Opening Plenary Session

Risk Management Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions

Managing risk in a nonprofit organization has never been easy, but during a recession the job is arguably more difficult. The role of nonprofits in our economy has never been greater—and the demands for services will continue to grow as Americans turn to nonprofits for support and assistance in record numbers. The need to thoughtfully manage the risks associated with operations, fundraising, service delivery and partnerships is paramount. The opening plenary session at this year’s conference will explore challenges and opportunities during these turbulent times, and offer specific tools that you can apply as you fine tune or tune up your risk management activities.

Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center,
Leesburg, VA

CONCURRENT BREAK OUT SESSIONS

Session #1

State of the Art Staff and Volunteer Screening

Matching the most suitable applicant to a key position in your nonprofit can be a daunting task. Yet there are proven approaches, strategies and tools available to turn what may at times seem like a high wire act into a manageable process. Instead of balancing precariously on a wire without a safety net, learn how to approach the screening process from a risk management vantage point. This workshop will outline a straightforward process that will not only lead to better matches for key positions, but will give you the peace of mind you need to return your focus to the mission and programs of your nonprofit. Workshop attendees will receive a complimentary license to QualitySelect, a new web-based tool that helps nonprofit leaders design and manage a screening process for paid and volunteer positions.

Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Session #2

Managing Governance Risks

Nonprofits are facing greater scrutiny than ever in how they lead their organizations to mission fulfillment. Your board members may be passionate about your mission, excellent ambassadors, and donors of substantial time and money, but are they doing what is necessary to provide enlightened oversight? Is the board aware of best practices in governance? This session will illuminate the governance risks facing nonprofit organizations in today’s environment and identify essential governance practices that boards need to know, as well as provide an understanding of why paying careful attention to good governance practices is good risk management.

Speaker: Jennifer Chandler Hauge

Session #3

NPIP: An Inside Look

This session offers a tour of YOUR insurance program — NPIP. We’ll start with a discussion about underwriting principles and answer your questions about the program. We’ll take a look at the claims process, claims experience and what events and circumstances have led to claims against NPIP members. You will hear what steps you should consider to avoid a similar fate. We will share with you the comprehensive services that are offered as a member of NPIP; Loss Control, Account Education and our Pre-Litigation Program. Bring your questions and curiosity to this inside look at the Non Profit Insurance Program.

CONCURRENT BREAK OUT SESSIONS

Session #4

Fundraising in a Tight Market

Author Reynold Levy* writes: “How many activities in life are as unpopular as fundraising? Most people, often including trustees who are obliged to ask for money on behalf of the nonprofit institutions they serve, and professionals, paid to solicit funds, would rather walk slowly over hot coals.” According to Levy and other experts, despite our fears and concerns about next year’s fundraising results, it is possible to raise the funds your nonprofit needs—even in difficult economic times. This session will explore strategies for managing and in some cases, adjusting your fundraising efforts with an eye on the worsening recession. Learn what you can do to budget accurately for your regular fundraising activities and realize the success that your mission requires.

*Yours for the Asking: An Indispensable Guide to Fundraising and Management (2008)

Speaker: Susan Howlett, Seattle, WA (www.susanhowlett.com)

Session #5

Managing Staff Layoffs and Terminations

Whether the need to terminate an employee is precipitated by an economic slowdown, loss of grant funding or poor performance, terminating an employee is the riskiest employment action a nonprofit
can take. It is therefore vital that nonprofit leaders exercise caution and care when taking this difficult, but often necessary step. This workshop will offer practical advice on the safest process for conducting layoffs and safely separating an employee from service, while upholding the values of the nonprofit. For those who strive to incorporate compassion with rightsizing, we’ll remind you why “taking the high road” in this area is the safest and best approach for your nonprofit. We will also explore several myths about terminating employees, including the theory that the day of the week is of vital significance.

Speaker: Jennifer Chandler Hauge

Session #6

Crisis Communication and Media Relations

In today’s competitive business world and difficult economy, lucid, effective crisis communications are more essential than ever before. No matter what your job description entails, how you interact with members of the media during a crisis is crucial. In a high stress/high visibility situation, you have a narrow window of time to create and deliver a cohesive message that is well received or risk turning a crisis into a catastrophe. This workshop provides you with the basic media relations tools that will help you mitigate the tumultuous waters of a disaster, teaches how to deliver concise statements to members of the media in an instant, as well as how to correct misinformation and rumors. The workshop also shares the unique aspects of communicating before, during and after a crisis has occurred.

Closing Plenary Session

Managing the Risk of Staff and Volunteer Burnout, Discontent and Turnover

When the Everly brothers sang about “problems, problems, problems all day long,” they very well may have been singing about employees and volunteers in many nonprofit organizations whose missions are to help clients cope with life’s challenges. The question then becomes, “Who helps the helpers cope with their problems and not become overwhelmed by the problems of others?” And if you have served in a leadership capacity in the nonprofit sector for any period of time, you’ve encountered your share of discontent. Whether it’s the volunteer who feels her skills are being underutilized, or the staff member who simply wants a bigger paycheck and additional benefits, occasional “discontent” is a given in a sector that is programmed to “do more with less.” The closing plenary session will go beyond anecdotes to offer insights on managing the related risks of burnout, discontent and turnover in your nonprofit.

Speaker: Melanie Lockwood Herman, Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center