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September is National Preparedness Month, spearheaded by FEMA, reminding us all to consider how prepared we are for potential disasters and emergencies. Beyond personal and family safety, it’s also a timely reminder for nonprofit boards to reflect on their own readiness for inevitable changes—whether it’s an executive transition, losing a major donor, or expanding to new regions.
Here’s what disaster preparedness can teach us about how nonprofit boards should prepare for change. (Read about the ten disruptions all nonprofits will face in the next year here.)
Don’t be an ostrich.
According to Ready.gov, “Talking about disasters or emergencies isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting our loved ones by avoiding the conversation, but taking those steps is crucial to staying safe.”
The same goes for nonprofit boards. Too often, boards ignore the possibility of change, hoping it will never happen. As one board chair told me, “We can’t start succession planning for our 80-year-old founder because he’ll think we want him out now.” Another said, “We love our CEO and can’t imagine her ever leaving. We don’t even want to think about it!”
Get your heads out of the sand and have uneasy conversations.
The best time to prepare is before change is at your doorstep.
The best time to prepare for a disaster isn’t when the tornado sirens are blaring. National Preparedness Month is all about encouraging people to prepare in advance while they’re calm, with thoughtful discussions spread out over time.
The same goes for nonprofit board change readiness. Don’t wait for your board chair to step down or for a game-changing donation to land in your lap before you start discussing officer succession, risk tolerance, or future expansion.
Start those conversations now so that you can take quick, intentional action when necessary.
Preparedness boosts prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.
FEMA defines preparedness as being in “a better state of readiness to withstand or avoid the immediate impact of a disaster.” Similarly, a change-ready nonprofit board can act decisively to prevent unnecessary disruption, mitigate the effects of inevitable changes, and recover faster when those changes do occur.
In short, a change-ready board creates a more resilient organization.
Preparedness is ongoing. Not one-and-done.
Just as you update your emergency kits and check smoke detector batteries regularly, your board should continuously measure its readiness for change. An annual assessment that identifies strengths and gaps and offers actionable recommendations ensures your board stays prepared for the future.
There are resources to help. Use them.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, resources abound—from FEMA to the American Red Cross to your local volunteer center.
For nonprofit boards, change readiness tools may not be as widespread, but there are key resources available—if you know where to look. That’s where CSR Communications comes in.
Introducing the Change Readiness Index™: Your Preparedness Tool
CSR Communications’ Change Readiness Index™ is a first-of-its-kind tool designed to measure your board’s readiness for change across eight key characteristics. Each board member and the chief executive complete a quick, five-minute survey online. The resulting baseline report reveals your board’s strengths and areas for improvement, along with actionable recommendations to ensure your board isn’t just change-ready but also change-capable and resilient.
For boards committed to elevating their leadership and ensuring long-term stability for the organizations they serve, this tool provides a clear roadmap. The package includes a follow-up survey six months later, plus customized recommendations for ongoing improvement.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Build a change-ready board today—before the storm hits.
Ready to learn more? Book a call today to learn more about CSR Communications’ Change Readiness Index™ and the insight and recommendations it offers to help your board lead and thrive through change.
