The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview

On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purpose… to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full day’s ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Let’s find out the hard way!

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview.

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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

eBike Range Test Preview

The ride

Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail

1 day, 1 charge*

eBike!

The idea

Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland?

Learning about range

Learning about methods to conserve power

Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal assist? Will I have to?

The weather

We haven’t had rain in the region for a month, so of course we are forecast for rain the night before the ride

BUT it should be dry day of, with a cold start and low 60s as a high

The gear

No camping this trip… doing a hotel in Cumberland and taking the train back

No camping? A lot less gear!

Bringing two emptyish panniers

Charger

Clothes for next day

May bring my sleeping bag for emergency’s sake

Extra chain and tools

The plan

A chilly start after sunrise

Ride to Hancock

Hour break to get a few more miles of charge

Pedal assist level 1 or maybe level 2 on the C&O to keep pace up but conserve battery

Assessing battery in Paw Paw (may have an opportunity to top up)

Will turn off pedal assist as necessary… or keep it up to improve pace

What is success?

2x speed 1/2 effort!

Knowing the range in real world conditions

Giving the bike its longest test yet

Feeling out the comfort situation – do I need to do more?

Next week… the ride!

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 390: eBike Range Test Preview appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 9, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals

On this edition of the pod, we kick off 2025 with the intent to make it a year of celebration in a time of loss for me. But celebration is more fun, so let’s do that.

The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals

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2025 Bicycling Goals

2014’s trip was a shout out to my grandmother and 2025 now has to be the same for my dad, who passed away at his home in NY just before Christmas. So, what are we doing by bike to celebrate his life and all sorts of other things?

Celebrating plans already made, and taking care of yourself – yes, I’m in western NY for a few weeks this winter but I’m taking some time to ride my ride in Florida. Familiar trip to be sure… the finish line is the same, but the route is so much more. Details in a few weeks!

A big ebike trip – maybe two. Taking the bike on a ride only the ebike can do… extra distance per day? Twice as fast? Looking at a push west and maybe north too.

Something international – you non-US folks have been very patient with this America-centric pod. We’ll see if we can get wheels down someplace I need a passport.

West coast – what, you thought I wouldn’t hit the Pacific coast? Pffft… find another podcast! Probably summer.

More bike adjacent adventures – exploring someplace where I ride, a bike gets used, but it’s not necessarily the full focus.

Next week… I ran out of 2024! How about another tour journal to catch up?

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 389: 2025 Bicycling Goals appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 9, 2025

Best of Pedalshift 270: Winter Bike Fitness and Maintenance

With a bunch of snow and ice on the ground where I’m at, it’s a good time to focus on things that will help bike tours coming after the thaw. On this episode, an update on my winter fitness goals, what I’m doing to keep it going plus some ideas on winter bike maintenance. Originally podcast January 20, 2022.

The post Best of Pedalshift 270: Winter Bike Fitness and Maintenance appeared first on Pedalshift.

January 8, 2025

Nonprofit New Year’s Resolutions 2025

It’s officially 2025, and nonprofits across the country are diligently preparing for upcoming legislative sessions, a presidential transition, and other critical advocacy initiatives. The Alliance for Justice Bolder Advocacy team is here to help when questions arise about nonprofits’ ability to engage with government officials and pursue policy change. In the meantime, we’ve also compiled a list of our Top 10 nonprofit New Year’s resolutions to help your organization ready itself for 2025 and beyond.

Attorneys for this Episode

Monika Graham

Victor Rivera Labiosa

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort

Level-up Your Social Justice Advocacy

Check out our new Advocacy Playbook series for an overview of the laws and regulations that apply to 501(c)(3) public charities when they engage in lobbying and election season advocacy.

Resources designed specifically for advocates working in key issue areas:

Environmental Justice

Criminal Legal Reform

Gender and Reproductive Justice

Labor and Economic Justice

LGBTQ+ and HIV Communities

Health and Disability Rights

Racial Justice and Immigrant Rights

Democracy and Voting Rights

Conduct an Advocacy Check-up

Our new Advocacy Check-Up: Nonprofit Self-Assessment is designed to help your 501(c)(3) public charity assess its overall compliance with federal and state advocacy-related tracking and reporting requirements and to identify opportunities for you to build your organization’s advocacy capacity.

The goal is to ensure that your nonprofit is aware of the opportunities for advocacy allowed by the tax and election laws that govern lobbying and election-related activity by tax-exempt organizations.

