(a) Provided that paragraph (b) of this section is fully adhered to, and in accordance with the prohibitions set forth in § 2556.710, a VISTA may:
(1) Be a member of a political party or other political group and participate in its activities;
(2) Serve as an officer of a political party or other political group, a member of a national, State, or local committee of a political party, an officer or member of a committee of a political group, or be a candidate for any of these positions;
(3) Attend and participate fully in the business of nominating caucuses of political parties;
(4) Organize or reorganize a political party organization or political group;
(5) Participate in a political convention, rally, or other political gathering; and
(6) Serve as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention.
(b) A VISTA may participate in a political organization as long as such participation:
(1) Does not interfere with the performance of, or availability to perform, his or her assigned VISTA project duties;
(2) Does not interfere with the provision of service in the VISTA program;
(3) Is not conducted in a manner involving the use of VISTA assistance, resources or funds;
(4) Would not result in the identification of the VISTA as being a participant in or otherwise associated with the VISTA program;
(5) Is not conducted during scheduled VISTA service hours; and
(6) Does not interfere with the full-time commitment to remain available for VISTA service without regard to regular working hours, at all times during periods of service, except for authorized periods of leave.