Current through September 30, 2024
Section 2556.740 - May VISTAs participate in political fundraising activities?(a) Provided that paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section are fully adhered to, and in accordance with the prohibitions set forth in § 2556.710 , a VISTA may:(1) Make a political contribution to a political party, political group, campaign committee of a candidate for public office in a partisan election;(2) Attend a political fundraiser; and(3) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated volunteer services for a political campaign from any individual.(b) A VISTA may participate in fundraising activities as long as such participation: (1) Does not interfere with the performance of, or availability to perform, their assigned VISTA project duties;(2) Does not interfere with the provision of service in the VISTA program;(3) Does not involve any use of VISTA assistance, resources or funds;(4) Would not result in the identification of the VISTA as being a participant in or otherwise associated with the VISTA program;(5) Is not conducted during scheduled VISTA service hours; and(6) Does not interfere with the full-time commitment to remain available for VISTA service without regard to regular working hours, at all times during periods of service, except for authorized periods of leave.(c) A VISTA may not knowingly:(1) Personally solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution from another individual;(2) Personally solicit political contributions in a speech or keynote address given at a fundraiser;(3) Allow their perceived or actual affiliation with the VISTA program, or their official title as a VISTA, to be used in connection with fundraising activities; or(4) Solicit, accept, or receive uncompensated individual volunteer services from a subordinate (e.g., a leader may not solicit, accept or receive a political contribution from a VISTA).(d) Except for VISTAs who reside in municipalities or political subdivisions designated under 5 CFR part 733, no VISTA may accept or receive a political contribution on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for local partisan political office and who represents a political party.