Brush-Up on State Law with Bolder Advocacy’s Practical Guidance Series

Lobbying: Working to impact legislative or executive branch policy at the state-level? State lobbying disclosure rules may apply to your work.

Be aware of changes to the law that might have taken effect in the new calendar year.

Voter Assistance: Do you know what it means for your 501(c)(3) to remain nonpartisan, but also want to learn about state rules related to voter engagement activities? Take the time to learn how to safely register voters, engage in line-warming activities, and more.

Take Stock of Your Nonprofit’s Capacity to Evaluate Your Advocacy

Consider the data you already collect.

Track media and policy developments related to your work.

Make use of free tools and resources:

User’s Guide to Advocacy Evaluation Planning

Data Playbook

When the Best Offense is a Good Defense: Understanding and Measuring Advocacy on the Defense

Amplify Your Impact with Text and Robocall Campaigns

Using text messaging or call campaigns to interact with your community and supporters? If so, it’s time to brush up on the federal and state rules related to robocalling and robotexting campaigns.

Coming soon! Updated 2025 Robocalling guide containing details about consent requirements, mandatory disclaimers, and more!

Advocate for Key Appointments in New Executive Administrations

In the coming months, new administrations at the federal, state, and local level will appoint individuals to many positions that could impact your nonprofit’s policy priorities. Your organization can help ensure the appointment of individuals whose values align with your mission and the needs of the communities you serve.

Keep in mind that advocating for or against nominees that require a legislative body to confirm the nomination is generally considered lobbying. On the other hand, making recommendations for positions that do not require legislative approval is not lobbying for tax code purposes.

Be Prepared to Defend Your Nonprofit and Its Work

Ensure that your legal house is in order by conducting an advocacy check-up (see Resolution #2).

Prepare and train your staff and volunteers in how to respond to potential threats that may arise in-person and through social media.

Assess your online systems for potential gaps in cyber security.

Check out our factsheet: Tips for Nonprofits: Preparing for the Possibility of a Politically Motivated Attack

Educate the Public about the Legislative Process. Introduce communities and

constituencies to the legislators who represent them. When community members

meet legislators face-to-face and discuss the issues that affect their everyday lives, not only do legislators receive the information they need to represent their communities, but those communities are empowered to invest more heavily in the outcomes of policy debates, giving them a stronger hand in their own future.

Conduct research and produce relevant resources that reflect the real story of your community and its needs.

Educate the community on the issues that matter most to your organization.

Host educational conference where people can gather, network, share information, and plan for the future.

Conduct leadership training to provide individuals with the skills needed to be spokespersons for potential policy reform.

Work Together. Join forces with other nonprofit organizations to maximize advocacy, share resources, and harness power in order to more effectively drive real and lasting policy change.

(Podcast) Working Together: Affiliation and Coalition Basics

(Guide) Coalition Checklist

(Guide) The Connection: Strategies for Creating 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and Political Organizations

Become an AFJ Member

The strength of Alliance for Justice is rooted in our membership of nearly 140 organizations that share a commitment to an equitable, just, and free society.

Throughout the 40+ years of AFJ’s history, our members have been at the forefront of defending our communities’ constitutional rights and building power across the progressive movement to fight for social justice.

Benefits include:

Priority access to Bolder Advocacy resources and special members-only training events

Free public webinar and on-demand webinar registration

Cutting edge research on judicial nominees

And more!

December 25, 2024

Are the 501(c)(4) Rules Changing?

A recent Fifth Circuit holding in Memorial Hermann has caught the attention of lawyers in our space, with some wondering if the tax law rules on how 501(c)(4)s operate may change. But what did the court really say, and how should 501(c)(4) advocacy organizations react? On this special holiday edition of the pod, we are joined by Larry Gold of Trister Ross Schadler and Gold to understand what this case says and what it means for (c)(4)s in 2025 and beyond.

Attorneys for this episode

Tim Mooney

Susan Finkle Sourlis

Larry Gold, Trister Ross Schadler and Gold

Show notes

What is Memorial Hermann?

Very basics of the case

Basics of the holding

Where does this court’s ruling apply?

501(c)(4) organizations must exclusively operate for the social welfare, how is that interpreted to mean primarily, and the limit on items that do not as social welfare as secondary activity. We frequently talk about one of those secondary activities a lot – partisan political work. But this case focuses on another thing – can you explain why commercial activity does not promote social welfare?

The concern raised by some is the court’s move to a smaller insubstantial standard for commercial activity may also apply to political activity, limiting the amount advocacy groups can engage in. How does the law treat commercial activity and political activity differently, and does that distinction matter here for other courts that may be addressing this?

