Taking Care of Your People Through Communication in a Crisis
This Week:
A How-To Guide for Internal Communications When Things Go South
ICYMI: How to Build a Crisis Communications Plan
The One Thing
Before We Go…
1. The Critical Role of Internal Communication During a Crisis
Last Monday, the Trump administration issued an executive order freezing federal grants and loan dispersants appropriated by Congress, creating uncertainty for countless organizations nationwide. For many nonprofits reliant on federal funding, the situation was dire—without those funds, they faced the possibility of shutting down, laying off employees, and halting services.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented the freeze, but District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked it with a short-term administrative stay. The following day, the administration rescinded the OMB memo, offering temporary relief. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the funding freeze itself remained in full effect. Days later, Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a temporary restraining order, citing constitutional violations and highlighting that, despite rescinding the memo, the administration continued enforcing the funding freeze.
Clear as mud.
The chaos of last week demonstrates just how quickly a crisis can unfold and how organizations must be prepared to respond—both internally and externally.
This story walks you through the challenges and steps for internal communications during a crisis.
2. ICYMI: A Crisis Communications Plan is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
If we learned anything from the past week, it’s that crisis can come quickly and without warning, and you must be prepared.
In keeping with our above story, we thought it would be a good time to revisit an earlier EO Report article about how to develop a crisis communications plan for your organization.
3. The One Thing
Each week, we’ll share one task that takes about five minutes to complete and can make an impact on your communications strategy.
Your Task This Week: Brainstorm and write out a list of employee resources available during a crisis. Save these in a document to have on hand when needed.
If you already have this available, pull it out and review. Is there anything that should be added or removed?
3. Before We Go…
Instagram has a new grid format, and with that comes a need to update your sizing and templates. Here’s a complete guide.
Need help brainstorming social media content? Here’s a guide from Hootsuite on how to use Chat GPT to do it.
From PR Daily: How to get better quotes for press releases.
From CNBDC: Meta is offering deals to creators to promote Instagram on other short-form video apps, including TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, CNBC has learned.
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