Patients for Alternative Medicine (PfAM) have been asked on various occasions how our efforts differ from those of a paid lobbyist. We hope this clarifies how PfAM works with alternative health care providers and the public at large.
The primary purpose of a lobbyist is to educate legislators about an identified organization or profession. A lobbyist is paid by that organization and typically does not work independently from it. In contrast, PfAM is dedicated primarily to the interests of patients served by alternative providers. PfAM seeks to educate both potential and current patients regarding the benefits of alternative medicine. Our activities differ both from political organizations and from the activities of a lobbyist although it can augment both. Without support from the public (or from well-funded specials interest groups) the activities of a lobbyist, profession or political organization will have much less impact.
We are a for-profit, grass roots all volunteer organization that is operated solely on donations, sponsors, membership dues and sale of marketing materials. Furthermore, we won't knowingly take money from pharmaceutical companies nor their subsidiaries. This is why your support of the PfAM and its activities is so crucial.
To clarify why for-profit rather than non-profit: “. . .A non-profit organization must be established for a public purpose and conform to public policy to fit the term public (government) policies. The term means community common sense and common conscience extended and applied through out the state to matters of public morals, health, safety, welfare and the like. It is that general and well settled public opinion relating to man’s palatable duty to his fellow men and do regard to all circumstances to each particular and relation. . . “ (How this is interpreted by the courts and the government depends on the premise they choose to work from) Excerpt from 503c criteria.
Our mission and goals do not fit this ever-changing public policy. PfAM firmly believes we can best represent patients, concerned individuals and the public at large by our for-profit status. This status also gives us more flexibility in being able to provide accurate up-to-date information about what is happening with continued access too complementary care providers, dietary supplements, pure food’s verses genetically engineered, genetically engineered medicines, vaccinations and legislation that can adversely impact our right to choose.
( The IRS sees profit and non-profit organizations the same when receiving tax deductions and donations. Both are tax deductible. Educational, Charitable, Scientific organizations are usually what obtains the 501C3 status.)
Suggested reading: In Caesars Grip by Peter Curshaw for more information about for-profit verses non-profit.
