in matters concerning the management of the private
organization.
(1) For example, it is permissible for a
commander to appoint an officer as a liaison to the
local AUSA Chapter. Among this officer’s legitimate
duties would be to inform the Chapter of the
command’s concerns with respect to its prospective
activities, and to inform the commander of options,
plans, and needs being explored by the AUSA Chapter.
However, it would not be appropriate for the liaison to
use government resources to assist the local Chapter
maintain its mailing list, visit local merchants to
encourage them to join, or to help with the annual
membership drive at the installation. These activities
should be done by “active participants” in their
unofficial, personal capacities as members of the local
chapter.
(2) It is permissible to send an Army official
TDY to perform liaison duties. It is also appropriate to
send personnel on Army time and orders to participate
in or attend a private organization event, if there is a
legitimate government interest and purpose in the
Army’s participation.
b. Participation in Events
. Army organizations
may provide speakers or logistical support (e.g., space,
security, public address system, etc.) for a private
organization event if the criteria in the JER are met.
For example, it is generally inappropriate to support a
private organization event if the charge for admission
exceeds the event’s reasonable costs. The Army may
even co-sponsor an event, such as a technical
symposium, with a private organization if certain
criteria and conditions are met, to include a written
agreement.
(1) The manner and degree of Army
participation in any event determines what kind of
event it is, i.e., Army sponsored, co-sponsored, or
Army supported. Additionally, if the Army co-
sponsors an event with a private organization or
supports a private organization event, it must be clear
that the Army is not endorsing the organization.
(2) The JER authority to participate in,
support, or co-sponsor events by and with private
organizations is not a license for the Army to expend
time and resources in support of a private organization
above and beyond that permitted, or to help the private
organization conduct its business. We must ensure that
the expenditure of time and resources is of direct
benefit and interest to the Army, and commensurate
with that benefit and interest. The conclusion that a
private organization is “friendly” to the Army and
supports its goals and objectives is not sufficient
justification to direct employees, using official Army
time, to do such things as: assist the private
organization with a membership or fundraising
campaign; assist the private organization with a private
organization seminar beyond providing speakers and
other limited support; help the private organization fix
its computer system; assist the private organization
with auditing its books.
c. Endorsement
. The Standards of Ethical
Conduct prohibits government employees from using
their title, office, or position to officially endorse a
private organization or its activities beyond that
permitted in JER, paragraph 3-210 (e.g., fundraising
for the Combined Federal Campaign, Army Emergency
Relief, family readiness groups, etc.). However, there
is some permissible activity to encourage professional,
community and other involvement that does not violate
the rules because it does not amount to official bias,
endorsement, favoritism or unlawful support.
(1) Specifically, commanders and supervisors
may encourage Army personnel to take an active part
in their military and civilian communities, to include
joining, supporting and participating in service and
benevolent organizations. They may publicize and
describe organizations that seem to share and support
national defense, Army and community goals and
ideals, and/or that help promote excellence in military
or other skills.
(2) However, when drafting informational
memoranda or providing presentations, you are
cautioned against using words which imply
endorsement. No matter how worthy an entity or
event, DOD must maintain neutrality with regards to
private organizations and their events. Any words of
praise for an organization may appear to favor that
organization to the exclusion or detriment of others.
Because DOD cannot possibly endorse all worthy
organizations equally, DOD must praise none of them.
Therefore, all words of praise, such as “endorse,”
“support,” “encourage”, “recommend,” and “urge”
should be avoided in informational memoranda or
presentations.
d. Some Specific Don’ts
.
(1) Don’t appoint a point of contact in a unit
for a private organization membership drive or offer a
pass or other benefit to the unit with the highest
membership or participation rate in the private
organization.
Private Organization Reference Guide
.
August 2004
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