An ICMA member can maintain membership in the NRA without violating the ICMA Code of Ethics. Here is why and how. The commitment to political neutrality under Tenet 7 draws the distinction between supporting a candidate for elected office (not allowed) and supporting an issue (allowed). The guideline on Personal Advocacy of Issues was added to the slew of candidate/election guidelines to make that point clearer. NRA dues payments go to promote the organization’s mission, member benefits, training, education, etc. Membership dues do not go to fund direct payments to candidates running for office or to political parties. The NRA has a separate PAC (Political Victory Fund) for that purpose. As a NRA member, are you aligning with an organization that supports individual candidates? Yes. Are your dues payments going to support individual candidates? No.On the issue front, a member can voice their personal opinion publicly, advocate for changes to the law, provide financial support, and even serve on the board of an issue oriented organization. You should consider how your personal engagement may affect your work. Where a member has to draw the line though is giving time or money to an organization that is directly funding candidates for elected office. If that dinner party is to raise funds for candidates, stay home.
