Author: Tim Mooney

November 1, 2023

PAC Taxonomy

On this edition, we revisit PACs by talking about three different categories you run into every election cycle. What makes a Super PAC super? What can a traditional PAC do? And will the IRS revoke your tax-exempt status if your charity has to register or form a ballot measure PAC? We’re delving into PAC taxonomy to answer these questions today!

Lawyers for this episode

Tim Mooney

Susan Finkle Sourlis

Quyen Tu

Shownotes

Defining the various types of PACs. We came up with two approaches.

1. What activity you want to undertake?

2. What kind of money you want to raise and in what amount?

What is your priority? If you want the most freedom in activities, then there are more restrictions on fundraising or vice versa.

We’re covering three types of PACs:

1. Super PACs sometimes called IE PACs

2. Traditional PACs (could be state or federal)

3. Ballot Measure PACs

Resources

Seize the Initiative: A Legal Guide on Ballot Measures for Nonprofits and Foundations

Ballot Measures and Recalls: Basic Rules for 501(c)(3) Public Charities, 501(c)(4)s, and Unions

501(c)(3) Public Charities and Ballot Measures

Ballot Measures Toolkit (compilation of resources)

Nonprofit Requirements for California Ballot Measures (flow chart)

Ballot Initiatives: How Nonprofits Can Stand Up for Direct Democracy (blog)

A New Future for Reproductive Rights: Ohio’s Critical Elections (blog)

Nonprofit Coalition Helps Extend Health Insurance Coverage to 90,000 Nebraskans (blog)

Ballot Measure Committees: Campaign and Registration Requirements (California Secretary of State)

What is a California Ballot Measure Committee? (from the Fair Political Practices Commission)

October 26, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 341: The Mental Side of Bikepacking and Bicycle Touring

On this edition, we explore the mental challenges that bikepackers and touring cyclists face during their journeys, and some tips on how to handle them.

The Pedalshift Project 341: The Mental Side of Bikepacking and Bicycle Touring

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 341: The Mental Side of Bikepacking and Bicycle Touring.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Have some bike touring or overnight stories to share? Send your pics, audio or a quick tweet – all welcome. Email the show at pedalshift@pedalshift.net or call the lightly-used Pedalshift voicemail line at (202) 930-1109

The mental side of bikepacking and bike touring

Intro

Exploring the mental challenges that bikepackers and touring cyclists face during their journeys.
I am not a mental health professional – these are tips from my experiences. Work with a therapist or other mental health professional for deeper connection on these issues!
Mental stamina is possibly more important than physical ability when it comes to long-distance cycling adventures.

The Psychological Side of Bikepacking and Bike Touring

Mental and emotional aspects of bikepacking and touring
highs and lows of the journey
loneliness and isolation
Setbacks and adversity
Post adventure depression

Loneliness and Isolation

If this is an issue, consider group adventures
If you encounter this, find ways to connect but know that can sometimes reinforce the feelings after a call, etc.
Find ways to deflect – focus on what’s around, be present… or connect with what grounds you (work on the bike, listen to music or podcasts)

Dealing with Setbacks and Adversity

equipment failures
adverse weather
navigation errors
maintaining a positive mindset and resilience in the face of adversity
mindfulness, positive self-talk, and visualization in maintaining mental stamina.
Finding Inspiration and Joy – scenery, encounters with locals, and personal growth
The power of gratitude and staying present to enhance the touring experience

Post adventure depression

Stunningly common
Readjusting to normal life after long tours is challenging
Give yourself some buffer time rather than just jump back in

As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout to the Pedalshift Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community, expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this summer’s upcoming bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And there’s one-shot and annual options if you’re not into the small monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.

Kimberly Wilson
Caleb Jenkinson
Cameron Lien
Andrew MacGregor
Michael Hart
Keith Nagel
Brock Dittus
Thomas Skadow
Marco Lo
Terrance Manson
Harry Telgadas
Chris Barron
Mark Van Raam
Brad Hipwell
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Cody Floerchinger
Tom Benenati
Greg Braithwaite
Sandy Pizzio
Jeff Muster
Seth Pollack
Joseph Quinn
Drue Porter
Byron Paterson
Joachim Raber
Ray Jackson
Jeff Frey
Kenny Mikey
Lisa Hart
John Denkler
Steve Hankel
Miguel Quinones
Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
Keith Spangler
Greg Towner
Dan Gebhart, RIP
Jody Dzuranin
Lucas Barwick
Michael Baker
Brian Bechtol
Reinhart Bigl
Greg Middlemis
Connie Moore
William Gothmann
Brian Benton
Joan Churchill
Mike Bender
Rick Weinberg
Billy Crafton
Gary Matushak
Greg L’Etoile-Lopes
James Sloan
Jonathan Dillard
John Funk
Tom Bilcze
Ronald Piroli
Dave Roll
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
Cyrus Farivar
John Gardiner
Sam Scruggs

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 341: The Mental Side of Bikepacking and Bicycle Touring appeared first on Pedalshift.

