Policy on Lobbying and Political Activities
Public diplomacy community may need to become involved in legislative initiatives in order to protect or enhance educational interests.
These interactions may constitute "lobbying" activities that are allowable, but only within certain limitations.
All lobbying activities of educational institutions and other not-for- profit organisations such as Institut de diplomatie publique are regulated by multiple rules.
Laws regulating lobbying may exist at all levels, but can differ widely in scope, depending on the jurisdiction.
Nonprofits are permitted to lobby, and the Institute engages in lobbying on a limited number of issues, mostly those affecting education, research, and other related activities.
The Institute is included in the European Union transparency register (ID number: 184017945022-94) managed by a Secretariat, comprising staff from the European Parliament, European Council and European Commission and regularly discloses information about our lobbying activities.
You may view our lobbying disclosures for the past several years, by clicking this link.
The Institute requires that all members fully comply with all local laws and regulations regarding lobbying and political activities.
Members must also fully comply with the legal requirements of the countries in which they operate in addition to all elements of the Policy.
The Institute is not allied with any political organization, does not participate in any political activities, and does not wish to engage in any political, religious, or government controversy.
Members may participate in personal political or lobbing activities, on their own time, with their own funds and in accordance with their own political preferences and desires.
In general, engaging in non-partisan analysis, study, or research and making its results available to the general public, or to governmental bodies, officials, or employees is not considered either direct or grassroots lobbying.
You may view Policy below:
Policy on Lobbying and Political Activities (1)
.pdf
Download PDF • 104KB
We are required to document and report lobbying efforts conducted by members on behalf of the Institute.
Policy on Lobbying and Political Activities
Policy Category: Ethics, Integrity and Legal Compliance
Subject: Restrictions and Certification Regarding Lobbying and Political Activities
Office Responsible for Review of this Policy: Director
Related University Policies:
I. SCOPE
Institut de diplomatie publique is subject to federal and local laws regarding lobbying and political activities.
Llobbying laws require registration and reporting by organizations engaged in lobbying.
The requirement for registration and reporting primarily depends on
the amount of time and money spent by the Institute on lobbying activities.
In addition, because of the Institute’s status as a tax-exempt organization the types of lobbying and political activities which are permitted are extremely limited and we must periodically certify to the government regarding the Institut’s compliance with all the requirement.
Thus, this policy is intended to assist the Institute in complying with legal requirements by outlining prohibited lobbying and political activities.
This policy is applicable to all members, staff, volunteers and website users (collectively “Public diplomacy community members”).
II. POLICY STATEMENT
All members, staff, and website users are strictly prohibited from engaging in lobbying and political activities on behalf of the Institute unless specific and prior authorization has been granted
by the Director.
This policy is not intended to hinder an community member’s personal expression of political views made in a person’s individual capacity and on his/her personal time.
However, when engaged in such personal activities, community members must indicate by their words and actions that these activities or expressions are personal positions and are
not made on behalf of the Institute.
III. DEFINITIONS
Lobbying---is generally described as any attempt to influence the official action of any federal or local legislative or executive branch, or public official and/or his or her staff.
Political activity--is generally described as any participation in or attempt to influence legislation, or the outcome of an election or ballot measure.
IV. POLICY
A. Permitted Activities
Nothing in this policy should be construed to impede or prohibit:
1. Expressing personal political views and engaging in lobbying or political activities as
long as these expressions and activities are conducted in an individual capacity and on
personal time.
2. Discussing pviews/issues or teaching of politics;
3. Activities that address public issues through:
Sustainable development diplomacy
Science diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy
Economic diplomacy
Cyber diplomacy
Health diplomacy
Municipal diplomacy
Human rights diplomacy
Environmental diplomacy
Energy diplomacy
Sports diplomacy
Water diplomacy
Religious diplomacy.
4. Community members running for or holding political office. However, such activity must be disclosed and reported to the Director. The Institute requires this disclosure to assure itself that the person’s activities do not jeopardize the Institut’s tax-exempt status or trigger legal disclosure requirements.
5. Nonpartisan study or research related to proposed legislation.
B. Prohibited Lobbying and Political Activities When Acting in Your Official Institute Capacity.
General Prohibition: Public diplomacy community members are strictly prohibited from lobbying or engaging in political activities on behalf of the Institute, without specific and prior authorization from the Director.
Specific Prohibited Lobbying and Political Activities:
1. Participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of the Institute.
2. Lobbying of any activity without the prior permission of the Director.
3. Using the Institut’s name, seal, address, resources, services, facilities, or personnel for any prohibited lobbying or political activities.
D. Consequence for Noncompliance
Staff, fmembers, and volunteers who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of membership (employment).
E. Responsibilities for Implementation of Policy
The Director is the administrative officer responsible for the
interpretation and implementation of this policy. All questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Director.
V. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Policy is effective June 1, 2020.
Reviewed and updated December, 2021