Events & Travel

Movement Strategy Center defines direct action as any public form of protest, including demonstrations, sit-ins, and rallies. Projects, project staff, and project volunteers hosting or participating in any form of direct action are subject to MSC’s Direct Action Guidelines.

Prior to the event you may increase your Divvy card amount. Divvy cards can be used to pay for travel, hotels, and meals. Visit the Divvy Cards page to learn more. 

This payment is to a staff member, volunteer or program participant to offset travel costs, such as meals and incidentals, for project business. Please note that no reimbursements will be issued for meal or incidental expenses on days when individuals receive a travel per diem.

If you are planning to request a per diem, please look up the per diem rate that is specific to your trip as calculated through the GSA’s website. 

Please submit a per diem request via the AP Form. Be sure to outline in detail the purpose and dates of the trip, and submit a pdf of the per diem rate established by GSA. Project directors may decide to provide a lower per diem rate than the rate set by GSA, but they may not provide a per diem rate that exceeds the rate set by GSA.

Tax law states that if an expense is “ordinary and necessary for your trade or profession," it is considered a reimbursable business expense. For a public charity, such as MSC, which enjoys federal tax exempt status and receives public contributions for its operation, it is particularly important that only business expenses are approved for reimbursements. Visit the Reimbursements page to learn more about the process.

FSPs are required to submit an Event Planning Form for all events at least one month prior to the event. This allows our risk management team to be aware of potential liabilities, and helps us determine if we need to issue a certificate of insurance, which many venues require. Depending on the nature of your event/activity, there may be additional insurance coverage fee to the FSPs. If you are submitting an AP or contract request related to the event, you can provide the event planning info with your AP Form submission, eliminating the need to complete both forms. 

Project directors should reach out to compliance@movementstrategy.org for upcoming events and with any questions.

COI FAQs

What is a COI?

A Certificate of insurance also called a certificate of liability insurance or proof of insurance is a document provided by an insurance broker that serves as proof of insurance. The COI functions much like an auto insurance ID card for your car.

When am I required to have insurance and COI?

You may need to get  insurance when engaging in contracts with state and federal government entities, entering into leases for office spaces, or as a requirement to rent event spaces or host an event. If you have questions on when you are required to have insurance, feel free reach out to compliance@movementstrategy.org. 

Who do I contact to obtain or if I have questions on COI?

Contact compliance@movementstrategy.org with any questions and inquiries about COI.

How long does it take to get a COI for an event?

COIs take 3-5 business days to be completed.

For MSC's COVID-19 prevention plan, event planning resources, posters, and other COVID-19 resources visit the HR COVID-19 Resource page.

We ask that all projects refer to their local and state current guidance for mask mandates for indoor and outdoor events prior to planning and days leading to the event.

Please reach out to personnel@movementstrategy.org with additional questions.