[Advocacy Advisors] Freedom of Panorama

Thu Dec 20 16:23:59 UTC 2012

On Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 7:48 AM, Itzik Edri <itzik at infra.co.il> wrote:

> Amgine, Of course the US law not apply on IL, but every entity that get
> budget from the FDC confirm that he will not be involve in politics
> lobbing. It seem that what is not consider political lobbing in Israel is
> consider true in US, so we need to see that we not clash with the FDC rules.

FDC funds may not be used for political campaign activity or lobbying, but
lobbying activity may be covered by project grants from the GAC or other
funding sources. Here is the line on the FDC request form:

The term “political or legislative activities” includes any activities
> relating to political campaigns or candidates (including the contribution
> of funds and the publication of position statements relating to political
> campaigns or candidates); voter registration activities; meetings with or
> submissions and petitions to government executives, ministers, officers or
> agencies on political or policy issues; and any other activities seeking
> government intervention or policy implementation (like “lobbying”), whether
> directed toward the government or the community or public at large. Grants
> for such activities (when permitted under U.S. law and IRS regulations)
> should be sought from the GAC.

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Funds_Dissemination_Committee/Grant_application_form

See also
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Funds_Dissemination_Committee/Framework_for_the_Creation_and_Initial_Operation_of_the_FDC#General_versus_project_funding

I cannot provide you legal advice, but I am happy to discuss the issue with
you in detail if you are concerned.

-- 
Stephen LaPorte
Legal Counsel
Wikimedia Foundation

*For legal reasons, I may only serve as an attorney for the Wikimedia
Foundation. This means I may not give legal advice to or serve as a lawyer
for community members, volunteers, or staff members in their personal
capacity.*
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