A new course on risk management and crisis communications is now available on the Zrozumilo! platform.

Civil society organizations operate in an environment of constant change, uncertainty, and numerous challenges. Financial, operational, security, reputational, and communication risks can all affect project implementation and long‑term sustainability. That is why the ability to identify risks in time, assess their impact, and plan effective responses is a key component of organizational resilience.

The new free online course “Risks: How to Identify, Manage, and Communicate” is designed to help civil society representatives work with risks systematically and act confidently in crisis situations. Throughout the course, participants will explore core approaches to risk management, learn how to identify and assess risks, plan responses, and implement monitoring and risk‑management practices at both organizational and project levels.

Special attention is given to crisis management and crisis communications. These modules explain how to prepare an organization for potential crises, develop an emergency communication plan, craft key messages, and choose effective channels for engaging with target audiences.

“Any risk can be not only a challenge but also an opportunity. The ability to use risk strategically provides advantages and helps build effective processes. At the same time, a clear understanding of an event’s status allows the team to choose the right tool for addressing it,” notes Dmytro Pishyi, the course presenter, expert, and consultant in project and program management.

The course combines theoretical knowledge, practical cases, and the experience of East Europe Foundation. Participants also receive ready‑to‑use tools, templates, and checklists to help them apply what they learn in their daily work.

The course is intended for leaders and staff of civil society organizations, project managers, communications specialists, grant writers, and anyone seeking to strengthen their organization’s resilience and improve risk‑management skills.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate worth 0.2 ECTS credits (six academic hours), which counts as self‑study.

The online course “Risks: How to Identify, Manage, and Communicate” was developed within the Impulse project, implemented by East Europe Foundation and the International Renaissance Foundation, with support from Norway and Sweden.