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First Amendment Coalition

Learn about this cause: Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 330308483 ✦ San rafael, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is First Amendment Coalition?

The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) is a nonprofit organization based in San Rafael, California, dedicated to advocating for free speech, government accountability, and public participation in civic affairs. They employ strategic litigation, education, and policy advocacy to strengthen open government, press rights, and the public's right to know. In 2022, FAC achieved notable victories, such as forcing the disclosure of police misconduct records and supporting journalists' rights under the First Amendment. Through webinars, legal hotline consultations, and workshops, FAC educates and empowers the public to use their rights effectively, promoting transparency and accountability in government. With a staff of 7 individuals, FAC remains committed to advancing and protecting these fundamental rights.


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

Is First Amendment Coalition legitimate?

First Amendment Coalition is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. First Amendment Coalition submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $210,903
Professional Fundraising Fees: $4,500
Other Salaries and Wages: $696,453

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

What is the mission statement of First Amendment Coalition?

The First Amendment Coalition is an organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for free speech, government accountability, and public participation in civic affairs. Their mission is to protect and advance a free press, freedom of expression, and the public's right to know. They achieve this through strategic litigation, education, and advocacy, using integrated advocacy to advance open government, free-press rights, and the public's right to know. In 2022, they achieved significant milestones, such as forcing the disclosure of police misconduct records and protecting journalists' rights under the First Amendment. They also educate the public on how to use their rights, including public record access and protests, and advocate for laws and policies that strengthen First Amendment and open-government rights.


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

What is the revenue of First Amendment Coalition?

First Amendment Coalition's revenue in 2023 was $1,332,966.


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

Who are the executives of First Amendment Coalition and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at First Amendment Coalition during 2023 was $113,420. There are 8 employees at First Amendment Coalition.

Here are 33 key members and their salaries:


Katherine Rowlands (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peter Scheer (Past President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Juliet Williams (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Lindlaw (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ed Chapuis (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alica Del Valle (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marcos Breton (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cheryl Brown (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bruce B Brugmann (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Thomas Burke (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hal Fuson (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Erwin Chemerinsky (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Abenicio Cisneros (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carl Douglas (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Richard Gingras (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jay Harris (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jean-Paul Jassy (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Linda Jue (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Quentin Kopp (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jim Newton (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karl Olson (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mel Opotowsky (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rowland Rebele (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Edward Wasserman (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carol Melamed (Executive Committee At Lar)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Duffy Carolan (Executive Committee At Lar)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dick Rogers (Executive Committee At Lar)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ricardo Sandoval-Palos (Executive Committee At Lar)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Snyder (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $178,803
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $32,100
David Loy (Legal Director)
  • Compensation: $145,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,149
Kathleen Morgan (Philanthropy Director)
  • Compensation: $110,416
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,472
Virgina Laroe (Advocacy Director)
  • Compensation: $105,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,608
Suzanne Ito (Communications Director)
  • Compensation: $105,000
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $6,150


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

Where can I find the form 990 for First Amendment Coalition?

First Amendment Coalition's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

Learn more at the official website: www.firstamendmentcoalition.org

Mission Statement of First Amendment Coalition

The First Amendment Coalition, a dedicated organization, is committed to advancing free speech, promoting government accountability, and fostering public participation in civic affairs. Its mission is to protect and promote a free press, freedom of expression, and the people's right to know. The coalition employs strategic litigation, education, and advocacy to strategically advance open government, free-press rights, and the public's right to know. In 2022, the First Amendment Coalition achieved significant milestones, such as forcing the disclosure of previously secret police misconduct records in Ventura County, enforcing California's SB 1421 to bring transparency to such records, and protecting journalists' rights under the First Amendment and California's Journalist Shield Law. The organization also worked to repeal a controversial public records ordinance in Mendocino County and advocated for laws and policies that strengthen first amendment and open-government rights. In addition to its legal advocacy, the First Amendment Coalition educates and empowers the public, launching a series of webinars titled "Know Your Rights" and responding to nearly 900 queries on its free legal hotline.

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Impact




October, 2024

The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) significantly advances free speech, government accountability, and public participation in civic affairs. Through strategic litigation, education, and advocacy, FAC has made remarkable strides in promoting open government and protecting the public's right to know.

In 2022, FAC's impactful lawsuits forced the disclosure of vital records related to police misconduct in Ventura County, contributing to the enforcement of California's SB 1421, which increased transparency in such matters. Their actions also led to the uncovering of crucial documents regarding the San Jose Mayor's use of personal devices for public business.

FAC protects journalists' rights through its subpoena defense initiative, which provides pro bono legal assistance to ensure that reporters can maintain the confidentiality of their sources. For instance, their advocacy resulted in significant legal victories, including the release of reports on controversial police incidents and the unsealing of materials related to the Los Angeles Police Department's handling of protestors.

The organization also plays a crucial role in legislative advocacy, working within the California Legislature and local governments to strengthen First Amendment protections while combatting harmful laws. Their efforts led to the repeal of an ordinance in Mendocino County that imposed exorbitant fees for public records access.

On the education front, FAC launched a series of webinars titled "Know Your Rights," empowering Californians to utilize public records, understand their First Amendment rights, and navigate open meetings laws. They also operate a free legal hotline, responding to nearly 900 inquiries from journalists and activists seeking to exercise their rights and promote governmental transparency.

Through workshops and legal briefs, the First Amendment Coalition is dedicated to fostering a culture of openness and free expression, reinforcing the importance of a transparent democracy where the public is informed and engaged.




This information is meant to be a general summary of First Amendment Coalition. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,332,966 (2023)
Expenses
$1,248,369 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $21,479
  • Gross Receipts: $1,332,966

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,418,046
  • Total Liabilities: $0
  • Net Assets: $1,418,046

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Organization Details

Founding Year

1988

Principal Officer

David Snyder

NTEE Category

Code: R60 - Civil rights

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