Do (c)(4)s in the Fifth Circuit that engage in partisan political advocacy need to change what they’re doing or how much they’re doing? What about (c)(4)s outside of the Fifth Circuit?

There’s another layer to all of this with (c)(4)s that have filed Form 1024s accepted by the IRS – can you explain what that is and why filing a 1024 now may be a good idea for some (c)(4)s that haven’t yet?

What’s happening next with this case?

What’s your take on how various media outlets have presented this case – do you think they’ve helped or muddied the waters?

On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is a yawn and 10 is metaphysical crisis, where are we now with Memorial Hermann for (c)(4)s?

Resources – Tim

The Rules of the Game

December 24, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

Shifty Saves the Holidays! It’s an annual tradition around here that we celebrate the holidays with my senior executive producer and best buddy Shifty the Elf celebrating the year that has been. This year, in a nearly all elf-driven plot, our guy Shifty finds the magic in 2024 to make the holidays special once again. Happy holidays all, and see you in 2025!

The Pedalshift Project 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

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Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024

Shifty Saves the Holidays

[Opening Scene: Sound of jingle bells and whooshing wind. The faint clinking of tools as Shifty the Elf tinkers with a magical sleigh in the background.]

Shifty (excited):

Duuuuuude! Tim told me this would be the year to shine, and what better way than saving the holidays with some pedal-powered magic? But uh… (pauses, worried) I kinda sorta misplaced the holiday cheer for Pedalshift’s big celebration. You know, the joy, the warmth, the… fuzzies. Without it, the show might as well be a flat tire in a snowstorm!

Luckily, I’ve got my trusty time-traveling sleigh. We’re off to relive the best Pedalshift moments of the year and find that missing cheer. Hop aboard, folks! Giddy up Rudolph… you slacker. Duuuude.

[Sound: A sleigh bell rings, followed by the roar of wind as the sleigh launches.]

[Scene 1: January, Pedalshift 349 – Daniel Troia’s interview.]

Shifty:

First stop, January! Ah, here we are—Daniel Troia, talking about his incredible documentary, We Are All in This Together. Imagine pedaling across the country and relying on nothing but kindness. Let’s tune in.

[Audio Clip: Daniel Troia shares an inspiring story of human connection.]

Shifty:

Did you hear that? Strangers becoming friends, the simple act of sharing—that’s holiday cheer if I’ve ever seen it! One ingredient found. Onward!

[Scene 2: February, Pedalshift 352-357 – Space Coast Loop Ride.]

Shifty:

Zipping ahead to February… Florida’s Space Coast! Look at that trail—Winter Garden to Disney World? That’s a dream ride. And Disney at the end? That’s pure magic.

[Audio Clip: Tim describes the journey, including sights along the Florida Coast to Coast Trail.]

Shifty:

Magic and adventure, folks. Two more ingredients for holiday cheer. Let’s keep rolling.

[Scene 3: May, Pedalshift 362-365 – Mindful C&O Canal Towpath Tour.]

Shifty:

May brings us to the C&O Canal Towpath. Tim’s riding slow and soaking in the scenery.

[Audio Clip: Tim reflects on the mindful pace of the journey.]

Shifty:

Mindfulness—slowing down to enjoy the moment. That’s what the holidays are all about. Add it to the list!

[Scene 4: June, Pedalshift 366 – 10-Year Anniversary Live Show.]

Shifty:

And here we are in June! Ten years of Pedalshift—what a milestone. Let’s peek into the celebration.

[Audio Clip: Audience laughter and Tim reflecting on a decade of podcasting.]

Shifty:

Laughter and community? Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff. Let’s rev this sleigh up for our next stop!

[Scene 5: July, Pedalshift 369-376 – Oregon Coast Tour with Mysterious James.]

Shifty:

The Oregon Coast with Mysterious James… a classic route with a remix twist. Let’s listen in.

[Audio Clip: Tim and James share banter about the trip and campsite memories.]

Shifty:

Friendship and nostalgia—check and check!

[Scene 6: Fall, Pedalshift 377-380 – E-Bike Build and WV Ride.]

Shifty:

Oh, here’s a fun one—building an e-bike and giving it a shakedown ride. DIY spirit meets adventure.

[Audio Clip: Tim narrates the first ride from the cabin to Hancock, MD.]

Shifty:

Creativity and perseverance—two more ingredients for our holiday recipe.

[Scene 7: October, Pedalshift 381-386 – North Dakota Adventure.]

