As a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and in accordance with Girl Scouts of the USA policy, Girl Scouts River Valleys and its representatives are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. All Girl Scouts River Valleys employees and members (girls, adults, and volunteers) are required to abide by the following electioneering standards when acting in official Girl Scout capacity or as Girl Scout representatives.
- Acting in official Girl Scout capacity refers to wearing Girl Scout uniform pieces or insignia, and/or participating in an organized Girl Scout troop/service unit/group event or activity.
Standards
- It is the responsibility of all Girl Scouts River Valleys employees and members to be aware of and comply with any local, state, or federal requirements regulating electioneering as representatives of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Girl Scout troops/service units/groups, employees, volunteers, girls, or other members may not indicate any support of, or opposition to, any candidate for public office, nor may it promote such advocacy by others.
- No Girl Scouts River Valleys property or resource, including but not limited to, mailing/email lists, mail distribution services, duplicating and photocopying services, communications infrastructure, websites, email systems, or social media properties may be used to support or oppose any candidate, political party, or political action committee.
- Girl Scouts River Valleys reserves the right to remove from its websites, blogs, social media platforms, and other online properties any comment or post it deems in violation of this policy.
- No person or organization may use Girl Scouts River Valleys, Girl Scouts of the USA, or a troop or service unit’s name, letterhead, or logo for electioneering purposes, or to solicit funds for or otherwise support or oppose any candidate for public office.
- When acting in official Girl Scout capacity or as a Girl Scout representative, the following activities are prohibited:
- Endorsing any candidate for public office.
- This includes social media functions that may be viewed as endorsement, such as “liking,” “friending,” “re-tweeting” or “sharing,” or “following” a candidate, within close timing to an election.
- Influence in any way the nomination or election of someone to a federal, state or local public office or to an office in a political organization.
- Mobilize constituents to support or defeat a candidate.
- Use official Girl Scout letterhead, office email, or computers to write in support or opposition of a candidate.
- Distribute campaign materials, including flyers, postcards, newsletters and signage.
- Share a link to a website that discusses specific candidates and their views on specific issues.
- Allow a political candidate to use any council office space or property for a campaign event.
- Post political statements on personal social media accounts that identify Girl Scouts River Valleys as your employment organization without clarifying that the post is not work-related.
- Coordinate or host site visits, activities, or other functions with a candidate running for office.
- Participate in any election events or activities, including a campaign parade or rally.
- Host a flag ceremony to open a political campaign event.
- Provide public opinions about a candidate.
- Wear official Girl Scout uniform pieces or other insignia to a political campaign event or fundraiser.
- Wear campaign buttons on a Girl Scout uniform at any time.
- Wear campaign buttons on non-Girl Scout apparel while conducting official Girl Scout business.
- Make financial contributions to candidates or political parties on behalf of Girl Scouts, meaning any payment, loan, deposit, gift, or other transfer of money or anything of value.
- Endorsing any candidate for public office.
- When acting in official Girl Scout capacity or as a Girl Scout representative, the following activities are approved:
- Writing, visiting, or calling your Members of Congress, Governor, state legislator and all other local policy makers in support of or opposition to legislation.
- Keep your Members of Congress, Governor, state legislators, and all other local policy makers informed regarding Girl Scouts’ work.
- For example, you may continue to mail to your elected officials’ newsletters, key press releases, fact sheets, annual reports, and other relevant council publications with your position on legislative proposals (including ballot measures) and other public issues.
- Invite your elected officials to major events hosted by Girl Scouts River Valleys, such as Highest Awards ceremonies or other community events, as long as the elected official is clear that they cannot use their participation or speaking time as an election-related platform.
- Participate in and host “get out the vote” registration drives.
- Registration may not be limited to or on behalf of a specific political party or candidate.
- Share unbiased, nonpartisan voter guides that include all candidates and information presented in a neutral manner.
- To ensure that activities held at its properties do not jeopardize Girl Scouts River Valleys’ tax-exempt status, any approved activities must also comply with the following:
- Requests for facility reservations and usage must comply with Girl Scouts River Valleys properties and facilities requirements and policies.
- Candidate appearances (such as for a debate) will be limited to the designated speaking/meeting site. Office-to-office campaigning or solicitation by the candidates is not permitted.
- Any appearance (such as for a debate) by a candidate for public office, or any person affiliated with, or speaking on behalf of, a candidate for public office, must be sponsored by a registered troop or service unit in good standing.
- Any announcement or advertisement of a candidate appearance (such as for a debate) must bear the name of the sponsoring troop or service snit, and must clearly indicate that:
- Neither Girl Scouts River Valleys or Girl Scouts of the USA supports or opposes candidates for public office.
- The opinions expressed at the appearance (such as for a debate) are not those of Girl Scouts River Valleys or Girl Scouts of the USA.
- Fundraising by anyone during or in connection with an appearance (such as for a debate) is prohibited.
- The sponsoring group is responsible for informing the speakers and the speakers’ campaigns/organizations of this requirement.
- Campaign or candidate-specific signage, flyers, or other literature is prohibited on Girl Scouts River Valleys’ physical properties (including its service centers, retail shops, program centers, and camps).
- Girl Scouts River Valleys reserves the right to remove from properties any signage or literature it deems in violation of this policy.
- Services or expenses associated with the event that are not typically covered by Girl Scouts River Valleys or its affiliate Girl Scout groups (troops, service units, alumnae groups) will be billed to the candidate or campaign.