Beyond Vision, Inc.
Public Policy Statement
Purpose
Beyond Vision, Inc. (“Beyond Vision”) is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our mission is to create meaningful employment and career opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
This Public Policy Statement outlines Beyond Vision’s approach to public policy engagement, advocacy, and government relations in a manner that is ethical, transparent, nonpartisan, and fully compliant with applicable federal and state laws.
Guiding Principles
Beyond Vision’s public policy activities are guided by the following principles:
- Mission First: Public policy engagement must directly support our mission of expanding employment, independence, and economic opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Nonpartisanship: Beyond Vision does not support or oppose any political party, candidate for public office, or political campaign.
- Compliance: All activities must comply with federal, state, and local laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations, including IRS regulations.
- Integrity & Transparency: We engage respectfully, truthfully, and transparently with policymakers, partners, and the public.
- Collaboration: We work constructively with partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to advance shared goals.
Permissible Public Policy Activities
Beyond Vision may engage in the following activities when they further our charitable mission:
- Issue Education & Awareness
- Educating policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about issues affecting employment for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Sharing organizational data, outcomes, and impact stories to inform public understanding.
- Advocacy on Mission-Related Issues
- Advocating for public policies, regulations, and funding that promote employment, accessibility, workforce development, and inclusion.
- Supporting or opposing specific legislation that directly affects our mission, within IRS limits for 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Collaboration & Coalition Participation
- Participating in coalitions, associations, and advocacy efforts aligned with our mission, including organizations within the AbilityOne and blindness services ecosystem.
- Nonpartisan Engagement
- Communicating with elected officials and government agencies in a nonpartisan manner.
- Providing testimony, letters, or educational briefings when appropriate and mission-aligned.
Prohibited Activities
To maintain compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements, Beyond Vision strictly prohibits:
- Endorsing, opposing, or contributing to political candidates or political parties.
- Participating in political campaigns or electioneering activities.
- Allowing organizational resources to be used for partisan political purposes.
- Excessive lobbying that exceeds IRS limitations for charitable organizations.
Lobbying Guidelines
Beyond Vision may engage in limited lobbying activities as permitted under IRS regulations, provided that:
- Such activities are directly related to our charitable mission.
- Time and expenditures devoted to lobbying remain within allowable limits.
- All lobbying activities are coordinated through executive leadership and, when appropriate, reviewed with legal counsel.
Employees and volunteers may not lobby on behalf of Beyond Vision unless authorized to do so.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Board of Directors: Provides oversight and ensures alignment of public policy activities with mission and legal requirements.
- President & CEO: Serves as the primary organizational spokesperson on public policy matters or designates appropriate representatives.
- Employees & Volunteers: May engage in personal civic or political activities on their own time but must clearly distinguish personal views from those of Beyond Vision.
Personal Political Activity
Beyond Vision respects the rights of employees, volunteers, and board members to participate in personal political activities as private citizens. However, individuals must not represent their personal political views as those of Beyond Vision or use organizational resources for such purposes.