; and (B) does not include— (i) the provision of background or general education on a matter of law or policy based upon the subject matter expertise of an individual; or (ii) any conduct or assistance permitted under section 207(j) of title 18, United States Code. (12) Participate The term participate means to participate personally and substantially. (13) Particular matter The term particular matter has the meaning given the term in section 207 of title 18, United States Code, and section 2635.402(b)(3) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations. (14) Particular matter involving specific parties The term particular matter involving specific parties has the meaning given the term in section 2641.201(h) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, except that the term shall also include any meeting or other communication relating to the performance of the official duties of an individual with a former employer or former client of the individual, unless— (A) the communication applies to a particular matter of general applicability; and (B) participation in the meeting or other event is open to all interested parties. (15) Pledge The term pledge means the ethics pledge under section 912. (16) Registered lobbyist or lobbying organization The term registered lobbyist or lobbying organization means— (A) any lobbyist or an organization filing a registration pursuant to section 4 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 ( 2 U.S.C. 1603 ); and (B) in the case of an organization filing such a registration, includes each of the lobbyists of the organization identified therein. (17) Senior White House staff The term Senior White House staff means any person appointed by— (A) the President to a position under subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 105(a)(2) of title 3, United States Code