Theos-Talk Archives (February 1997 Message tl00434)

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> From: M K Ramadoss <ramadoss@eden.com>
>
> Everyone is fully aware of the "sacred" and "secret" membership list of TSA.
>
> Keeping the membership list out of access of members is, it appears, an old
> game played not only by TSA but very many organizations around the country.
>
> A few days ago I noticed that the Texas Non Profit Corporations act was
> recently changed to specifically provide member access and copying of the
> membership list by any voting members. The organization is also explicitly
> required to provide copies at a reasonable copying cost to any member
> requesting it. These are very explicitly spelt out with no ambiguity
> whatsoever. I am sure these changes were put in as a result of one or more
> organizations in Texas trying to prevent member access and copying
> membership list.
>
> It appears that we need to look forward to changes in Illinois law as well.
> I will not be surprised to see such explicit requirement being made part of
> non profit corporations act in all 50 states.
>
> We are moving into next century and changes are going to take place which
> will change organization.
>
> Is there anyone out in Illinois who has access to a law library who can
> check the latest in Illinois Non Profit Corporation act on this issue? Once
> we see such a change, TSA will have no grounds for keeping the list as "secret".
>
It's my understanding that some the state's laws regarding mailing lists of
non-profit organizations have to do with the selling of those lists.  For
instance, XYZ Mahatmas Ltd. could have a large mailing list that would
then be sold to various companies selling massage oil, incense, New Age
magazines and books.  Then any voluminious number of their catalogs
would show up in your mailbox.

If one is going to make a law releasing mailing lists to the general public,
then there is going to be a danger of commercial abuse.

-AEB

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