Inspired by Risk
Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
By Erin Gloeckner
The staff members at the Nonprofit Risk Management Center find inspiration from many sources. We are moved by the ambitious missions of our consulting clients. We admire the unwavering dedication of our volunteer board. We marvel at the steadfast commitment of nonprofit leaders who embrace our tough love advice about risk management. Another source of inspiration is the creativity of risk thought leaders who engage their peers in the development or implementation of risk management strategies.
We also try to inspire our clients and AFFILIATE members to embrace risk-taking as a key to mission fulfillment. With risk and mission in mind, I wrote a poem for this week’s RISK eNews.
Molly Up to Bat
An event, a surprise, a fear come to life.
The big moment at the softball game.
My sister steps up, lights glaring, her breath visible in the cold night air.
Copying the others by slapping her bat on the plate. She never did that before.
The man beside me eagerly munches his hot dog.
A tasty reward after watching his son run home.
I squint my eyes, peering at my sister under bright field lights.
I hear the umpire yell twice: “STRIKE!”
Is it fate or chance? Will she strike out or win?
The boy on the mound winds up with a grin.
Focus is written in the lines of my sister’s face as she readies herself to take a swing of faith.
Children cheer in the stands as I shiver, chilly with uncertainty.
I watch, though I am tempted to look away, cowardly.
The ball takes years to cross the neatly trimmed grass, slowed by my nerves… my motherly concern.
I twist the tassels of my scarf as I wait to hear the call…
Then the ‘CRACK’ rings loud as her bat hits the ball!
Her coach screams “HOME!” and she stumbles into a giddy run.
Adrenaline surges through my heart as I begin to jump.
The painted diamond lights her way as she streaks past third.
Smiling ear to ear, she slides into the dirt.
Crowds chant my sister’s name at her first game of softball.
“Molly! Molly! Molly!”
Three swings to risk it all.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your risk management program, read one of our popular eBooks:
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— Scott Brown, Mohonk Preserve
“BBYO’s engagement of the Center to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of the Center. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.
— Sidney Abrams, BBYO
“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
— Pamela Mattel, Basics Promesa Systems Inc
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— Jodi Spataro, Community Foundation of Elkhart County
“The board and staff of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center are extremely pleased with the results of the risk assessment conducted by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. A thorough scan revealed that while we are a well run organization, we had risks that we never imagined. We are grateful to know that we have now minimized our organizational risks and we recommend the Center to other nonprofits.”
— Marti Worshtil, Prince George’s Child Resource Center
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The Center team has committed to delivering dynamic risk management solutions tailored to nonprofit organizations. These organizations have many and varied risk issues, hence the need for specialized coverage and expert knowledge for their protection. We’ve had Melanie speak on several occasions to employees and our agents. She is always on point and delivers such great value. Thank you for the terrific partnership and allowing our nonprofits to focus on their mission!