Organizations have received an unexpected crash course in crisis communications over the last few weeks, as a result of COVID-19. Crisis communications planning should be on everyone’s mind. Not just as we navigate this crisis, but as a way to be prepared for future disruptions.
For many nonprofits, the terms “innovation” and “disruption” often feel like dirty little words. With the day-to-day operating demands, it can seem almost impossible to look to the future and embrace what can be possible. Historically, crises have forced us to imagine a different future, and COVID-19 will be no different.
Communicating during COVID-19 requires a nuanced approach, as organizations aim to strike the delicate balance between their needs and empathy for their audiences. Tone deaf communications will damage relationships far beyond the crisis.
COVID-19 has rocked the world. Here in the US, many nonprofit organizations are scrambling to figure out how to take mission critical events online. However, digitally executing a traditionally in-person event poses a unique set of challenges that many nonprofits are struggling with.