Join the GEN

The process isn't complicated. It's just a matter of filling out some forms, and maybe filing them with your state. Remember this protects you and the other events!

NOTE: You should only need to join the GEN if you are starting a new event.  If you are taking over an existing event, please contact the former LC or National President for your GEN information and paperwork.

Step One: Pick a name

This should be "[your city] Pagan Pride" or "Pagan Pride [your city]". See PPP policies.

Step Two: Get an Employer Identification Number

Apply by phone:   Fill out this form before calling. 

Click here for the answers you will need for the SS-4 Form. 

Click here for the IRS instructions, if you still need them after reading the "answers" above.

Keep in mind:

• • The organization is either a Corporation or a Unincorporated Association (see below)

  • The organization type is: other nonprofit organization (public charity)

  • The organization is not an LLC

  • Reason for applying is "starting new business"

  • Employees is zero, wages will not be paid, and employment tax liability is zero

  • Line 17 "principal line of merchandise sold ...": Write in "nonprofit educational events."

  • If they ask for your SSN and phone number, rest assured that this process does NOT affect your personal credit.

Step Three: Pick Directors

You need at least two Directors: one President, one Secretary/Treasurer. Your state might require more than two if you are incorporating (so check your state Secretary of State website!). You can have three or more, and you can divide the Secretary and Treasurer offices. Each Director should be an LC.

Step Four: Form your Chapter

Forming a Chapter simply requires completing, and possibly filing with the state, some paperwork, and then acting like an organization by holding meetings, maintaining a bank account, etc. You can be a corporation or an unincorporated association.

• • The corporation will protect you from being personally sued, if something goes wrong at your event. However, you have to register the corporation with your state. (See your state Secretary of State website.)

  • The unincorporated association is easier, because you do not have to go through the State. However, you might open yourself up to being sued personally, if something goes wrong. (This varies from state to state, in some states you are still protected. Again, see your state Secretary of State website.)

If you choose Corporation, your Directors must copy the text of PPP Chapter Articles of Incorporation into a new Word document, fill it in and edit as necessary, add certain provisions if your state requires you to do so, sign, and file with the State Secretary of State or Department of Corporations with the required fee. Then send a copy to the National President. (You MUST file it with the State for it to be valid. If you do not want to file anything with the state, form an Unincorporated Association instead.)

If you choose Unincorporated Association, your Directors must must copy the text of PPP Chapter Articles of Organization into a new Word document, fill it in and edit as necessary, sign, and send a copy to the National President. You might also be able to file it with your State Secretary of State

Step Five: Join the "Group Exemption"

Fill in the GEN Chapter Consent Form and mail a COPY, along with a COPY of your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization, to the current President. Then wait for our approval!

President: 

Brian Ewing 

4901 Alcove Ave. 

Valley Village, CA 91607