October 19, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 340: Staying Safe on Bicycle Adventures

Look, we all know there’s some inherent risk in bikepacking, bike touring and even bike commuting. Between bad infrastructure and inattentive drivers, we assume some degree of risk every time we’re in the saddle. But as with anything, there are things we can do to make our bicycle adventures safer than by doing nothing. On this episode, some thoughts on all the things you can do to have a safer ride!

The Pedalshift Project 340: Staying Safe on Your Bicycle Adventures

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 340: Staying Safe on Bicycle Adventures.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Safety Considerations on Bicycle Adventures

Route and Destination Safety

Traffic and Road Safety

Gear and Equipment

Health and First Aid on the Road

Wildlife and Environmental Safety

Personal Security and Theft Prevention

Emergency Preparedness

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 340: Staying Safe on Bicycle Adventures appeared first on Pedalshift.

October 18, 2023

Project Grant Rule

On this episode we explore ways foundations can support civic engagement projects, including lobbying. Many listeners may be familiar with general operating grants, but today we’re joined by an expert to share with us a secret weapon called the project grant rule, what it is, how it works, and who can benefit. It is our honor to be joined by Abby Levine who is associate general counsel for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. If Abby’s name sounds familiar, she was Bolder Advocacy’s Director for over a decade, and we are thrilled she’s agreed to join us.

1. What is unique about project grants?

2. Why did the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Bolder Advocacy partner to create the Project Grant Rule Hub for foundation and projects of public charities?

3. What resources will visitors find at the Project Grant Rule Hub?

4. Can project grant dollars really be used by projects for legislative campaigns and lobbying?

5. Are there any tips you can share about using the Project Grant Rule for foundations?

6. What tips do you have for grantees who receive a project grant?

Resources

Project Grant Rule Hub

Videos

Explainer videos on the project grant rule in English

En español: ¿Qué es el Project Grant Rule?n

For Foundations – How to Use the Project Grant Rule

For Grantees – How to Use the Project Grant Rule

Written Resources

The Project Grant Rule

Budget Template Instructions

Project Grant Rule Budget Templates

October 12, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 339: PDX-SF2x – Takeaways

Weeks after the conclusion of my unusually successful adventure combining cycling and transit, what are my big takeaways? On this edition, the benefit of hindsight helps to put the trip into perspective!

The Pedalshift Project 339: PDX-SF2x - Takeaways

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 339: PDX-SF2x – Takeaways.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

PDX-SF2x – Takeaways

Day 1’s takeaway – it’s never as bad as you think it is (unless, of course it is)

Disappointed in the bike work but it could easily be my mistake too

The rack bolt shearing off was absolutely saved by work they did too

Not sure if the lost gear inches are worth throwing out a perfectly good cassette. Will have plenty of time to mull it over

Day 2’s takeaway – always be ready for bus racks that are broken or missing

It turned out fine, but it’s a great reminder that reliance on transit puts you at the whims of all sorts of elements beyond the schedule!

Day 3’s takeaway – triple check for that phone (and your wallet and…)

There are 2 things I really need to make sure are on me at all times and really one

Phone can somewhat replace a wallet, wallet can get you a new phone

ID for travel may be most important of all

Phone does so much for so many of us – entertainment, communications, directions

Charger may be as important too

First time I may buy into the no-electronics argument. Overreliance?

Day 4’s takeaway – touring is about people more than biking

The longish bus ride down the coast exposed me to the mini community of the driver and locals that rely on the service

So many of us have multiple options to move, so it’s great to have the perspective of those that don’t and a great driver that facilitates it

Transit does more than move people, and that’s why we shouldn’t demand it drive a profit

Day 5’s takeaways – It’s definitely Newark and connecting systems are magic

It’s Newark, it just is

Reflecting on MJ’s comment about how all of the chances of failure balanced with how the busses from Brookings to Fortuna just… worked!

One of the two or three transit flips that were critical to this not ending with a thud

Day 6’s takeaways – zip ties are non-negotable brings and I’m glad I pushed myself

Zip ties saved the trip and I’m not sure what my options were without them

Day 6 was pretty much my limit but an earlier start may have made it easier, even though it wasn’t possible with the bus schedule

(Another critical bus!)

