Certified Association Executive Terms

Certified Association Executive Terms

501(c)(3) criteria to qualify

The org must be organized and substantially devoted (85%/90%) to one or more exempt public purpose:
1) Education
2) Religious/Charitable

No part of its activities may constitute carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and it must not participate or intervene in any political campaign.

501c(4) criteria to qualify

Must be primarily (over 50%) devoted to social welfare activities. May engage in lobbying activities as long as they are directed at social welfare. Not prohibited from political activity

501c(6) criteria to qualify

Must be primarily (over 50%) devoted to activities in the business interests of members. Must represent at least one line of business. Free to engage in unlimited legislative activity and not prohibited from political activity.

Payments to c(6) are deductible only if they are ordinary and necessary business expenses.

990 and 990EZ Forms (Taxes)

An organization that exceeds income of $50,000 must tile form 990.

An Orgs. with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000 can file form 990EZ.

These are due on the 15th day of the month after the org. fiscal year ends.

Accounting: Segregation of Duty

No individual should control all four aspects of any financial transaction:
Initiation (check request)
Authorization (approval to pay)
Asset custody (Keeping the checkbook)
Recording transactions (posting)

Accreditation vs Certification vs Licensure

Accreditation: The process of standards setting and compliance measurement for systems, orgs or institutions. \n \n Certification: Implies the measurement of competency for individuals. Certification and Accreditation are referred to as credentialing activities. \n \n Licensure: programs administered by government agencies

Acting in Good Faith/Bad Faith

Acting in good faith involves using ordinary due diligence and care so that you will not be found personally liable for debts or responsibilities of the Org. (Even incompetence or bad judgement is not sufficient grounds for personal liability).

Acting in bad faith is based on gross negligence and intentional disregard that causes injury

Active Listening

Requires being present in the moment and engage with the speaker rather than thinking about your response.

Includes noticing when body language does not match words spoken or passion expressed is not aligned with the issue being discussed.

May require paraphrasing in your own words what you've heard to assure your understanding of the conversation

Activity Ratios

Measures the resources required to carry out certain activities.

Sometimes referred to as the Efficiency Ratios or Turnover ratios:

Examples are: Asset turnover ratio, Inventory Turnover, A/R turnover, Return on Equity

Actual vs. Apparent Authority (Governance)

Actual Authority: Any party who has actual authority will be equally responsible for obligations or debts incurred.

Apparent Authority (chapters/parent): May be inferred by a third party where the national organization permits the chapter to behave as if it has actual authority.

Apparent authority (employment/antitrust): An employer can be responsible for wrongdoing of an agent/employee even if the agent only appears to be authorized.

(Hydrolevel case applied this concept to volunteers as well in that the org is strictly liable when it fails to prevent antitrust violations through misuse of the orgs reputation by its agents - including members volunteers or lower level employees

ADA and pre-employment medical inquiries

Only drug testing is permitted during the application and pre-screening process. The ADA forbids pre-employment inquiries and exams however a medical exam may be required once an offer has been made.

Employer must impose the same requirements on all employees in a category. Interviewing questions must only be about job-related concerns.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Prohibits discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability who can perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

15+ employees

ADA: Reasonable accommodation vs. Undue Hardship

Reasonable Accommodation: Accommodation must ensure the essential functions of the job can be accomplished and include:

• Making facilities accessible and usable

• Restructuring or modifying jobs

• Acquiring or modifying equipment

• Providing qualified readers and interpreters

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Undue Hardship: If reasonable accommodation imposes significant difficulty or expense it may be deemed undue hardship. Factors include the size of the org, nature of the cost of accommodation and type of operations.

Advocacy

The act of influence or attempting to influence a decision making body on an issue of importance to the org. Advocacy usually relates to leveraging or influencing legislation, or moving the general public to action

Affiliation Agreements (Contracts)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or partnership between the parent org. and the chapters or affiliates. The agreement binds both organizations and sets forward how each is to be governed, the extent one is an agent of the other and how the chapter is permitted to use the name of the parent.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The most significant federal civil rights legislation affecting employers since the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The law prohibits discrimination based upon disability

Annual Audit

Management is responsible for the organization's financial reports and the information within.

The auditor is responsible for verifying the amounts included in the reports.

The Board hires the external auditor as part of its fiduciary responsibility. - It is a conflict of interest for the CSE or CFO to hire the auditor.

