Neutrality Statement & Policy

Statement of Neutrality

The Sonoma Community Center (“SCC”) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to serving the community through arts, education, cultural programming, and civic engagement.

SCC does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate, political party, or partisan political organization. SCC maintains strict neutrality in all electoral and partisan political matters in accordance with applicable laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations.

SCC’s programs, exhibitions, performances, and events are intended to reflect the diversity of artistic expression and community voice. Participation in SCC programming does not imply endorsement by SCC, its Board of Directors, staff, or volunteers.

Artistic Freedom & Expression

SCC affirms its commitment to artistic freedom and the right of artists to express ideas, perspectives, and interpretations through their work.

The inclusion of any artwork, performance, speaker, or program at SCC does not constitute endorsement of the content, themes, or viewpoints expressed therein.

SCC recognizes that artistic expression may include perspectives that are political, controversial, or challenging in nature. Such expression is protected within the context of the organization’s mission to support the arts and community dialogue.

The curation of art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events is guided strictly by artistic merit, educational value, cultural significance, and alignment with our core organizational mission. 

Organizational Non-Endorsement Policy

To preserve SCC’s nonprofit status and public trust:

  • SCC does not endorse political candidates, elected officials, ballot measures, or partisan campaigns.
  • SCC does not use organizational funds, facilities, branding, or communications to support or oppose political activity.
  • SCC staff, board members, teaching artists, artist in residence, and volunteers may not represent personal political opinions as those of SCC.
  • Use of SCC name, logo, or facilities in any way that implies political endorsement is strictly prohibited.

Mission-Based Programming Boundaries

SCC programming is guided exclusively by its mission to support arts, culture, education, and community engagement.

SCC does not support or promote causes, initiatives, or organizations outside its mission unless explicitly approved as aligned with educational or artistic objectives and compliant with 501(c)(3) requirements.

Liability, Risk, and Legal Protection

To protect SCC’s 501(c)(3) status, governance integrity, and operational continuity:

  • SCC maintains strict separation between organizational activities and partisan political advocacy.
  • SCC reserves the right to decline, modify, or remove programming that could reasonably be interpreted as organizational political endorsement or that may expose SCC to legal or financial risk.
  • All facility use agreements shall include disclaimers stating that external presenters or renters are independent and not representatives of SCC.
  • SCC is not responsible for personal viewpoints expressed by renters, performers, artists, or guest presenters.

Non-Retaliation & Community Respect

SCC is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.

  • SCC does not retaliate against artists, renters, staff, or community members for lawful expression of personal viewpoints outside SCC programming.
  • Concerns or disputes will be handled through established internal review processes in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
  • SCC expects all participants in its spaces to engage in good faith, respectful conduct consistent with community standards.

Policy Interpretation

This policy is intended to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws governing nonprofit organizations and to protect SCC’s tax-exempt status.

The Board of Directors retains final authority in interpreting and applying this policy in alignment with SCC’s mission and legal obligations.