ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
I don't believe that showing or distributing a film is lobbying as
long as it doesn't "attempt to influence legislation through a
communication with the general public-including reference to specific
legislation, an expression of the association's views on that
legislation, and a call for action."
See
http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/governingdocs/legalguidelines/alalobbying/lobbyingala.htm
Excerpted below.
What Is Lobbying?
It is important for both association leaders and staff to be clear
about what constitutes lobbying.
* Direct lobbying includes oral or written communication with
members of a legislature, their staff, political appointees, senior
executive office personnel for the purpose of influencing legislation
or regulation. Preparation for lobbying is included in the definition
of lobbying.
* "Lobbying contacts" may be made regarding legislation (its
formulation, modification or adoption), executive branch policies
(rules, regulations, executive orders), administration or execution
of a federal program or policy, or nomination or confirmation on any
person requiring a Senate confirmation.
* If an association urges its members to contact legislators
regarding pending legislation, this is considered direct lobbying.
o Any communication which urges ALA members-explicitly or
implicitly-to contact legislators regarding a specific piece of
legislation must be considered lobbying.
o If an association communicates with members regarding a
piece of legislation on which the association has not taken a
position, it will not necessarily be considered lobbying.
* Grassroots lobbying is an attempt to influence legislation
through a communication with the general public-including reference
to specific legislation, an expression of the association's views on
that legislation, and a call for action. Note that while associations
often use the term "grass roots" to refer to their own members, to
the IRS it means the broader public outside the association
membership.
* If an association conducts or commissions a research study for
use in lobbying, the study itself must be considered lobbying. If the
study is intended primarily for non-lobbying purposes-but is later
used in lobbying, it would not generally be considered lobbying.
* Meetings may constitute a "lobbying communication" if the
meeting is used to urge members to act for/against specific
legislation.
* "Lobbying activity" includes certain activities undertaken in
preparation for lobbying-e.g. planning and preparation, coordination
with other lobbyists.
o Travel time may be considered a lobbying activity for
purposes of tracking lobbying expenditures.
What Kinds of Public Policy Communications Would Not Be Considered Lobbying?
It is equally important for leaders and staff to understand what does
not constitute lobbying.
* If an association responds to a request from an administrative
agency for information, that does not constitute lobbying.
* Participation on a federal advisory committee does not
constitute lobbying.
* Providing comments in response to a proposed rulemaking is not lobbying.
* Testimony before a Congressional committee or subcommittee, at
the request of that committee or subcommittee, is not lobbying.
o If ALA requests an opportunity to provide testimony, that
may be considered lobbying.
* An amicus curiae brief filed in the course of a judicial
proceeding is not lobbying.
* A statement filed during an administrative adjudication is not lobbying.
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>Could distributing the movie be construed as lobbying or political
>action in a way that could jeopardize an organization's non-profit
>status?
>
>Dave
>
>David L. Smith, Ph.D.
>Director of Professional Development
>Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown, PA
>http://www.davinci-center.org
>
>Engage, Explore, Share
>
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