Shifty:

October! North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and… bison! Watch out, Tim!

[Audio Clip: Tim recounts a close encounter with a bison.]

Shifty (laughing):

Courage in the face of giant animals. That’s definitely some holiday magic right there.

[Scene 8: December, Pedalshift 387 – Live Show with Mysterious James.]

Shifty:

Finally, December! Tim and James answer listener questions live. What a way to wrap up the year.

[Audio Clip: A funny or heartwarming exchange from the live show.]

Shifty:

And there we have it—joy, laughter, connection, and all the good stuff that makes this season sparkle.

[Closing Scene: The sound of sleigh bells slows as Shifty returns home.]

Shifty:

Phew! What a ride. We found all the cheer we needed, and Pedalshift’s holiday spirit is back on track. Thanks for coming along, everyone. Happy holidays—and keep the rubber side down!

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 388: Pedalshift Holiday Spectacular 2024 appeared first on Pedalshift.

December 19, 2024

Best of Pedalshift 231: Exploring Bikepacking

I’ll admit, I’ve been bikepacking curious for a while. As my touring continues to expand and evolve I’m thinking more about bikepacking options and I thought I’d share the process on the pod. Join me, won’t you? Originally podcast January 28, 2021.

The post Best of Pedalshift 231: Exploring Bikepacking appeared first on Pedalshift.

December 12, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James

A repodcast of Pedalshift Live from December 6, 2024 featuring special guest Mysterious James and YOUR questions for a big round of Ask Us Anything. Huge shoutout to the folks that came and made this one of the best live shows yet!

The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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Reach out to the show via email, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the newsletter too.

Housekeeping

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

Ask Us Anything (LIVE!)

1.Top 3 Must-Have Items for Bike Touring

•James: Once considered a cook set essential but now tours stoveless. Values minimal gear and adaptability.

•Tim: iPhone (multi-use tool), foldable backjack chair, and positive vibes for motivation.

2.Best Place for Car-Free Living with Transit and Nature Access

•James: San Francisco for its bikeability, walkability, and access to nature in all directions.

•Tim: Portland, Oregon, for its bike-friendly culture, infrastructure, and scenic options for bike tours.

3.Trail Recommendations

•Greenbrier River Trail (WV): Tim considers it for future e-bike touring despite challenging accessibility and trail conditions.

•Pine Creek Trail (PA): Known but less explored by Tim and James.

•Cowboy Trail (NE): On Tim’s radar, but accessibility challenges persist.

4.Approach to Bike Adventuring

•James: Minimal planning, go-with-the-flow mindset, and preference for off-road routes.

•Tim: Focuses on enjoying the experience rather than completing every mile, with flexibility to adapt plans as needed.

5.East Coast Greenway

•Highlighted as a potential cross-country ride option. Discussed challenges with camping and infrastructure but praised for its connectivity.

6.Tire Preferences

•James: Schwalbe Marathon and Mondial tires for durability and versatility.

•Tim: A long-time fan of Schwalbe tires for touring and e-bike use.

7.Mud Guards vs. No Mud Guards

•James: Initially used mud guards but removed them due to travel difficulties and now prefers to ride without them.

•Tim: Appreciates their value but acknowledges challenges with mud accumulation on trails like the C&O.

8.Motivation on Long Rides or in Bad Weather

•James: Allows trips to end naturally when motivation fades, embracing the experience regardless of completion.

•Tim: Stays motivated by focusing on the overall experience and prioritizing safety, especially in adverse weather.

9.Warm Showers Experience

•James: Prefers camping or hotels due to flexibility and introversion.

•Tim: Values the concept but hasn’t fully embraced it due to similar concerns.

10.Cross-Country U.S. Route Priorities

•James: Interested in rail trail-based routes for safety and scenery.

•Tim: Eastern Express and routes through national parks like the Lewis and Clark Trail.

11.Cycling Southeast Asia

•James: Enthralled by Cambodia’s culture and affordability but wary of heat, rain, and traffic.

•Tim: Intrigued but cautious about climate and road conditions.

12.Cycling Quebec

•Tim: Keen to explore Quebec’s Route Verte and its cultural richness, possibly linking it to U.S. rail trails for a larger tour.

13.Gap and C&O: Pittsburgh to DC vs. DC to Pittsburgh

•Tim: Initially preferred Cumberland-to-Pittsburgh for the downhill experience but now considers both routes equally, emphasizing convenience based on starting point.

