Keys to successful private orgs Published Aug. 23, 2010 By Suzanne Y. Torres 17th Force Support Squadron marketing director 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 for POs to follow before holding any fundraiser. First and foremost, POs must be a self-sustaining special interest group, set up by people acting outside the scope of any official position they hold with the federal government. On Goodfellow, all organizations that function as a special interest group are considered a PO; this includes booster clubs. POs must apply with the 17th Force Support Squadron and the 17th Training Wing Legal Office by providing its constitution and by-laws. These documents should outline what their organization wants to accomplish by being a PO and how it will operate. Keep in mind that POs should be a benefit to Goodfellow personnel and not a personal hobby or charity. The final approval is made by the 17th Mission Support Group. If approved, POs will then be overseen by the 17 FSS PO monitor. POs should identify who, what, when and where they will solicit before holding a fundraiser. Who will do the soliciting? DOD employees cannot solicit from people who are junior in rank, grade or position, whether they're on- or off-duty. They cannot solicit on behalf of Goodfellow, or wear their uniform or any clothing that implies they are from Goodfellow or any branch of service. Who will be solicited? The Joint Ethics Regulations prohibits federal employees from soliciting any organization that does business with or seeks to do business with the Department of Defense, regardless if the solicitor is acting in his own personal capacity and not as an employee. Never solicit from organizations with inherently suspect practices because these organizations could prejudice or discredit the Air Force. What type of solicitation will be conducted? If soliciting by letter, POs must follow these restrictions: Do not use the term Department of Defense, 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 wing, like squadron or group emblems, because it leads to the perception that the organization is a Goodfellow or DOD component. The 17 FSS has a pre-formatted letter to assist POs with soliciting which includes the proper verbiage and required disclaimer. POs are prohibited from soliciting on-base which means solicitation mailing lists cannot include the base exchange, commissary or any 17 FSS unit. Fundraising activities cannot include the sell of alcoholic beverages or games of chance, lotteries, raffles or other gambling-type activities, except in very limited circumstances. Additionally, they cannot duplicate or compete with any Army and Air Force Exchange Service or 17 FSS activity. When will solicitation take place? Federal employees cannot engage in PO fundraising while on government time. They must be on leave or off-duty and cannot appear to be on duty; again, 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. Where will solicitation take place? All POs are prohibited from soliciting on-base. Off-base solicitations must clearly indicate that they are for a PO, or an unofficial activity or organization, and not for Goodfellow or any official part of any branch of service. When soliciting off-base, do not offer any advertising for those who donate because it is considered unauthorized commercial sponsorship. Unfortunately, this is where most POs run into trouble. Recognition for donations and gifts can only be made to PO members or those present at an event which benefited from the donation or gift. The 17 FSS is the only Air Force organization on Goodfellow authorized to use Air Force Commercial Sponsorship Program to offset program and event expenses. The 17 FSS relies on commercial sponsorship to hold events for servicemembers and their families. If POs offer advertising or saturate the community with solicitations, it leaves little to no opportunity left for programming. Goodfellow and private organizations on base must remain professional when interacting with the San Angelo community and its businesses. The wing commander, with recommendations from 17 FSS, can disband any PO he thinks is prejudice or brings discredit to the Air Force. POs should understand the do's and don'ts of operating a PO and allow the 17 FSS field experts to help them succeed in hosting their events. To assist POs with their endeavors and goals, the PO monitor holds a mandatory annual briefing, as well as one-on-one guidance throughout the year, to explain the rules of engagement. This includes routing assistance, approval of all publicity, and tips and ideas on how to hold a successful fundraiser. While this article provides some insight to the rules of engagement, it's not legal advice. Guidelines for what activities are permitted and approved on Goodfellow are found in Air Force Instructions 36-3101 and 34-223. For more information on setting up a private organization, contact Suzanne Torres at (325) 654-3336 or email Suzanne.Torres@goodfellow.af.mil.
