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How will the money from membership dues and contributions be spent? Money collected from membership dues will be spent on building our membership through; advertising and communicating with present and potential members. We also anticipate other expenses usually encountered in any organization such as management and employee costs, postage, supplies and other similar expenses. We are a New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation which means that there are no "owners" involved and funds collected have to be spent on the coalition's expenses. Why aren't membership dues and contributions tax deductable as with other "Not-For-Profit Groups? We are eligible to apply for approval as a Not-For-Profit with the Internal Revenue Service. That status would severely limit our ability to lobby elected officials and make contributions to candidates for elected offices. We have chosen not to seek that approval at this time. Is the New York Coalition of Social Smokers affiliated with a tobacco company? To date the coalition is entirely supported by membership fees. We have neither sought nor have we accepted any funding from tobacco groups.

Why do we need a membership group? Smokers are the largest unrepresented group in New York. When decisions are made in at the state or local level there is no one to speak on our issues. Who will listen to us? There are over 3 million smokers in New York. In 2003 New York state collected over one billion dollars in tobacco taxes from smokers. This was in addition to sales taxes and local taxes paid on the sale of tobacco products. This amounts to a large revenue source for the state. Can we make a difference? Many groups with much smaller membership bases have been able to accomplish great things for their causes. If enough people choose to speak up, change is possible. Many state and local politicians are elected by small margins. A small fraction of 3 million people can have a significant impact on the outcome of legislation. Isn't it too late to change anything? No because public opinion changes quickly. Even many non-smokers think the laws have gone too far. More importantly there are still a lot of new laws aimed at restricting the rights of smokers. In Michigan, an employer recently fired people because they smoked. Not because they smoked or violated any laws but just because they smoke. It was perfectly legal to discriminate against smokers. In Montgomery county Pennsylvania there is a debate about not hiring smokers to fill future County positions. Most laws like smoking bans start in one state and spread to another. As a group we can protect ourselves from unfair and intrusive laws. What can the coalition do for smokers? As a group we can achieve a lot. One person alone would find it almost impossible to effectively change government. Thousands of people who feel the same way and expressing their views and concerns collectively to elected representatives can have a more significant impact. What About Non-Smokers? We believe that non-smokers have a right to a smoke free environment. We also believe that accommodations can be reached through mutual respect and understanding. Is the Coalition a "pro-smoking" group? No! We simply want people to be able to choose and decide their own way of life. How Much does it cost? Basic membership is free. At no expense and an easy registration process you can make a difference. Since many people expressed an interest in financially supporting the coalition we offer an option to contribute in the basic membership category. We also have higher levels of paid membership for those who are interested in financially supporting the coalition.

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