On 25th October, 2024, from 9:00am to 13:00 (Rome time), the workshop on ‘Crisis Communication: 5 steps to success’, a crucial event for leaders of Religious Congregations, was held. This workshop, took place both in person at the UISG Headquarters and online through Zoom. It was attended by more than 250 professionals from around the world, reflecting the importance of this topic in the contemporary ecclesial context.

Helen Osman, speaker at the event and current President of SIGNIS, brilliantly shared her experiences of more than 30 years at local, national and international levels. In her intervention, she highlighted the importance of being prepared to face challenges in a constantly changing world. Her presentation outlined essential strategies for Religious Congregations, underlining that preparedness is crucial to protect the reputation of the Institute.

Osman proposed a Communication model that is articulated in ten key steps. She emphasised that advance planning allows for more effective crisis management, ensuring that information is communicated in a clear and timely manner, and stressed the importance of having a dedicated team that includes Church leaders, legal and communication experts.

Another central aspect of her intervention was the concept of Strategic Communication, divided into three fundamental elements: members, message and media. Osman stressed that every member of the Institute must feel involved in the Communication process and that the message must reflect the authenticity and charism of the Institute. It is essential that Communication not simply convey information, but builds meaningful relationships with the audience.

Osman also highlighted the importance of an active digital presence. At a time when social media plays a crucial role, congregations must use these modern tools to reach a wider audience. She described the website as the ‘digital cathedral’ of the Institute, underlining the need to keep it updated and accessible.

She also addressed the issue of media relations, suggesting that open and proactive Communication can transform journalists into allies during crises. Osman invited Congregations to share meaningful stories with the media, emphasising that a good relationship with journalists can positively influence the narrative of a crisis. She also recommended preparing emergency-ready statements to ensure that the message is clear, unambiguous and coordinated.

Finally, she underlined the importance of post-crisis reflection, suggesting to analyse what has worked and what can be improved. This process does not only help to learn from past experiences, but also prepares Congregations to face future challenges with greater flexibility and determination.

Osman concluded her presentation with a message of hope, recalling the importance of the Church's presence not only in the ‘squares of its cathedrals’, but also in the ‘public square’, which, following in the footsteps of the Word made flesh, must be considered a ‘house to dwell in’, encouraging all to be, however vulnerable, visible and significant signs of the Good.