COMDTINST 5350.5
(4) Although support for the First Book partnership will require some commitment by Coast Guard
units and personnel, the workload is not expected to be substantial. Therefore, units may be able
to fold the partnership into their existing community outreach program. Units desiring to expand
community outreach efforts or raise the visibility of the Coast Guard in the local community
should consider First Book as a priority. Also, this partnership should not displace the
Partnership In Education program, but rather be an extension of it. It is understood that support
for First Book may impair the unit's ability to support other community or charitable efforts.
(5) The Coast Guard's partnership with First Book provides an excellent opportunity to substantially
raise the visibility of the Coast Guard. Units supporting the partnership should work with First
Book to maximize media coverage of the partnership and joint CG/First Book events, including
outreach to elected and other public officials from the local area.
c. Restrictions.
(1) The Comptroller General has determined that civic, charitable, and similar community support
activities involving limited use of agency resources and employee time fall within an agency's
permissible range of discretion. See 71 Comp. Gen. 469 (1992). Therefore, appropriated funds
and Coast Guard resources may be used to support this partnership, but only to the same extent
as with the Partnership In Education Program (i.e., a limited and de minimis use of Coast Guard
resources is permitted. What constitutes a "limited and de minimis" level of resource support is
a matter of discretion and will typically be supported as long as the expenditures are
insubstantial and prudent).
(2) Participation in the partnership is voluntary, and unit and individual participation will be as
workload and operations permit. Some units will be able to provide extensive support for the
partnership, while others may not. However, given the Coast Guard's history of humanitarian
and community service, it is hoped that the entire Coast Guard family will embrace this
partnership as a worthwhile endeavor. In that sense, this partnership should be viewed as an
opportunity, not an obligation.
(3) The Coast Guard and its personnel (active duty, civilian - including NAF - employees, reservists,
and auxiliarists), while acting in an official capacity or while on duty are prohibited from
engaging in fund-raising activities on behalf of First Book. Also, Coast Guard personnel, while
acting in an official capacity, may not hold a managing position or serve on the board of
directors of a LAB. However, Coast Guard personnel may serve as non-voting liaisons to the
LAB. These restrictions do not apply to Coast Guard personnel acting in a purely private
capacity, outside the Coast Guard partnership, or to family members or retirees.
(4) The OPM Director's Memorandum on Volunteer Activities (1998) provides guidance on civilian
employee participation in supporting the partnership during the workday. Because this
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