Do’s and don’ts of POs Published March 8, 2011 By Michael Sampson 17th Force Support Squadron Commander GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- -- Many private organizations and booster clubs use fundraising events to support squadron functions, such as holiday parties and summer picnics, but there are some do's and don'ts private organizations must consider before having these fundraisers. While this article provides some insight to the rules of engagement, it's not legal advice. Guidelines for what activities are permitted and what is approved on Goodfellow are found in Air Force Instructions 36-3101 and 34-223. First and foremost, POs must have proper documentation to indicate the purpose of their organization. This is accomplished with their constitution and by-laws that are routed through various agencies for approval. This particular document also outlines what the organization wants to accomplish by being a PO and how it will operate. A good thought to keep in mind is that these organizations should be a benefit to Goodfellow personnel and not a personal hobby or charity. POs must be a self-sustaining, special interest group set up by people acting outside the scope of any official position in the federal government. Here, we consider all organizations that wish to apply under this banner a private organization, including booster clubs. In order to accomplish this, a PO must apply to the 17th Force Support Squadron and the 17th Training Wing Legal Office with the final approval by the 17th Mission Support Group. If authorized, these POs will then be overseen by the 17th FSS PO Monitor. When planning a fundraiser, POs should identify who, what, how, when and where they will solicit. POs should be mindful of who is being solicited and who is going to do the solicitations. The Joint Ethics Regulations prohibit federal employees from soliciting organizations that do business with or seek to do business with the Defense Department, regardless if the employee is acting in his own personal capacity. DoD employees cannot solicit from people who are junior in rank, grade or position, whether they're on or off-duty, or on behalf of the base. PO members and their affiliates cannot solicit in uniform or wear any article of clothing or item that implies they are from Goodfellow or their branch of service. Next, consider who to solicit off-base. Never solicit from organizations with inherently suspect practices because these organizations could prejudice or discredit the Air Force. If soliciting by letter, POs must follow the following restrictions: - Do not use the term Defense Department, its seal or the acronym, DoD. - Do not use the name, abbreviation or seal of any military department or service. - Do not use the seal, insignia or other identifying device of the local installation, like the squadron or group emblem, as it may be perceived that the organization is a DoD component on base. When soliciting off-base by letter, the 17th FSS has a pre-formatted letter to assist a PO, which includes the proper verbiage and disclaimer. POs are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages and from conducting games of chance, lotteries, raffles or other gambling-type activities, except in very limited circumstances. POs are also prohibited from soliciting funds for activities that will directly duplicate or compete with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service or 17 FSS activities. Also, be aware of when solicitation will take place. Federal employees cannot engage PO fundraising while on government time. Those soliciting must be on leave or off-duty and cannot appear to be on duty; this means no soliciting while in uniform. Members who solicit while on-duty, or appear to be on-duty, send a false message that it is endorsed by the Air Force. All off-base solicitations must clearly indicate they are for a PO, or an unofficial activity or organization, and not for Goodfellow or any official part of the Air Force or other branch of service. POs cannot publicly recognize donations or gifts. Recognition can only be made to PO members or those present at an event which benefited from the donation or gift. This is where POs sometimes run into trouble. When soliciting off-base, do not offer any advertising for those who donate. By making such promises, the PO is engaging in unauthorized commercial sponsorship. The 17th FSS is the only Air Force organization on Goodfellow authorized to use Air Force Commercial Sponsorship Program to offset program and event expenses. The 17th FSS relies on commercial sponsorship for events for service members and their families. These programs can lose thousands of dollars in commercial sponsorship opportunities if POs offer advertising or saturate the community leaving, little to no opportunity left for programming. Base-wide events the 17 FSS provides cannot be held without business support, as these activities are operated through a nonappropriated funding process, which is generated through the business activities on base within 17 FSS mission structure. The final question to ask is where the solicitation will take place. POs are prohibited from soliciting on-base, so mailing lists for solicitation cannot include the base exchange or commissary or any 17 FSS activity. Goodfellow and private organizations on base must remain professional when interacting with the San Angelo community and its businesses. The wing commander can disband any PO he judges prejudiced or brings discredit to the Air Force with the recommendations of 17 FSS. POs should understand fully the do's and don'ts of operating a PO and allow the field experts in the 17th FSS to help POs succeed in hosting their events. To assist POs with their endeavors and goals, the 17th FSS PO Monitor provides an annual, mandatory briefing, as well as one-on-one information for any new PO to explain the rules of engagement. This may include routing assistance, approval of all publicity and tips and ideas on how to run a successful fundraiser. For more information on setting up a private organization contact (325)654-3336 or Suzanne.Torres@goodfellow.af.mil.