14.Bikepacking Regions to Highlight in a U.S. Cross-Country Tour

•Must-see trails include the Great American Rail Trail, Katy Trail, and Northern Tier’s scenic sections.

Special Mentions: Regina Yan (East Coast Greenway), Adventure Cycling Association (route inspiration), and Schwalbe Tires (consistent performance).

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 387: Ask Us Anything with Mysterious James appeared first on Pedalshift.

December 11, 2024

Transition Advocacy

On this episode, we discuss how nonprofits can engage in advocacy during this time of transition and prepare for 2025.

Attorneys for this episode

Sarah Efthymiou

Víctor Rivera Labiosa

Melissa Marichal Zayas

Show Notes

Post-Election Communications: Prohibition on Campaign Intervention

· Keep in mind that 501(c)(3)s should never indicate that they support or oppose candidates for public office, whether in the past, present, or future.

Permissible communications for 501(c)(3)s:

Congratulating a newly elected official or thanking a former candidate for their hard work during the election.
Discussing the organization’s nonpartisan voter engagement.
Commenting on the demographics of who voted or didn’t vote.
Encouraging a peaceful continuation or transfer of office.

· Impermissible communications for 501(c)(3)s include:

o Suggesting that the organization attempted to influence the outcome of an election.

o Supporting efforts to draft a named person to run for office in a future election.

o Declaring that the organization or voters will hold an elected official accountable in the next election.

Transition Advocacy: Is it Lobbying?

· Transition advocacy is a hot topic, especially after elections, and one of the most common questions we get from 501(c)(3) public charities is whether it counts as lobbying. The short answer? Sometimes, yes—but often not.

· In general, lobbying involves efforts to influence specific legislation. For 501(c)(3) organizations operating under the insubstantial part test, advocacy for or against legislation qualifies may count as lobbying.

· If an organization has made the 501(h) election—which allows nonprofits to maximize and clarify their lobbying limits—the IRS uses a different definition. Under the 501(h) expenditure test, lobbying breaks down into two categories:

o Direct lobbying: Speaking to a legislator and expressing a view about specific legislation.

o Grassroots lobbying: Communicating with the general public to express a view on specific legislation andincluding a call to action.

· Under the 501(h) expenditure test, two key factors determine whether your activity qualifies as direct lobbying:

o Are you speaking to a legislator?

o Is the topic you’re discussing considered specific legislation?

If the answer to both is “yes,” it likely counts as lobbying.

· Examples of lobbying activities during transition period:

o Advocating about spending priorities

o Supporting/opposing nominations of new exec cabinet officials or judiciary

o Advocating for changes in laws or amending current laws

o Advocating for a new program – if would require new legislation

· Important to assess what you’re saying, who you’re saying it to, and whether any exceptions apply.

Transition Advocacy: When is it Not Lobbying?

· Some organizations may try to avoid engaging in lobbying activities so it’s important to understand what their non-lobbying options are during this transition

· During this period, organizations can try to get to know their newly elected officials. Meeting with these officials, without trying to influence any nomination process or any piece of legislation (including the budget process), does not count as a lobbying activity.

· On top of that, nonprofit organizations can do the following:

o Recommend transition team members

o Get involved in the executive order process

o Develop relationships with these newly elected officials

o Talk about nominations that do not require the advice and consent of a legislative body (or a legislative vote)

o Actively participate in the rulemaking process

§ Beware: it may count as a lobbying activity at the state/local level

o Take advantage of the 501(h) lobbying exceptions!

Resources

Can We Say That? Post-Election Advocacy for 501(c)(3) Organizations

Preparing for Change: How Nonprofits Can Shape Policy By Engaging Transition Teams

Transition Advocacy: Is it Lobbying?

The Advocacy Playbook Series

December 5, 2024

The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

Back from North Dakota and the bike-adjacent adventures with national parks, bison and Bromptons… I’ve got some takeaways to share!

The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier 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.

Housekeeping

Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – topics TBA, and of course it’ll be the pod for the following week if you can’t make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.

Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!

NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways

Folks, North Dakota is worth the trip!

When checking a bike, pay attention to all the vulnerable parts that jut out and don’t shirk the corner padding

Wild bison are worth seeing in person, but don’t expect them to get out of your way

TR NP is an excellent place to bike, but be aware that bison can and do come into the roadway and might scuttle your riding plans

The northern tier route is a good place if you want solitude

Bike adventures can mean a lot of things

Our national parks are treasures worth protecting, but so are our state parks and other public lands

Pics & Videos

coming soon

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 JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 386: NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.