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Dear Washington Nonprofits Community,
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a topic of much conversation this week. It was sad to learn about the first deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Washington this weekend, and a growing number of other cases have been confirmed in King and Snohomish counties.
How will the coronavirus affect nonprofits?
At this point, we have more questions than answers. Here are some things to think about and some links to stay informed. Regardless of whether your organization’s operations are ultimately affected by this virus, emergency preparedness is a good use of your time.
What should we be talking about?
Talk with your staff team at a staff meeting. As a leader, you should reassure your team that you care about their health and safety. Let others know that you will be watching for recommendations from public health officials about whether you need to make any changes to how you do your work or deliver programs. Review some basic tips about hand washing, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, reminders about self-care to stay healthy, and not coming to work if you are sick. You may wish to discuss how to manage work if some team members become ill and can’t come to work. Be mindful that different members of your team may perceive the threat differently or have special concerns based on their life circumstances. It is important to honor that. For example, persons with elderly family members may be especially concerned, and Asian Americans are likely facing increased racism.
What policies should we have in place?
This depends on the nature of your work, but everyone can benefit from planning a response. Do you provide essential services to people or animals? If so, planning for business continuity is important. Hopefully you have already done some planning. This should include having the right supplies, training and procedures in place to protect your employees. If your operations are less critical, you may want to reiterate your sick leave policy and consider whether it’s time to update or restate your remote work policy.
How might this impact your organization?
If the outbreak worsens, impacts on nonprofits could include:
- cancellation of programs or events,
- staff and volunteer absences, or disruption of supplies or services provided by you or by your partners.
Last winter, many nonprofits were affected when the Puget Sound area was snowed in for about two weeks. The bad weather led to temporary program closures, cancellation of major fundraising events, and other changes that cost nonprofits money or affected the number of people they were able to serve. Since nonprofits often operate in a marginal financial position, these sorts of impacts are difficult to absorb.
What can we do?
It is important not to overreact. Many healthcare providers are prepared for this type of outbreak. I found this article on rural hospitals featuring Kittitas Valley Healthcare helpful. Runs on supplies could mean that those who most need items like respiratory masks are unable to obtain them. So stay calm and stay informed, and speak out to counter discrimination.
New information will be coming out all the time. Remember your role as a leader in the midst of uncertainty: show your team that you care and strategize together about how to stay safe and meet your mission.
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Sincerely,
 
Laura Pierce
Executive Director
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