I need your opinions

jasmineh7777

This is going to be vague and long, but I really need some objective opinions. Sorry in advance!

I run a small non-profit group (Group A). My group planned to collaborate on a project with another larger not for profit group (Group  this summer. Both groups work with kids.
 
Going into this collaboration, we were told that the kids involved would not be charged a participation fee. We asked this explicitly. We were also led to believe that those participating would be kids that regularly participate with Group B. Group B serves low-income kids, so Group A agreed to volunteer a great deal of time, and provide the services at cost.

Yesterday, Group A found out that Group B IS charging a participation fee (and imo a large fee) and that Group B is advertising our project as open to all those in our schools, not just members of Group B. They also failed to mention Group A as "hosting" this event.

I am feeling very misled, and I am not sure I wish to continue with our project. On one hand, we committed to doing this. On the other hand, we recieved false information.

So should I go through with this project, or cancel? Am I overreacting?

SarahPLiz

I think you should have a frank conversation with Group B's leaders about why they were untruthful and let them know that you are seriously considering not partnering with them if they can't keep their word. 

ZombieNates

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_need-opinions-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:38c9b1e7-61a3-4e2c-b9ae-cfadb8edd8bePost:eef95c80-a845-4c13-be1c-59c4336fb69a">Re: I need your opinions</a>:
[QUOTE]I think you should have a frank conversation with Group B's leaders about why they were untruthful and let them know that you are seriously considering not partnering with them if they can't keep their word. 
Posted by SarahPLiz[/QUOTE]
This.

jasmineh7777

I e-mailed them today addressing these issues, and the response I got was kind of...snarky? (ha!)
 They tried to explain the fee, but they contradicted themselves about what it is for. (They said breakfast and lunch, but then said they provide meals free to the community.)

[Deleted User]

What Sarah said. A talk with them is in order first.

Would participating with the other kids not in Group B be a bad thing? Would they all be able to get along? If so, then I would let it slide. As for the fee, that I wouldn't. I would ask if your kids could get in free since that was the original agreement.

threepinkroses

Was there any sort of contract or paperwork explicitly stating the details?

I would feel misled too. Very crappy on their part to change things like that.

And if they're charging a fee are they giving you the money (to continue your services to the community) or are they keeping it themselves?

kimheartsscott

If they got pissy with you over email and contradicted themselves (lied?) then I think it might be best for you to back out.

jasmineh7777

Sesh, I guess the big issue for me is that MY group didn't schedule our usual summer program because of this. We raise money for our group beydoing this project. We decided not to do ours as usual to help this group out. We were helping them out BECAUSE of the low income kids they serve.
  If we wanted to do somethign just open to the public, my group could have done our usual stuff, and made money for our non-profit.

Amitzah

I have similar issues with some of our volunteers at work. We have a meeting, things are decided, then we find out later that they changed the theme of the event, date, time, what have you without confirming if the space would be free or if the theme was appropriate to have a in a place of worship (I work in a synagogue).

I would suggest talking in person, getting event details in writing with a clause stating that changes made without proper notification may result in "Group A" dissolving the temporary partnership. Let them know that this is not professional (and annoying/frustrating/aggravating, I'm seriously empathizing now) and that you will not compromise your group's integrity for their whims.

jasmineh7777

3 & MilkDuds, our agreement just states when payment is due.
We agreed on a flat fee that would cover the cost of expenses. We were told verbally that there was no fee for participants.

Basically, I'm just pissed that I'm volunteering a bunch of time and they weren't forthcoming. I could back out, but I feel weird not going through with something I agreed to. Gah! Jasmine smash!

jasmineh7777

Amitzah, thanks for empathizing!

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_need-opinions-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:38c9b1e7-61a3-4e2c-b9ae-cfadb8edd8bePost:e8c40ed9-af75-4d64-bec9-2765df7be061">Re: I need your opinions</a>:
[QUOTE]I would talk to them and try to work this out for this year. Depending on how close you are to the event/project, backing out could hurt the reputation of YOUR group.  Maybe you can come to some sort of compromise on the fee and other issues you are having. Moving forward, be sure to get all participant agreements in writing and be sure an "out" is written in if either group breeches contract.
Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

I agree with this.  On one hand, I do feel you were mislead, and that sucks.  I wouldn't want to honor my end of the agreement because they aren't.  But on the other hand, it's goign to look bad on you to back out now. 

I agree with some sort of compromise.  I would perhaps try to negotiate them into a smaller fee for the participants.   I also think if they are charging, you should be compensated for your efforts as well. 

jasmineh7777

J&K, I don't think I can back out, just because I'll feel bad. I'm just so mad! They're lying liarfaces. (I didn't put that in the e-mail, but I should have.)
 Thanks for the advice. I needed some non-angry glasses.

J&K10910

I would feel bad too.  Not for letting down the other company, but because of the kids. 

Maybe at this point you can ask for some sort of agreement in writing (even if it's totally not in your favor, at least they won't be able to change it again), get any further changes in writing, and then never work with this company again.  Sorry they suck

jasmineh7777

I think that's what we need to do at this point. Thanks again!