When I started Engaged Arizona, it was in my head for months. I didn’t know how to start a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. The occasional Google search brought up many confusing legal terms and out-of-date government websites. But, it is best to abide by the laws of business, no matter how unnecessary or odd they seem.

In the end, transparency is always the best solution. So, I wanted to express our newest updates. From now on, we will periodically post our organizational affairs updates at www.engagedaz.org/organization.

• As of the most recent update of this article, “Engaged Arizona” is a pending corporation under the nonprofit category. This application was submitted online through the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Our legal application documents will be looked over and either accepted or denied in the coming weeks.
• Once we get accepted as Engaged Arizona, Inc., no matter how many signatures and forms it may take, our next step, as required by the ACC and Arizona state law, is to have a meeting of members. These members will be in charge of developing the organization’s bylaws and appointing a board of directors at their first meeting.
• From there, it will be up to the directors and myself, the current CEO/President of the organization, to set ourselves up financially with a business license from the Town of Queen Creek and tax status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Later on, we hope to reach 501(c)3 tax-exempt status from the IRS, but it will take a good amount of money, legal decisions, and a strong startup.

At this time, we are looking for members of our startup team. This will start as an unpaid position, requiring minimal hours and only the occasional meeting via the internet. For inquiries and to apply for membership, please email membership@engagedaz.org.