Day 7’s takeaway – CA gets hot people!

There wasn’t a chance in hell I could have cycled in that

More power to people that do, but I’m actively choosing against rides with any possibilith of that heat and I know that really limits things

Final days takeaways – it was a quick stay in SF but the Golden Gate Bridge is a stellar finish line

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 339: PDX-SF2x – Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.

October 5, 2023

Best of Pedalshift 188: Grocery Store Strategies

Almost everywhere, the cheapest bet to stay fed on bicycle tour is a town’s grocery store. In this best of, I covered my grocery store strategies on bike adventures… from prep to pedaling off with panniers full of treats to chow on later! Originally podcast December 19, 2019.

Best of Pedalshift 188: Grocery Store Strategies

The post Best of Pedalshift 188: Grocery Store Strategies appeared first on Pedalshift.

September 28, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 338: PDX-SF2x – The Final Days

Closing out the final days of the trip, we have another multipart fast forward through some seriously hot towns to get to Samuel P. Taylor campground. After that it’s as much about reflecting on how the ride went as I prepare for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge – still maybe the best finish line in bike travel! How’d the bike do, and will it get back in the bag ok for the return trip home?

The Pedalshift Project 338: PDX-SF2x - The Final Days

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 338: PDX-SF2x – The Final Days.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

PDX-SF2x – The Final Days

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles bussed 184

Miles biked 31

Number of energy bars I saw consumed at camp 8000

Golden Gates crossed 1

Approximate number of hours of deep conversation with MJ 27

Zip ties still on my bike as this episode drops 4

Flats 0

Next week… October’s best of and the week after, some interesting takeaways from this adventure!

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 338: PDX-SF2x – The Final Days appeared first on Pedalshift.

September 21, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 337: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 2

Day 6 concludes, one way or the other… from the base of Leggett Hill with rapidly dwindling sunlight, I have the biggest hill on the route and then the dumbest hill on the route right after. Would the zip tied rack hold? Would the heat get the better of me, or would the cool Pacific air power me through the up and down terrain to Fort Bragg?

The Pedalshift Project 337: PDX-SF2x - Day 6, Part 2

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 337: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 2.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 2

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles biked in part 2 – 44

Zip ties that were the MVPs of this trip 4

Red Bulls that would quibble with that award 2

Number of restaurants open after 9pm in Fort Bragg on a Friday night 1

Advils that would quibble with the Red Bulls and Zip Ties for that MVP award 2

Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 337: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 2 appeared first on Pedalshift.

September 20, 2023

Funding Voter Registration

On this episode, continuing our celebration of yesterday’s national voter registration day we’re revisiting a segment of our foundation myth busting episode all about funding nonpartisan voter registration drives.

Lawyers for this episode

Tim Mooney

Natalie Ossenfort

Jen Powis

Shownotes

MISCONCEPTION: Foundations can’t fund public charity voter registration drives

· Both private and public foundations can fund the NONPARTISAN voter registration activities of public charities, but the rules for private foundations can be a bit complicated…

· VR Drive must be nonpartisan, over multiple election cycles, in five or more states and cannot be subject to conditions requiring use of the funding in a specific state or election cycle.

· There are also requirements related to the grantee’s finances (e.g. at least 85% of organization’s income must be spent on activities relating to the purposes for which it was organized)

· Public charities can receive an advanced ruling from IRS certifying their ability to receive private foundation voter registration grants (confirms that organization meets the requirements of sec. 4945(f) of tax code)

Resources

Foundation Advocacy Grants: What Grantees Need to Know

Investing in Change: A Funder’s Guide to Supporting Advocacy

This segment was originally podcast June 23, 2021.

September 14, 2023

The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1

Day 6 was the big one… a never-before-taken bus fast forward that serves as a critical push to the biggest climbs of the Pacific Coast route. Does the bus exist? Will I be in the right spot? And what’s the weird shimmy I’m feeling in the rear rack?

The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x - Day 6, Part 1

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
RSS – iTunes – Overcast – Android – Google Podcasts – Stitcher – TuneIn – IHeartRadio – Spotify

Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1

Quick catchup on the tour plans

PDX-SF

Every day has some biking and bussing

Connections are… tight in parts

Fully loaded, but on the light side

Got my bike serviced ahead of departure. We’ll get into that.

Listen to episode 330 for more!

Statistics

Miles bussed – 25
Miles biked in part 1 – 21
Zip ties used to stabilize the rear rack 4
Red Bulls purchased at the Peg House 2
Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 336: PDX-SF2x – Day 6, Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.