Crisis communication. 5 steps for success

What is Crisis Communication and How It Can Support Religious Life?

Workshop in-person and online via Zoom

Date: October 25, 2024 from 9am to 1pm (Rome Time)

Format: In-person at UISG headquarters and online via Zoom

Languages: Italian, French, English, and Spanish

Description

Understanding what crisis communications is – and is not – and how to plan effectively for the inevitable is essential for any church leader, especially leaders of religious congregations on the general and local levels.

This four-hour session reviews nine steps in crisis communications (most of which need to happen before the actual crisis) and the roles of various leaders. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how a relationship with media can be a great asset in critical moments.

Participants also receive a planning matrix tool to assist them in developing a crisis communications plan specific to their situation and the opportunity to learn best practices and the experiences of others.

Topics

What is effective crisis communication, and why is it a most useful skill in religious life today?
What is effective crisis communication, and why is it a most useful skill in today's ecclesial landscape (context).
What are the tools and processes useful for effective crisis communication
How to plan and implement a plan for crisis communication
Why it is a good idea to have a communication director for your congregation

Presenter: Helen Osman

Currently president of SIGNIS, the world organization for Catholic media professionals, has more than 30 years of local, national, and international experience in communications. She began her career in Catholic media in her home diocese of Austin, Texas, then was tapped to serve as Secretary of Communications for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops for eight years. Those years included shepherding media and communications efforts for the papal visits to the United States of Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and Pope Francis in 2015. Today, she runs her firm, Greater Wings, specializing in communications for mission-driven organizations. In addition to being president of SIGNIS, her volunteer roles include being a member of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications. She and her husband, John, have four married children who taught them much about communication and collaboration and 13 delightful grandchildren.