Financial records must agree with the reports certified by the auditor. Any changes the auditor deems necessary are subject to acceptance by management.

Annual Dues Rate Change

Calculate the dues rate every year, often tied to an economic indicator such as the CPI.

Antitrust - Related laws

Clayton Act: Prohibits specific distribution and growth activities that may substantially restrain trade. (Tying arrangements, exclusive dealing and requirements contracts, price discrimination, M&A)

Robinson Patman Act - Section 2: Prohibits discriminatory pricing between different purchases of commodities of like grade and quality. Competitors must not use association as a shield

Federal Trade Commission Act: Established FTC giving it responsibility for prevention of unfair methods of competition affecting commerce.

Sherman Act: Prohibits restraint of trade, monopolies and other anti-competitive activity

Antitrust Compliance

Associations are particularly susceptible to antitrust allegations. Orgs must maintain and promote antitrust compliance programs including:
• Written Guidelines to staff and association leaders
• Chapters must implement compliance information.

A Compliance Program proactively creates an environment that demonstrates the org has taken al reasonable means to prevent antitrust behavior and conversations.

Antitrust: Code of Ethics

Requests or requires members to adhere to minimum standards of practice and policies.

Must not address issues or decisions that relate to competition, pricing or market relationships.

Have procedural safeguards designed to ensure no disciplinary action is taken without affording due process.

Penalties should be identified in the code.

Expulsion is reserved for only the most severe ethical violations.

Antitrust: Nonmember receipt of publications

To avoid exposure to antitrust/restraint of trade liability, publications that have information of competitive value should be made available to nonmembers.

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The association may charge a full subscription rate tot the non-member

Antitrust: statistical reporting program

To avoid antitrust violations in statistical reporting programs;

• Survey instruments must be in written form and prepared by an independent contractor

• Participation is voluntary and open to all industry members

• Information should be based on data at least three months old when published

• All data should be presented in aggregate form and only in categories where there are more than five responses.

ASCAP/BMI : Legal Issues

Performing rights organizations who offer music license agreements to users of copyrighted music.

Attempting to influence legislation (lobbying)

Making any communication with a member or employee of a legislative body or government official or employee who may participate in the formulation of legislation that:


1. Refers to specific legislation and reflects a view on that legislation
2. Clarifies, amplifies, modifies or provides support for views reflected in a prior lobbying communication

Balanced organization model

Staff is responsible for day to day operation matters and volunteers are responsible for governance and other member related matters

Balanced Score Card

A popular for-profit means of expressing strategy in measurable terms.

Board performance is measured in four categories that provide a more balance perspective:
Financial performance
Customer Satisfaction
Process Efficiency
Innovation

Blogging

A website which displays a reverse chronological listing of short text entries added by a single author

An online journal usually taking a conversational tone and features the viewpoint of an individual or an organization

Branding

A marketing process that incorporates a singular look, feel and message in building a belief about your organization and its products.

It creates the perception that there is no product on the market quite like yours.

The power of a brand is its ability to influence purchasing behavior.

Capital Budget

The financial plan for long term expenditures like:
1) Land
2) Buildings
3) Equipment
4) And includes Depreciation

Capital Expenditures

Requirements for long term objectives.

Major equipment purchases, improvements in physical facilities or other expenses outlined in the Capital Budget

Cash Vs. Accrual Accounting

Accrual Accounting recognizes revenue when it is earned and expenses when they are incurred.

Cash Accounting recognizes revenue when cash is received and expenses when cash is expended.

Best practice is to use accrual accounting, allocating dues when earned monthly rather than recording a lump sum when received.

Accrual Accounting provides a much better financial picture and cash flow projection than cash accounting.

Many organizations keep books on a cash basis and convert them to accrual at the end of the month for accounting

Cause related marketing

Through corporate collaborations, companies gain the image of being socially responsible.

Nonprofit organizations benefit from marketing efforts that put them and their missions into the limelight.

Collaborations may include the sale of a product, marketing or organizational expertise or even the birth of a for profit enterprise.

Charitable contribution disclosure for 501c(6)

A conspicuous and recognizable statement that contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable contributions. Must be displayed on dues bills or other requests for payments. Failure to comply is a fine of $100 per day per offense.

Statement must be clearly displayed in the solicitation package or dues bill.

Chart of Accounts

A system for organizing financial data. A listing of all of the line item accounts being used by the organization.

Numbers are assigned to each account to facilitate identification.

