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Handling a PR Crisis in the Digital Age
Ben Sefarbi

Public Relations Media Specialist

Public Relations

Nonprofit Crisis Communications Training

On Wednesday, April 16, Ascendium hosted The Creative Company’s Crisis Communications Workshop, which brought together nonprofit professionals for a free, insightful, and engaging session on effectively handling crises. Hosted at Ascendium’s headquarters in Madison, the event featured expert guidance from The Creative Company team, equipping attendees with crucial strategies to navigate challenging situations.

The workshop focused on how organizations can manage crises in a way that protects their reputation and maintains trust with key stakeholders. Nonprofit leaders left with a profound understanding of the importance of clear and timely communication during times of uncertainty.

Three Crisis Tips to Give Your Organization An Advantage Before Crisis Hits
  1. Effective Crisis Management Strategies: Attendees learned how to create proactive communication plans, ensuring their organizations are ready to respond quickly and efficiently when a crisis hits.
  2. Protecting Your Organization’s Reputation: Participants gained insight into safeguarding their organization’s public image through transparent, honest, and empathetic communication.
  3. Engaging Key Stakeholders: The session highlighted best practices for communicating with different audiences during a crisis, from staff members to community partners.

Over 94% of participants left the workshop feeling more confident in their ability to respond to crises, equipped with practical tools to manage communication during high-pressure situations. Many reflected on the session’s interactive nature, allowing hands-on practice with real-world scenarios. Networking with peers in the nonprofit sector was also valuable, offering additional perspectives on crisis communication challenges and solutions.

Stay tuned for future opportunities with The Creative Company on important PR topics!

Behind the scenes of a public relations media interview training in Madison, WI with lighting and a camera crew.
Nonprofit organization leaders seated at a long table take notes during a crisis communications training session in Madison, WI.
Crisis Communications training session in Madison, WI, where a nonprofit leader participates in a one-on-one interview setup with lighting.
Nonprofit organization leaders listen attentively during a crisis communications training session in a modern, well-lit conference room in Madison, WI.
Group photo of nonprofit leaders and trainers at a crisis communications training workshop hosted by Ascendium and presented by The Creative Company in Madison, WI.
Ben Sefarbi

Ben is a seasoned crisis communication and media relations expert with over 10,000 hours of newsroom experience at NBC and CBS affiliates. He holds a Crisis Communication certification from the Public Relations Society of America and specializes in helping businesses and nonprofits develop effective crisis management strategies. With a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ben leverages his expertise to provide insights on communication best practices and media strategies, crafting clear, impactful messages. Other Related articles: