Although it may not be the first thing your team thinks about when working for social change, legal issues can be an important factor in your Venture. Consider the issues below to ensure your team and other participants are protected.
Insurance:
Depending on the size and nature of your Venture, you and your team may want to get insurance for your Venture or make sure you fall under another organization’s insurance. For example, if you’re running a theater group at your school, check with the principal to make sure that the actors are all covered under your school’s policy.
Background checks:
If your Venture Team connects adults to youth, getting background checks for adult volunteers is advised. Safety of program staff, volunteers, and youth in the program is extremely important as you plan and run your Venture. For more information on background checks, see Mentoring: Expanding the world of quality mentoring - Performing Background Checks
Taxes:
Your Venture may need to pay taxes. It may also be eligible for a tax refund. For more information on taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov. Look under “Charities and Nonprofits” and under “Businesses” for relevant information. If you are having difficulty, the “Frequently Asked Questions” link is very helpful. The IRS website may also help your Venture Team as you decide to start up a small business. Click on “Businesses,” then “Starting a Business” for more information and links to useful sites that can navigate you through the process.
Permission Slips:
Permission slips can be the key to a successful, sustained Venture. Make sure that parents or guardians know where their kids are and that they are safe at all times. Permission slips help make sure youth have the proper permission to go with your team on a field trip or to stay after school. Print out the Sample Permission Slip in this section to make sure your team members are all communicating with their parent or guardian about your adventures.
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Re: Legal Issues to Consider
I think this is very useful information to use in the beginning of a venture and throughout it. It provides hints and other ways for my venture and will also help me protect it. This topic helps me look out for things that I could have not seen and what I have to look out for throughout the venture. Thanks.
Vincent
Re: Legal Issues to Consider
For Canada...
See the website of Revenue Canada, www.cra-arc.gc.ca, for more information about taxes. Look under “Charities and Giving” and under “Business” for relevant information. The Revenue Canada website may also help your Venture Team as you decide to start up a small business.