Resilience Through Communication

Supporting Impact-Driven Organizations Under Attack

Mission-driven organizations are no strangers to opposition. But in today’s environment, many nonprofits—especially those advocating for racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, and immigrant communities—are experiencing more than pushback. They’re under attack.

We’ve entered an era where disinformation, politicization, and coordinated smear campaigns are increasingly used to discredit organizations working toward social change. These attacks aren’t just external—they ripple through teams, affect donor confidence, and chip away at staff morale. I’ve seen it firsthand: dedicated organizations left scrambling to defend their missions without a plan, a message, or a sense of psychological safety.

This moment demands more than damage control—it requires resilience.

At Connection Point, we believe communications aren’t just a way to tell your story—they’re a strategic shield and a source of strength. If you’re leading a nonprofit in the crosshairs, here’s what we’ve learned from supporting organizations facing high-pressure environments.

1. Silence Is a Strategy—and Sometimes the Wrong One

In the face of a public attack or a politicized narrative, many organizations default to silence, hoping the issue will fade. But silence can be interpreted as an admission or weakness. Without a thoughtful communications plan, even unfounded accusations can take root and grow.

Instead, we help leaders ask: What do we stand for? What won’t we allow others to define for us? Then we build messaging that reinforces values, shares facts, and gives stakeholders a reason to stand with you, not wonder what’s happening behind closed doors.

2. Staff Morale Can Be Your Most Overlooked Comms Challenge

External messaging often takes priority, but internal communications are equally critical in moments of crisis. When employees feel anxious, confused, or unprotected, their engagement suffers—and so does their trust in leadership.

We coach executive teams to lead with transparency and empathy. That means early internal messaging, clear context, space for questions, and a unified voice across departments. Resilient organizations don’t just withstand external pressure; they hold together on the inside and emerge stronger for having done so.

3. Your Reputation Is Built Before the Crisis

Many of our clients come to us mid-crisis, but the strongest defense is preparation. This includes scenario planning, message frameworks, and yes, media training—but also a commitment to consistent, authentic communication in quieter times. When your values are already clear and your brand is already trusted, the impact of external attacks is dramatically reduced.

4. The Stakes Are Higher for Historically Marginalized Communities

For organizations led by or serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or immigrant communities, reputational attacks can carry unique risks, including threats to personal safety, funding, and organizational survival. Cookie-cutter PR won’t cut it.

We bring deep cultural fluency and equity-centered communications frameworks to address this reality. Our approach centers care, context, and strategy—because resilience isn’t just about surviving a news cycle. It’s about safeguarding your people and sustaining your mission.

5. The Goal Isn’t Perfection—It’s Trust

Crises are messy. You won’t have all the answers on day one. But in our experience, what audiences value most isn’t perfection—it’s honesty; it’s consistency. It’s a clear articulation of values, paired with a willingness to listen and evolve. That’s the kind of communication that builds trust. And trust is what makes resilience possible.

We’re Here To Help

If your organization is navigating reputational risk, facing political backlash, or preparing for an uncertain future, Connection Point is ready to support you. We’ve worked alongside executive teams during their most challenging moments and helped them emerge stronger, clearer, and more connected to their communities.

Resilience isn’t something you build alone. Let’s talk about how we can help you tell your truth, protect your team, and move forward—on your terms.