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?
Re: I need your opinions
[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.
Miss || Mrs. || Hawaiian Honeymoon and Reviews!
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.)
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
[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.
Everything the light touches is my kingdom.
Thanks for the advice. I needed some non-angry glasses.
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
Everything the light touches is my kingdom.