I am the leader of a large campus organization. We are often asked to support or co-sponsor events organized by other organizations and individuals. We were recently asked to support an interesting event which, in my opinion, was not going to be popular. It was clear that no one would come. I, for one, would rather have spent my Friday night elsewhere. Was it wrong to agree to support the event if I didn't think it would be well-received?
Groups gather co-sponsors for two reasons. One is to win more funding from the SAFC. The other is to attract more bodies to events. Most campus programming suffers for lack of attendance. The Entertainment Board, for example, produces exclusively large-scale performances; still, the only event for which they can count on a full house is Racer X.
Before you agree to lend the support of your organization, it is important to make clear how you intend to do so. Be it volunteering or simply sending email invitations to your listserv.
As the leader of a large campus organization, you are likely responsible for coordinating events that are not of interest to you. It comes with the territory. But your mission is to serve the campus community. If you don't think an event will appeal to any Bowdoin demographic, you should reconsider facilitating it.
If your disinterest prevents you from your cosponsoring duties, lending your name is disingenuous.
A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned to my friend (or, shall we say, acquaintance) that my father's friend works in an industry he hopes to work in. My friend regularly asks me if I can arrange a "networking call" with my father's friend. To be frank, I don't think my friend is especially competent. Do I have to pass his name along?
The short answer: no. You did not tacitly agree to set up a meeting simply by mentioning that you know someone in the industry he hopes to work in. But because you are trying to maintain relationships, the situation and your response should be treated delicately.
Follow this script: "Mr. Dershowitz! How are you? My mom tells me Rachel is loving Brown. Anyway, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a peer (note the word choice) who's interested in finance. He's not a good friend of mine, but I think he'd really appreciate if I put him in touch with you. Do you mind if I pass along your email address? Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. I will [say hello to my mother for you]."
If your friend is such a scumbag that you'd be embarrassed to be associated with him, make an excuse. It's not worth wasting your family friend's time.