You can’t schedule a crisis, but you can prepare an emergency communication plan and ready your team to respond effectively.
What will we tell the world if __________ happens here?
Like it or not, when the spotlight is on us, we’re representing our congregation, cause or faith tradition to the world. Our crisis response, or lack thereof, will stick with us for years to come. It may forever alter the way our organization is perceived. Our communication could even determine whether we, as an entity, survive the trial.
Effective crisis communications don’t just happen. When a controversial situation is handled with confidence and clarity, it’s because a team strategized – well before there was a crisis – about how to respond. While it’s impossible to be fully prepared for every conceivable event, that doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared for anything at all. In addition, the process of planning for crisis communications creates a template that can be used in any circumstance.
This live webinar will cover topics including:
Who speaks for your organization?
In a crisis, what is the chain of command?
What are the top three potential crises you must be ready to address?
Who are the different groups you need to communicate to? And who will do it?
How do you interact with the media?
How do you respond to comments on social media?
What role does insurance play in crisis communications?
At one point should you engage legal counsel or another outside expert?
Taking this inventory will not only prepare you to communicate in a crisis, it may expose weaknesses and risks that need to be – and can be – addressed.
OUR GUESTS
Megan Neher, our moderator, is the director of marketing communications for Heart to Heart International, based in Lenexa, Kansas. She is an adjunct professor at Kansas State University and previously served as the head of Megan Neher Public Relations for nearly 20 years. Megan has degrees in journalism and integrated marketing communications.
Roy Harryman, our subject matter expert, is the owner and operator of Roy Harryman Marketing Communications, a firm specializing in small business and nonprofit marketing. His clients have included churches, missions agencies and nonprofits. Roy also currently serves Ministry Pacific with communications and client education. Before beginning his own firm, he worked in church communications for two large Midwest congregations. He has a degree in journalism and worked in local and business media for about 10 years.
