I have been considering a not-for-profit organization to advance . . .

[Cary]

middle class interests. I'm thinking that it would commission studies on various issues, publish, and lobby.

I have never seen such an organization. Has anyone else? Any thoughts?

I know this is not much to go on but I just thought this up yesterday.

[enlightenment]

1. I think the first thing you need to do is define

"middle class." We use the term a lot in this country, but if you're going to start a NPO, you need to have a concrete answer to that very vague phrase.
:-)

[madeline_con]

2. Use of the government's definition....

whatever that might be, would suffice to get the 501c3.

[enlightenment]

5. The problem is, I think, that the government doesn't

have a definition. I'm not trying to argue with your idea -- I admire your willingness to do a tremendous amount of hard work (which is, I believe, the definition of "non-profit!!").

I teach history, and the term "middle class" frequently come up in the course of conversation; and is usually accompanied by considerable argument over what it is to "be" middle class. We are, presumably, a classless society, and many people hold firmly to the idea -- not by denying class as a whole, but by continuously expanding the definition of "middle class." Although many, many of us are closer to being part of the "working poor," there is still a desire to keep up with the Joneses -- and that means claiming the "middle class" at the very least.

Considering only income, this article may help, as it summarizes things rather neatly:
http://www.factcheck.org/article249.html

This article takes a stab at the sociology, if that helps:
http://www.washtimes.com/specialreport/20031129-105855-7412r.htm

Best of luck with your venture. My son is in the process of starting a non-profit in Oregon -- and I am constantly amazed at the amount of work involved. I wish I had a quarter of your stamina!

[Cary]

6. Thanks.

I'm not so certain that it is important to come up with a hard and fast definition. I'm not sure it isn't, either.

Since I just came up witht the idea yesterday I have to put pen to paper. Right now it's just talk, so don't go too far in the admiration department yet.

And, in the interests of full disclosure, it would not be an entirely selfless venture either, as I'm thinking that it would fit nicely into my own marketing plan.

[whistle]

3. Well, why not....

http://www.drcharity.com/npstart.html
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm
http://www.assemblybcartscouncils.ca/WebSite/Toolkit/Organizational_Management/StartingaNot-for-ProfitOr.asp
http://www.rileyguide.com/steps.html

[Cary]

4. Thanks for the links.

I've neglected to mention the fact that I am a lawyer, so actually forming the thing is no problem.

The problem at this point is more one of defining the mission and getting members.