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 Statementincludes 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 ReviewMOUs 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...