Accurate and appropriate entry into correct accounts is the key to sound financial management and reporting

Clean Audit

An opinion providing the highest level of assurance that:
The Statement of Financial Position fairly presents the organizations financial position.
The Statement of Activities fairly presents the results of the organization operations
The Statement of Cash Flow fairly presents cash flow.

Coalition

An alliance that forms for lobbying or public relations purposes. Orgs broaden their reach by including other orgs with interests that run parallel with theirs or overlap in some areas.

They may require some financial commitment or may be underwritten by one or more entities that have an interest in a particular issue.

The goal is to unite voices and make the coalition interests known more prominently over other groups clamoring for attention.

Collaboration

Relationship where multiple parties work together on a project or initiative to achieve mutually desirable ends.

Common bases for dues

Sales, Income, Profits, Assets, Number of Employees or members, Payroll, Number of staff hours, units of production, unites of equipment, plants or business establishments, flat rate, voluntary dues, combination of one or more.

Communities of Practice

Groups of individuals that share a common interest and are willing to communicate with each other to share ideas and best practices. (also known as knowledge networks)

Groups of people who gather together to accumulate and share their collective learning

Compressed time vs. FlexTime (HR)

Compressed Time: Employers allow employees to work 4 10 hour days and have one day off, or work 9 days for 80 hours in a 2 week period with an extra day off every two weeks. Other variations are possible.

Flextime: this practice allows employees to vary their schedules within the limits established by the association. Usually employers ask staff to set definite schedule but allow occasional changes.

Confidentiality

One of the key duties of fiduciary responsibility of a governing body.

Maintaining this on sensitive issues fulfills the legal duty of loyalty to the organization.

Consent Agenda

Maximizes board and committee effectiveness, consent agenda is a batched list of items for approval by the board or committee.

Items on the consent agenda are routine and non-controversial and are given to board members prior to the meeting.

Any member can remove an item from the consent agenda for discussion. When this is requested, it is done with no questions asked.

In a single motion, the board approves the entire agenda. This eliminates the need for most oral reporting at meetings.

Constructive confrontation

Organizational cultures that avoid conflict and confrontation cannot function as an aligned team.

Teams that engage in confrontation:


1. Have lively interesting meetings
2. Extract and use the ideas of all team members
3. Solve real problems quickly
4. Minimize politics
5. Put critical topics on the table for discussion

This culture bring the team together. Conflict, confrontation, and closeness are on the same continuum.

Contact vs Lobbying Activity

A lobbying contact is any oral or written communication made on behalf of an employer or client to a 'covered legislative or executive branch official' regarding subjects such as formulation, modification or adoption of federal legislation. This includes legislative proposals or regulatory rules, policies or executive orders.

A lobbying activity is any action taken in support of a lobbying contact, including planning an preparation, research intended for use in the contact and coordination with other lobbyists.

Control of membership requirements - Parent/Chapter

The national org should retain some control over the local orgs membership requirements to ensure chapter/component procedures do not violate antitrust laws.

Copyright: Legal Issues

To minimize potential liability:

•Seek written copyright assignments or licenses from non-employees responsible for creating copyrightable works that the org will publish or sell.

• Be careful in the electronic distribution and reproduction of any communication containing materials written by non-employees and freelance authors

• Seek appropriate representations and warranties from third parties responsible for creating works the org will use.

• Restructure contractual arrangements with electronic publishers and database operators.

• Review and research copyright law in other nations prior to distributing

Copyright: Legal Term

The legal protection afforded an original work. It grants to its owner the right to control an intellectual or artistic creation and to prohibit others from using and profiting from the sale and performance of the work without permission.

Core Values

Describe the assumptions and beliefs of the organization, which represent the common understanding and commitments of the members.

The most important central qualities that define the character of the org.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

The technical process of judging the value of a given activity, program or service against the cost.

Debt Coverage Ratio

Measures the projections for interest and principal payments to long term creditors and investors.

Credentialing program criteria

Criteria should be established after reasonable notice and opportunity to participate is afforded to all who may be affected.

They must not restrict or boycott competitors.

Credentialing program guidelines

• Participation is voluntary and open to non-members

• All candidates are treated equally

• Orgs should not promote credentialed individuals by name or disparage the non-credentialed

• Credentials should not be used to limit or blackball competitors

• Denial of credential should be made by written notice giving reasons for denial, an opportunity for appeal

• Decisions on applications should be made by an objective body not composed exclusively of credentialed individuals who might stand to gain financially from a decision.

