I've dealt with this issue a lot over the years. And by a lot, I mean every single job I've ever worked in. For some reason, small towns believe you're trying to step on peoples toes or take over the community. Truth is, most of use who get into this position are simply trying to expand the options in place and make the community a better place to live.
Here is the typical situation and my suggestion to deal with it.
Situation: In process of starting a new league out of my organization I was accused of taking away from another local group's similar league.
Response: Instead of moving away from the league, attempt to partner with the local organization who already offers this programming. If the organization fails to partner or wishes not to, then you are not required to do the same. If your sole goal is to community build and assist the community, and they do not wish to partner it is your choice to continue your new program or allow them to run their own.
Situation: You wish to implement a new after school program for kids. Local citizens suggest you're trying to take away from Daycare's and other similar organizations.
Response: You should continue to implement it unless you can make a deal to outsource the after school program through one of those groups. The beautiful part about these programs are that each is unique. Continue to make yours unique and allowing the public the option will do more good for the community than not continuing your program.
Situation: Your organization has to implement new prices in order for your organization to survive. Community members feel like you're a "For Profit" rather than a "Nonprofit".
Response: This is the biggest issue for Nonprofits today. Programs, services, and products cost a lot of money to run and provide. Unfortunately grants and annual funding is lower today than it normally has been. This is due in fact to the poor economy and growing debt issue for individuals. If you have the ability to keep costs low, this will provide you with the income to continue your programs. However, relying solely on this form of funding can be detrimental if the programs don't take off.
If you ever find yourself in these positions don't fret. Small towns typically always fear for this and are very loyal to the current organizations they use. While you'll likely come across this issue, you also must realize it's only a small base of your users who will become upset. Most people are understanding of your cause and are willing to work with you. Just remember these steps:
Use these tips for this situation and also make sure you explain your purpose when designing these new programs. Doing this will keep your organization open to the public and interested individuals will help where possible.
Here is the typical situation and my suggestion to deal with it.
Situation: In process of starting a new league out of my organization I was accused of taking away from another local group's similar league.
Response: Instead of moving away from the league, attempt to partner with the local organization who already offers this programming. If the organization fails to partner or wishes not to, then you are not required to do the same. If your sole goal is to community build and assist the community, and they do not wish to partner it is your choice to continue your new program or allow them to run their own.
Situation: You wish to implement a new after school program for kids. Local citizens suggest you're trying to take away from Daycare's and other similar organizations.
Response: You should continue to implement it unless you can make a deal to outsource the after school program through one of those groups. The beautiful part about these programs are that each is unique. Continue to make yours unique and allowing the public the option will do more good for the community than not continuing your program.
Situation: Your organization has to implement new prices in order for your organization to survive. Community members feel like you're a "For Profit" rather than a "Nonprofit".
Response: This is the biggest issue for Nonprofits today. Programs, services, and products cost a lot of money to run and provide. Unfortunately grants and annual funding is lower today than it normally has been. This is due in fact to the poor economy and growing debt issue for individuals. If you have the ability to keep costs low, this will provide you with the income to continue your programs. However, relying solely on this form of funding can be detrimental if the programs don't take off.
If you ever find yourself in these positions don't fret. Small towns typically always fear for this and are very loyal to the current organizations they use. While you'll likely come across this issue, you also must realize it's only a small base of your users who will become upset. Most people are understanding of your cause and are willing to work with you. Just remember these steps:
- Promote your Mission and Vision
- Get to know your users
- Collaborate with Organizations who are willing to work with you
- Keep the community your number 1 fan when possible.
- Make your programs unique!
Use these tips for this situation and also make sure you explain your purpose when designing these new programs. Doing this will keep your organization open to the public and interested individuals will help where possible.
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