Secure Your Relationships in Print Memorandum of Understanding

Skip to my LOU, SOU, or MOU? M’ darlin’... whether you call it letter, statement or memorandum of understanding...

They Refer to a written agreement between two or more parties that defines a specific relationship.

Now It’s Your Turn... Why is a written agreement more effective in an emergency?

Partners Community-based (CBOs) and other nonprofit organizations Churches and other faith-based organization (FBOs) Businesses: grocers, restaurants, pharmacies, hardware stores, sports stores, medical and safety supply stores

More Partners Public Space: libraries, community centers, parks, and parking lots Response Agencies: Red Cross, police, fire, or emergency medical services

Resources to Secure Volunteers Expertise Specialized Equipment Food and Water

More Resources Prepare and Repair Supplies Sheltering Space, Indoors or Out Alternative Office Space Financial Assistance

It’s Your Turn Who are you partnering with during an emergency?

Consider The Following

Compatibility Is your organization compatible with your partner?

Understand Motivations Your partner may be motivated by factors that may not be clear, such as the desire to upgrade an image or to target a new consumer group. Is that ok?

Do your Homework Does your partner engage in any activities or business practices that your constituents may find objectionable?

Interpret the Message What message will your constituents receive when they learn of your partnership ?

Clarify Expectations Make certain to know and acknowledge what your partner hopes to get out of the partnership.

Determine what they expect you to do to accomplish that goal.

Write It All Down.

The MOU defines the agreements in the relationship and can set the context, quality, and sentiment behind the relationship.

Be Specific! If you need specific people or resources to perform a specific function, spell it out in the agreement.

What Not Be sure to identify the things that you do not intend this agreement to address, replace, or cover.

The MOU provides an opportunity to outline expectations and responsibilities, and to assign risk if something goes wrong.

Key Elements of the MOU

The Purpose Statement includes tangible and reliable benefits to your organization, is clear to both parties. A third party should understand all commitments and promises.

The Mission Statement describes the respective organizations and their fundamental mission.

Activation defines the situations under which the MOU will be activated and identifies the individuals with authority to activate.

Response and Obligations A strong MOU obliges each party to respond in the described manner.

The MOU Answers Basic Questions What will be done? Who is going to do it? When will it happen? Who pays for what?

The Out Clause defines the circumstances under which one of the parties is unable to meet their obligations as outlined in the MOU.

Financial Relationships If a payment is involved, the MOU defines the method. Appropriate approvals and monitoring systems should be noted as well.

Annual Review MOUs should be reviewed and updated annually, or as necessary, to account for staff turnover or changing needs.

What Do You Think? When does an organization need to update its MOUs?

Termination Clause An MOU should permit any party to terminate with an agreed upon notification period.

Signature and Date An MOU should always include the signatures of both parties and the date signed.

Internal Review and Approval Make sure that all aspects of the MOU are communicated to the appropriate people and have their consent.

Many Thanks to Back to you Ana-Marie...