Criminal vs Civil liability

Criminal liability: claims brought by the government - ie antitrust actions alleging price fixing.

Civil liability: claims brought by individuals or companies due to personal injury. Ie: breach of contract, copyright infringement or bodily injury.

Crisis management planning process

Three phase process:

Pre-crisis: Plan for crisis, establish policy and establish a crisis information function (communication)

• During Crisis: Define the crisis, access the crisis plan, respond professionally

• Post Crisis: review performance during the crisis and plan for the next time. Learn from mistakes and start the three phases over.

Crisis Planning (Risk Management)

1. Safeguarding Staff
a. Work with building management
b. Expand safety and emergency policies
c. Collect additional staff contact information
d. Purchase various supplies (medical/survival/protective)
e. Provide staff with additional information (own emergency kits)
f. Practice safety measures
2. Informing constituents


1. Enhance information for constituents
2. Establish tracking systems online
3. Create emergency contact channels
4. Participate in cooperative efforts

3\. Protecting infrastructure

CRM (customer relationship management)

An attitude toward systemic thinking, coordination, training and customer value that is not about the software.

CRM is creating and communicating value through various channels:

• Membership

• Marketing

• Advocacy

• Housing Knowledge

• Data and Information on an organizations members interests, preferences and history in one central locations.

Cross border collaboration

Know your market and give them what they want.

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Global Localization: identify individuality in any given place

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Identifying Market Needs: Working with people within a given market to discover the needs - tailoring services to international markets.

External alliances

The CSE must never lose sight of what is best for the organization. That may mean:
• entering into collaborative efforts with competitors
• merging or eliminating one's own position for the good of the organization
• looking for opportunities on behalf of the members interests
• applying the standards for conflict of interest

CSE Ethics

The CSE is responsible for establishing the ethical framework and expectations for staff behavior.

The CSE is also responsible for communicating and promoting the ethical standards established by the org.

Leadership and commitment of the CSE must be consistent

CSE Role in Environment and Policy (Sexual Harassment)

Prevention is the best tool for elimination of sexual harassment.

CSE needs to provide a safe work environment and take steps to prevents sexual harassment from occurring.

Provide sexual harassment policy for employees, board and members and a mechanism for reporting complaints.

Also, investigate promptly and carefully all complaints.

Provide sensitivity training for employees and board

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CSE Termination

Major factors leading to termination include:

• CSE functions knowledgeably but ineffectively

• CSE focuses more on their own role than on doing a good job for the members/org

Job security protections can be outlined in the employment contract.

• Defining who would be involved in appraisals

• Which positions would have authority to terminate

• Notice, severance issues

Current Ratio

Measures org’s ability to meet financial obligations

the current assets divided by current liabilities.

Dashboard Indicators

Identify:


1. Critical variables that determine success
2. A system for measuring success with Full, Safe, Low and Warning levels.

The first step is to define the indicator values that fit your organization.

Five steps to setting up dashboards:


1. Revisit mission and vision of the organization
2. Define the gauges as they relate to the mission
3. Establish methods to measure success
4. Conduct an assessment to establish initial readings
5. Assign staff to regularly monitor the gauges

De Minimus Rule (lobbying)

If less than 5% of an employees time is spent on lobbying activities, orgs may treat that time as zero.

Any time spent by an employee on direct contact lobbying may not be accepted under the De Minimus Rule.

Direct contact lobbying includes travel time related to lobbying.

Dialogue before deliberation

On key issues before the org., leadership should engage in dialogue with members at large.

After dialogue, leadership should bring what has been learned to the board room for deliberation on the issue.

This process keeps the leadership relevant to the membership and the membership engaged with the Org.

Direct vs Grassroots Lobbying

Direct lobbying: Contacting a legislator to advocate the adoption or rejection of legislation

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Grassroots lobbying: an attempt to influence legislation through a campaign that solicits members or the general public to write letters, email or phone legislators about a specific issue.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Provides coverage in the event of a board, director or office is accused or mismanagement of the org.

It provides a source of funds for legal costs and judgments and settlement fees associated with certain types of lawsuits naming board members as individuals

Disabled Person (HR)

An individual qualifies as disabled under ADA when they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of the impairment.

Impairments include but are not limited to - Speech, hearing, sight and mental inhibitions. HIV, cancer, diabetes, missing limb an recovery from substance abuse.

