Advisory Committee Policy

ARTICLE I – PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1. Purpose. The purpose of this Advisory Committee Policy ("Policy") is to describe the roles of the advisory committees established by the Board of Directors ("Board") of Wikimedia District of Columbia (the "Corporation").

2. Scope. This Policy applies to all committees established under Article VIII, Section 3 of the Bylaws of the Corporation. It does not apply to standing or special committees established under Article VIII, Sections 1–2 of the Bylaws.

ARTICLE II – GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Composition. Each advisory committee shall consist of several persons who may, but need not, be Directors.

2. Initial Members. No advisory committee shall be considered established until at least three persons have been appointed by the Board to said committee.

3. Authority. Advisory committees shall not be authorized to act on behalf of the Board or the Corporation and shall serve only to advise the Board or to carry out tasks delegated by the Board to such committees.

4. Exhaustive List. The Policy shall be deemed to contain an exhaustive enumeration of advisory committees, and no advisory committee shall be deemed to exist unless such committee is described by the Policy.

ARTICLE III – PROGRAM COMMITTEES

1. Programs and Partnerships Committee.

(a) Role. The role of the Programs and Partnerships Committee shall be to advise the Board on programs and associated matters related to the mission and strategic priorities of the Corporation, including, but not limited to, partnerships with other organizations and institutions; and to assist the Board in organizing events and activities, establishing partnerships, and recruiting volunteers.

(b) Member Qualifications. In appointing the members of the Programs and Partnerships Committee, the Board shall seek persons who support the strategic priorities of the Corporation and can provide satisfactory advice on the Corporation's programs and partnerships.

2. Public Policy Committee.

(a) Role. The role of the Public Policy Committee shall be to advise the Board on matters of law and public policy as they relate to the mission of the Corporation, to develop expertise and conduct research on these subjects, and to seek partnerships with government agencies. To this end, the Committee shall help facilitate volunteer efforts to improve Wikimedia projects and engage with organizations and individuals on possible projects and proposals.

(b) Member Qualifications. In appointing the members of the Public Policy Committee, the Board shall seek persons who support the mission of the Corporation, who have relevant expertise in the diverse fields informing public policy, and who have experience with government partnerships.

(c) Policy Papers. The Committee may prepare policy papers, including amicus briefs, in support of public policy positions related to the mission of the Corporation. No such paper may be published, submitted, or be otherwise made available to the public without the advance approval of the Board.

(d) Lobbying. The Committee shall not advocate for the election or defeat of a political candidate, and no substantial part of the Committee's activities may be dedicated to advocating for or against legislation.

(e) Insubstantial Part Analysis. The Committee shall conduct an annual analysis of the Corporation's activities to ensure that no substantial part of the Corporation's activity is dedicated to advocating for or against legislation, pursuant to Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE IV – OTHER COMMITTEES

1. Communications Committee.

(a) Role. The role of the Communications Committee shall be to advise the Board on promotional and media matters relevant to the mission or business of the Corporation; and to assist the Board in preparing press releases, blog posts, and other promotional materials.

2. Fundraising Committee.

(a) Role. The role of the Fundraising Committee shall be to advise the Board on fundraising matters relevant to the mission or business of the Corporation; to assist the Board in preparing grant applications and other solicitation materials on behalf of the Corporation; and to assist the Board in soliciting funds on behalf of the Corporation.

3. Governance Committee.

(a) Role. The role of the Governance Committee shall be to advise the Board on legal and governance matters relevant to the mission or business of the Corporation; and to assist the Board in preparing and reviewing policies, contracts, and other legal documents.