Why do PACs matter?
Political action committees like Peach State Muslim Coalition brings Democratic and Republican candidates together on issues most critical to the Muslim community.
Politicians need votes to win election and re-election, but they also need financial support for their campaign. And while a person’s vote carries an expectation that the candidate will look out for constituents' interests if elected, a political dollars grabs the attention of political candidates - inviting favorable legislation and stronger community ties.
How is a PAC different from a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)?
PACs (political action committees) fill a gap in political influence unlike any other legal entity. Non-profit 501(c)3 organizations serve a variety of community needs, helping with issues from hunger to education, but are restricted due to their tax exemption status from coordinating with or contributing to political campaigns. Social welfare 501(c)4 organizations can use some of their budget for a direct political purpose - like having explicit conversations with candidates, or voters about those candidates - but it is still restricted to roughly 40% of their budget only. But PACs? Their dollars can be used 100% for political purposes.
“In the game of Taboo, players try to get their partners to guess the word on their card — without using the word itself. Trying to get someone to vote with C3 [and a majority of C4] money is like trying to communicate without being able to use the most obvious and important words to motivate action. PAC money allows us to tell them exactly what we hope they will do, and why.”
Non-profit and charitable giving matters, but PAC money is most impactful in electoral results and systemic political change.
Community Engagement
Advocacy and Activism
Candidate and Community Engagement
Advocacy and Politics
Candidate Endorsements
Political Relationships and Investment
What does political money really do?
Money Wins Elections
Financial resources have immense influence in shaping election results. Votes matter, but monetary campaign contributions fuel visibility among voters. PACs who play a role can help strategize with candidates on their messaging strategies, fundraising, staffing and other key decisions to help secure a win.
Elections Impact Representation
Elections are pivotal arenas where communities define their voices. They determine who represents community interests and concerns on local, national, and global platforms. The electoral process directly shapes the diversity of elected officials - ideally, fostering representation that reflects the rich tapestry of voices and perspectives within our communities.
Representation Influences Law
Elected representatives hold significant power in shaping policies and laws that impact our everyday lives. Who sits in these elected seats directly influences the legislation that eventually becomes law. Lobbying for against legislation starts before they are written and debated on the floors of Congress - but at the initial stages of investing in candidates that will best represent our interests on this main stage.
