Electricity Fiasco Continues

So it seems that the fiscal sponsorship did not help us. haha.

i would be happy to say fuck con ed if we can think of any other possible idea, but in case we can't, i looked at what it would take to incorporate (which does not mean we become a 501c3, but just a non-profit incorporation) and it basically looks like we have to fill out this form (found here: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/pdfs/dos1511.pdf ) and file it with 75$. The most arduous part of filling out that form is that we have to have a board of directors, a specific group of people, and while i was interested in having a semi-closed collective, i definitely am not interested in having a "board" that is on the books with the state. So we'll have to figure out how to deal with that. But i'm printing out the form and maybe we can all meet soon?

Also, i looked through all the literature, and copied and pasted everytyhing i think is relevant about incorporating. Here it is:

How Do I Form a Not-for-Profit Corporation?
One or more persons, called "incorporators," may form a not-for-profit corporation. Incorporators are natural persons who are 18 or older. The incorporator(s) signs the Certificate of Incorporation. The completed Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Department of State pursuant to Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. (NOTE: HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN LOOK AT WHAT THIS CERTIFICATE LOOKS LIKE: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/pdfs/dos1511.pdf )
A not-for-profit corporation may be formed by filing a Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. A sample form is provided by the New York State Department of State Division of Corporations for filing a certificate of incorporation. This form is designed to satisfy the minimum filing requirements pursuant to the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. The Division of Corporations has also prepared a booklet "Forming a Not-for-Profit Corporation in New York State." The booklet includes answers to commonly asked questions, names and addresses of other government agencies that a corporation may need to contact, instructions for completing a Certificate of Incorporation, tax information, and fee information.
Section 301 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law includes provisions relating to restrictions on the use of certain words and phrases in the name of the corporation. Generally, the name of the entity may not include a word or phrase restricted by another statute unless one has complied with the restriction. Certain words and phrases also require the consent or approval from another agency prior to filing the document with the Division of Corporations.
In addition, certain activities, such as day care centers, hospitals, substance abuse programs, etc., require the consent or approval of another agency prior to filing the Certificate of Incorporation with the Division of Corporations. Please be sure to review Section 404 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law to determine whether any consents or approvals are required. If there is any doubt as to what, if any, consents or approvals may be required, the Division of Corporations or the agency in question should be contacted prior to submitting the document for filing to the Division of Corporations.
The completed Certificate of Incorporation, together with the statutory filing fee of $75, should be forwarded to the Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231.

Are There Any Special Responsibilities Associated With Forming a Not-for-Profit Corporation?
The existence of the corporation begins upon the filing of the Certificate of Incorporation with the Department of State. After the corporate existence has begun, an organization meeting of the initial directors designated in the Certificate of Incorporation must be held for the purpose of adopting by-laws, electing directors and the transaction of any other business. (See Section 405 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.)
The corporation is required to keep correct and complete books and records of account and must keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, board of directors and executive committee, if any. The corporation must also keep a record containing the names and addresses of all members, the number of capital certificates held by each member and the dates when they respectively became the owners of record thereof. (See Section 621 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.)
In addition, a meeting of members must be held annually for the election of directors and the transaction of other business on a date fixed by or under the by-laws. (See Section 603 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.)
Not-for-profit corporations formed for charitable purposes may be required to register with the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, Registration Section, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. The telephone number is (212) 416-8415. Their website address is www.oag.state.ny.us .

When I File the Certificate of Incorporation, What Will I Receive From the Department of State?
The Department of State issues an official filing receipt to the filer of the Certificate of Incorporation. The filing receipt reflects the date of filing, the name of the corporation, an extract of information provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and an accounting of fees paid. Filers should verify that this information is correct.
The filing receipt is your proof of filing. The filing receipt should be retained with the corporation’s permanent records. The Department of State does not issue duplicate filing receipts to replace those lost or destroyed.

MORE INFO IS HERE YALL, BUT I THINK THAT IS THE IMPORTANT STUFF: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/nfpguide.htm