Never forget the word………..(client, child, student, patient e.g. – fill in the blank with whose mission you are serving)
When a funder insinuates its ownership of an organization, the now smarter association member may become involved with practical applications of their acquired knowledge. Their leadership development skills may be called upon for implementation for creative problem solving.
Unlike an employer, it is not clear how ethical it is for a donor to dictate which course of action should be executed by a recipient organization. The situation becomes murkier when public funds are involved. Certainly, the mere suggestion that a donation of public funds hinge on fulfillment of political or other obligations might pose a question of conflict of interest.
When an organization is confronted with this challenge, it needs to reflect on its mission and internal policies and consider the outcomes.
·
Does the donor completely understand the implications of their requirements?
· Was the donor clear in its expectations when the money was distributed?
· Can said organization sustain itself without the critical funding?
· Are there overriding objectives that the funding body is attempting to attain that has not been shared with the organization?
· Finally, are the recommendations ethical and enforceable?
Never forget the word……..(client, child, student, patient). This phrase needs to keep re-appearing during the conversation.
Further, if the members of the trade organization are threatened with the potential loss of funding, how will the industry be affected? If the National Institute of Health (NIH) which supports the Association of Metallurgists and subsidized them directly to conduct research, and if the NIH now wants that association to lobby on its behalf, for example, said organization needs to review its charter to determine the following:
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Does their mission statement preclude them from fulfilling the appeal?
· What about its by-laws? Are there any restrictions concerning requests of this kind?
· What happens to the annual goals if the funding is removed? Will they be able to be achieved?
· Will the organization need to re-think its strategies to attain its mission?
· Is there demonstrated evidence that the industry will suffer? If the organization dissolves, how will the industry be served?
And then what? What happens when the "funder" no longer supports the effort in its present state? Is the association resilient enough to work outside of its existing parameters?
Never forget the word……(client, child, student, patient)
If such a situation should arise, the lines of ambiguity need to be defined. An appreciative inquiry should be undertaken where the funder speaks, the association listens, and then reflects back on its purpose. The body of individuals representing the organization should be primed for every potential situation that might occur.
What is the worst case scenario? And then what - what happens to our mission? Don’t over project, but anticipate completely. Practice scenarios if possible. Determine answers a, b, and c. It’s a negotiation. Like a good scout, one must always be prepared. Apply your leadership development skills acquired during your membership with the board of the professional association.
The ultimate goal is for the organization to exist – for its members to continue to excel in their professional development opportunities; the board members to continue with their "IBP." Solid arguments must be presented calmly and outright threats need to be circumvented. Stop and consider the outcomes. Try to avoid all or nothing but do not jeopardize your integrity.
Never forget the word……(client, child, student, patient).
Never forget the word……(client, child, student, patient).
Never forget the word……(client, child, student, patient).
So many times emotions intervene. Let sanity prevail. Bring it back to mission. Demonstrate your proficiency.
Never forget the word……(client, child, student, patient).
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