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Question: Hello over the past three years I have devoted my time to developing a program which promotes a healthy active lifestyle for older adults. I enlisted a local community group and we applied for government funding under their mandate. That is where the partnership came to a grinding halt. The money was approved and I am being compensated for an information session I give once a month yet all other promises have been neglected. I am setting up an advisory council made up of all the local leaders of community groups for seniors. The community group that applied on my behalf has taken over my idea including the name as its own. What can I do . Thank you for your time
Answer: Susan, this sounds like a situation in which the advice of an attorney would be most helpful; not to sue the organization, but to review any formal agreements between you and them and to write letters reminding them of their obligations -- IF those were spelled out in a written agreement when you all got together. The attorney might also advise you about what to put in future agreements so you don't find yourself in a similar situation. Unfortunately, such situations happen too often. Finally, you might want to put the organization on notice that you will suspend your teaching efforts until the dispute is resolved. Again, an attorney's advice should be obtained before doing that. Thanks for your question and best wishes for a successful resolution.
Question Date: Tue, 06/16/2009