts and email communications
• Speakers to group meetings upon request
• Invitations to CCNC Board meetings
• Presentation of group's activities at CCNC annual meeting

ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBER

Dues: $150 annually

• Newsletter to 3 members
• All action alerts and email communications
• Contact listing on CCNC website

Current Members

Lobbying Advisory Council:

Conservation Trust for North Carolina
Eno River Association
Friends of State Parks
NC Audubon Society
NC Coastal Federation
NC Rail Trails
NC Recreation & Park Society
NC Sustainable Energy Association
NC Native Plant Society
New Hope Audubon
South River Association
Western NC Alliance

CCNC's Organizational Members:

Carteret County Crossroads
Neuse River Foundation
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation