This road map will give confidence to leaders of nonprofit organizations and faith groups facing the unknown with sometimes limited resources. The many examples--of actions which averted calamities and of failures resulting in chaos--are engaging. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" answers the questions that are often in the backs of the minds of those who lead organizations:
* How do I know this is a crisis?
* Can crises be prevented?
* What do I do when I walk out the door and the media has questions?
* What actions can our board or council take right now?
The guides which are included are easily adapted by any organization. Every nonprofit leader should own "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations". Every board should discuss this topic. Every organization should have a plan for "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations".
WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN--discusses the dreaded possibility that a crisis might strike a nonprofit group. Defining a crisis as an event which threatens the existence of the organization, "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" goes on to discuss prevention and cure by focusing on policies and people. While other books offer management advice to nonprofits or discuss organizational development, "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" is a vital resource for every nonprofit which might encounter a disaster--which is to say, every nonprofit organization. The focus on policies and on people (board and staff) is from the discrete perspective of preventing crises which might be prevented and mitigating the damage of those which cannot. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" will bring peace of mind to leaders of nonprofits, whether they be executives or boards or pastors or councils. It is practical and can be implemented easily.
"Starr Mayer provides practical, actionable wisdom for nonprofit boards and leaders. Good stewardship requires that leadership teams understand these principles and put processes in place to protect their missions." --Jonathan T. M. Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International.
"An essential tool for board members and managers, particularly in a fast growth organization. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" shows the importance of calm, rational planning to protect your mission and reputation." --Wendy Kopp, Founder and CEO, Teach for America.
"We live and work in such uncertain times. "When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations" is a must read for every nonprofit leader. Starr Mayer’s focus on people and policies is the right one, and she has provided us with an invaluable guide to avoiding the next bad thing." --Deb Jospin, partner, sagawa/jospin; co-author of "The Charismatic Organization"; and Chair of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University.
