blueprints

282 | toolkit: Bent nails and short Boards
If the fire department comes, takes care of the problem, and clears the
venue for use, you may proceed with the event if your poet(s) and participants
are still willing.
Responsibility
It is important to remember that you are in charge and therefore
responsible if something does go awry. One thing to consider: if your organization
has grown to the point that it has a major budget and/or if it offers
multiday events, especially if there is any programming at all for kids under
eighteen, your board might consider getting director’s insurance. Of course,
this doesn’t obviate the need for you to behave with care, but it may protect
you as individuals if something unforeseen goes wrong and the organization
is sued as a result.
Every crisis provides you with an opportunity to remind yourself of
your mission and values and to check in with and listen to your audience. It
never hurts to keep asking, even during good times, what you’re doing that
is most important to your core mission and what is nice but inessential.
Then, when something bad happens, you already have an idea of what you
need to save from the flames or rising waters and what, with a sigh, you can
let go.
Checklist: Cope with Catastrophe
A. When bad news of any kind comes in, stop for a moment to take
stock.
1. Are you sure you correctly interpreted the news you have? If
you’re looking at a financial statement, take out your calculator.
If someone brings you news of an accident, take the time to
listen and ask questions.
2. When you are sure there is a problem, ask yourself who needs
to know about it. Who are the best people to consider what
actions to take?
3. Consider which people are in the best position to take action.
These may not be the same people who make the initial
decisions.
4. If these people are professionals, contact them immediately and
give them all the information you have about the problem—do
not hide details out of embarrassment or for any other reason.