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Executive Director
This week I’ve been among the enthusiastic attendees at the American Camp Association’s 2013 National Conference in Dallas. This terrific event offers the most diverse array of topics I’ve ever seen on a single conference agenda, from more than a dozen workshops on risk-related topics to sessions with wonderfully compelling descriptions or titles, such as “teambuilding with giant pipe cleaners,” “Kitchen Conundrum” and “Kids Do Dumb Stuff.”
During the two sessions I attended yesterday, remarks by two different speakers melded into a theme that is worth repeating: just do it. During her keynote address psychologist Madeline Levine reminded her audience that “self esteem is born out of doing things.” She explained that kids who are allowed to “do things” develop confidence and competence, the two essential ingredients to self esteem. Using humor and a personal story about a parenting misstep, Dr. Levine’s comments on self-esteem brought to mind a common weakness in risk management programs. Many nonprofit leaders are dissuaded from updating their risk management programs because they’re not quite sure what “success” looks like. Others are paralyzed by the fear that simply admitting to having inadequate risk management policies or practices will expose the organization to liability. My advice? Get past the paralysis and just do it. Take a close look at your risks, evaluate your risk-savvy and know-how, reflect on your readiness to respond to downside risks you don’t control, and resolve to fill the gaps. Do it with an internal team or engage outside help to facilitate your efforts. But don’t wait and just do it.
During her workshop on “Crisis Response,” consultant Ann McCollum reminded attendees about the importance of documenting “close calls” as well as actual incidents, accidents and crisis events. McCollum explained that while it is virtually impossible to predict the details of a crisis that has yet to occur, it’s not only possible but essential to take action before a crisis unfolds. Whether it’s severe weather, death or serious injury, allegations of fraud, an act of violence or even a crisis arising from who you know or do business with, every organization can and should make a plan before it is needed. Don’t obsess about creating an award-winning crisis plan that envisions every possible disaster you could face. Get started without delay by creating a practical go-to plan. The ultimate goal is to make sure your team is clear about what you will do, who you will notify, what you will say, and how you will manage key programs and services while coping with a crisis that threatens the survival of your mission. Don’t wait. Just do it.
Melanie Lockwood Herman is Executive Director of the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. She welcomes your ideas about any risk management topic, suggestions for best-in-class risk management, and questions about the Center’s resources at Melanie@nonprofitrisk.org or 703.777.3504. The Center provides risk management tools and resources at www.https://nonprofitrisk.org/ and offers consulting assistance to organizations unwilling to leave their missions to chance.
“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions.”
“BBYO’s engagement of NRMC 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 NRMC. 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.
“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.”
“The Nonprofit Risk Management Center has been an outstanding partner for us. They are attentive to our needs, and work hard to successfully meet our requests for information. Being an Affiliate member gave us access to so many time- and money-saving resources that it easily paid for itself! Nonprofit Risk Management Center is truly a valued partner of The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and we are continuously able to optimize staff time with the support given by their team.”
“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.”
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The NRMC 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!