Disaster and recovery planning

Crisis planning process that helps you determine what to anticipate in order to better prepare.

Consider:


1. Service and time interruptions - Identify time intervals the org. would be able to operate without key base processes including outsourced processes.
2. Emergency Incident Assessment - determine the types of events that are most likely to affect normal business process and review documentation relating to this area. (Evacuation plans, building management, back-up procedures)
3. Operational Impact Service Interruption - knowing time bands and conducting an emergency incident assessment will establish 'significant impact' areas on normal office and membership operations

Diversity

Inclusiveness of differences at all levels of the organization. Not just encompassing demographic differences.

Due Diligence

The act of prudent investigation when entering into a contract.

Could involve:

• background, reference and fact checks

• An assessment to determine if the prospective contractor is able to fulfill the commitments defined

• If there is a cultural fit with the contractor

In case of a merger, analysis of financial condition of the companies as well as researching outstanding liabilities of the organization is imperative.

Should be pursued anytime the org is considering long-term contracts.

Dues Structure vs Base vs Rate

Dues Structure: Entire dues framework including the dues base, rate and the way members determine their specific amount owed to the org.

Dues Base: The description of the units by which dues are measured.

Dues Rate: The specific amount of money assessed, Can be set in brackets on a sliding scale as a percentage, fixed or flat.

Employee Assistance Plan

Coordinate alternative treatment for substance abuse rehab and recovery as well as treatment for mental health issues generally when the benefit is self-insured. This is an employee benefit program most often found in unionized orgs.

Employment related taxes

Orgs exempt from federal income taxes are still subject to state and local employment taxes - withholding, social security, and unemployment taxes.

Environmental Scanning

Scanning and strategic planning are inseparable. It is a systematic effort to obtain information about the world that will affect an org. It is important in managing change and avoiding costly mistakes.

Model includes:


1. Plan, including a review of the literature - print and internet, brainstorming issues, trends and other important topics; outreach to members through surveys, list serves, workshops and outreach to others - new members, young employees
2. Scan trends in the industry, associations and the operating environment
3. Apply insight and interpret trends important to the org. strategy

Equal opportunity employment (HR)

Voluntary status for employers which allows the use of the EOE designation if they abide by certain employment regulations. This includes:

• Written policy of nondiscrimination

• promotion and equal access for all employees

• posting the rights of employees.

Ethics Check

Questions to ask when faced with an question where the answer is not readily apparent:

• Is it legal

• Is it balanced

• What organizational or personal values are being violated?

Exempt vs Non-Exempt (HR)

Employees are identified as exempt or non-exempt by the labor department - governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Exempt employees paid on salary means the employee is paid the same amount each week.

Non-exempt employees must be paid overtime for hours worked over 40.

Lobbying Expense and Tax Deductibility

Orgs may use any reasonable method to allocate costs between lobbying and other activities.

A method is reasonable if it is applied consistently, allocates a proper amount of costs to lobbying and is consistent with certain special rules contained in the regulations. There are three allocation methods outlined by Treasury.

Lobbying orgs must notify members what % of dues is estimated to be nondeductible because of lobbying expenditures or pay a proxy tax.

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The Proxy Tax is an election where orgs pay a flat 21% excise tax

Factors in Staff Recruitment

Create a standard approach to staff recruitment to assure consistency in candidate evaluation. Consider:

• Salary - will the salary attract the skills needed

• Job Design - every position should include a variety of duties to retain the interest of the employee.

•Interest in Org issues or work - if interest is present, employee may bring an emotional commitment to the job.

Interest in staff specialty area

• Reward and recognition programs

• Fair treatment

• Cause and concern

• Trust

• Instilled accountability of managers, supervisors

Federal lobbying registration

Employees of an org who spend more than 20% of their overall work time in lobbying activity, lobbyists who receive more than $5000 for lobbying from a single client or orgs that spend more than $20,000 in six months must register with the clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate within 45 days of first contact.

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Registrants must file reports disclosing their names, clients, chambers, agencies contacted and general area and specific issues lobbied. This must be done within 45 days of the conclusion of the registration period.

Financial Controls

There are four factors essential:


1. Clear lines of authority
2. Clear definition and acceptance of responsibility
3. Authority commensurate with responsibility
4. Proper training

Financial Key Indicators

Quantitative measurements that indicate a fairly accurate picture of the organization in relation to its strategic plan.

Indicators may include:
1) Number of new members
2) Accounts
3) Members participating in programs
4) % of member retention and growth

Financial Narrative

The story of how all the organization's financial elements relate.

It must provide more than just numbers and highlight key financial issues, concerns, and trends.

Numbers have meaning only in context.

Financial Policies

Most association have the following kinds of policies:
1) Investment Policy
2) Reserve Policy
3) Budget Policy
4) Operational Accounting Policy

Financial Reserves

Net Assets minus Net Liabilities. This is the surplus or 'Rainy Day' fund for an organization.

Reserves are usually protected by the board.

Some orgs. budget to contribute to a reserve fund annually

Five elements of a contract

1. Mutual consent: An offer is made and accepted
2. Competent parties: persons have the legal authority to comit their respective orgs legally.
3. Consideration: the price to be paid
4. Mutuality: mutual obligation on the part of both parties. (ie hotel provides rooms, org provides people for the rooms)
5. Enforceable: must be in writing

For Profit Subsidiaries

Orgs can own 100% of a for profit subsidiary provided the two entities engage in separate activities and have separate boards, books, records and bank accounts. The subsidiary is not the alter ego of its parent.

Reasons to form:


1. Protects orgs tax exempt status
2. Facilitates joint ownership in property
3. Insulates org from liability
4. Enables org to properly reflect income from an activity
5. Aids in reducing taxable income
6. Performs member service

Force Majeure

A performance contract clause which excuses a party from liability should a performance be prevented due to disruptive circumstances beyond that parties control. \\n \\n Typically covers natural disasters, war, failure of 3rd parties or subcontractors. Inclement weather is usually not covered.

When negotiating, make sure the clause applies equally to all parties.

Foundations

Used to fulfill a special educational or charitable need.

They are usually formed to attract gifts from individual, corporate government or other foundations that would otherwise not be available.

Contributions to 501c(3) orgs are tax deductible.

Annual Fund

Cornerstone of many fundraising programs, this activity generates money for ongoing support and seeks to enroll new donors, renew donations and upgrade the level of donation.

Contributions generally support current programs via unrestricted gifts

Planned Giving

The solicitation of gifts from current asset holdings or an estate. The gift can be cash, assets, stock, property or insurance bequests.

The donor makes the bequest as a trust, contract or gift.

Special Events Fundraising

Fundraising events that connect donors to the institution and integrate fun and social capital in the mix.

Why People Give

People give because they care and want to express their personal values, ideals and goals, or because of a deep gratitude for life, benefits and services received.

They also may have personal or family pride, the opportunity to join an organizations success, gratitude for personal achievements or a provision for tributes and memory.

Grant Writing

A skill needed for fundraising via application to other foundations, government agencies or other funding organizations.

An individual writes a professional proposal aimed at persuading a grant making foundation to give money to your org.

Includes what you want to do, why the program is needed, how you will do it, how much it will cost and how much money you want from a foundation.

Principles of linkage, ability & interest (linkage)

proves helpful when researching and identifying true donor prospects.

Linkage is any contact, bridge or access through a peer to a potential donor

Ability is an assessment of whether the potential donor has the ability or sufficient holdings to make a contribution

Interest assesses the potential donors interest in the org. causes, mission or accomplishments.

Gifts and Invitations to widely attended gatherings (lobbying rules)

Members of the legislator and staff can attend conventions, charity events and other events with their expenses paid by the sponsor so long as the attendance is related to official duties.

Necessary travel expenses may be paid by a sponsor but not a registered lobbyist and must be publicly disclosed.

Recreation activity fees would be considered gifts.

If the event is a charity event, and unsolicited offer for free attendance from a sponsor is acceptable however transportation and lodging may not be accepted.

Gifts to members of congress

Each chamber of congress has its own rules.

Senators can accept gifts limited to $50/gift including meals and entertainment. There is a $100 limit on gifts from one source. Any gift or meal costing $10 or more counts toward the limit.

House members cannot accept any gifts with the exception of minor items such as hats, t-shirts or other nominal valued items.

Gifts from family members or close friends are excepted from these rules. Contributions to charities in lieu of honoraria are unaffected.

Globalization strategy of engagement

Typically region specific - include but is not limited to the following:


1. Establish international chapters
2. Create cooperative partners with other international organizations to fulfill operational needs in foreign countries
3. Secure localized access - getting close to local markets with seminars, major meetings held regionally and localized customer service.