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Citizens United: What Now?

On January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court issued a controversial, 5-4 opinion in Citizens United v. FEC, a case that will greatly impact nonprofit advocacy activities.

While much of the focus has been about increased spending by for-profit corporations, these changes also apply to issue-based organizations that promote the social good. More than ever, nonprofit corporations can and should actively participate in elections. Even if you think the case was wrongly decided, 501(c)(4)s and other nonprofit corporations (except for 501(c)(3)s) should take advantage of it—use it to strengthen democracy by increasing your public communications about the candidates and what's best for the future of our country.

Alliance for Justice is committed to providing nonprofits with the information needed to navigate this new legal landscape. Check out our resources…more will be coming soon.

» CLICK HERE to learn more about Citizens United

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  Become a Sponsor: AFJ's 2010 Justice First! Luncheon

  Join Alliance for Justice as a sponsor of our annual Justice First! Luncheon and help us celebrate outstanding leaders for their unwavering commitment to human rights and justice. On May 26 at The Capital Hilton, AFJ will welcome Harold H. Koh, Legal Adviser to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Dean of the Yale Law School, as the keynote speaker of the annual luncheon. This year's Champion of Justice Award will be presented to the producers, writers, and cast of Law & Order.  In addition, Urvashi Vaid, the Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation, will be joining us as a special guest. » Click here to become a JUSTICE FIRST! sponsor

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  Dawn Johnsen Nomination Moves Forward

  Hundreds of Law Professors Send Letter to Capitol Hill Calling for Confirmation
  On March 4, 2010, the Senate Judiciary Committee, for the second time, favorably reported the nomination of Dawn Johnsen to be Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice, with a twelve to seven vote. More than 415 law professors from across the nation signed on to a letter urging the U.S. Senate to vote to confirm Dawn Johnsen. The letter was sent to Capitol Hill this week by the Alliance for Justice. “This letter shows the depth of support for Dawn Johnsen’s nomination,” said Nan Aron, president of the Alliance for Justice, said. “Republicans in the Senate must stop playing politics and confirm this exemplary nominee.”  » Read the full release

   

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  Technical Assistance

  Alliance for Justice provides one-on-one technical assistance to nonprofits via phone and email. Questions range from "What IRS form do I need to elect 501(h)?" to "How can a 501(c)(3) produce and distribute a voters guide that describes the candidates?" » Request Technical Assistance 

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  Independent Report on ACORN Released

  Former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger issued a report on an independent inquiry into ACORN's organizational systems and processes and made public his recommendations.  Alliance for Justice, along with several other major progressive organizations, issued a statement in response: "This independent report serves as a valuable reminder that in barring ACORN from competing for federal contracts when no lawbreaking had occurred, Congress rushed to judgment and violated fundamental constitutional rights," said Nan Aron, President of Alliance for Justice. » Read the press release and full statements