Crisis Communications Plan
The prompt
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Why this works
The holding statement is the most practically valuable output in a crisis communications plan because it gives the communications team something to say in the first hour before a full response can be prepared — a well-crafted holding statement buys time and prevents reactive statements made under pressure. Mapping communications protocols by stakeholder group (board first, then staff, then funders, then public) reflects the sequencing that maintains relationships during a crisis. Including a post-crisis review process builds institutional learning into the plan.
Risks & review
Crisis communications plans that include specific statement templates should be reviewed by legal counsel before a crisis occurs, not during one — statements made during a crisis can create liability or waive legal protections. Establish a clear chain of authority for who can approve public statements (ideally Executive Director with Board Chair sign-off for serious situations) and ensure that authority is exercised before anything goes to media or social channels.