User:Econterms/Ethics advice for government employees and outside organizations
I've been officially told:
Serving as an officer in an outside organization is generally a personal activity and should be done on personal time without the use of government equipment.
The Anti-Lobbying Act allows government employees to participate in lobbying activities while they are on personal time. Federal employees may petition Congress in a personal capacity or in a representative capacity on behalf of outside persons or organizations provided it remains on a personal basis. The anti-representation statutes (18 USC Sections 203 and 205) do not apply to personal communications directed to legislative officials.
Employees may not use their government computer, phone, fax or other supplies to conduct personal lobbying activities, even when on personal time, as that would constitute use of resources secured with appropriated funds for lobbying activities. Although DOL has a "personal use policy" to permit the minimal use of government resources for personal activities, it does not include lobbying.