Kim Conroy, Pres/CEO
..comes in and catches you off guard: “We’d love to spotlight your organization on national TV!” A producer makes his best pitch to provide more publicity for you than you could pay for in a lifetime of PMC service.
Two CEOs have called me in the past two days. “Am I missing an opportunity to highlight our clinic? But if I take it, how do I know it will be in a positive light and accurately reflect what we do? Am I just being suspicious, or responsible?”
In his book, How the Mighty Fall, Jim Collins describes a healthy paranoia as being one of the keys to success. When we have the gift of affirmation by hindsight, we realize that due diligence was always at the core of helping us distinguish between opportunities and threats.
The issues at hand are two TV documentaries in production: one dealing with pregnant mothers with pregnant daughters (the caller said he was from ABC Family) and the other focusing on adoption (by a new company whose founder bios identify MTV). So why wouldn’t a strong organization want to accept their offer?
That’s a great question, and unfortunately, I don’t have an easy answer (sorry for those of you who want a simple answer.) You can tag me a skeptic, but more and more a dose of “healthy paranoia” seems like a solid response in a hostile national media culture.
So, since IMPACT is all about equipping, I encourage you to fully explore the complex questions to help make an informed, enlightened and supported decision. IMPACT trains toward risk management and threat resolution; one of our greatest investments is to sometimes challenge a leader: “What’s the worst that can happen if you make this decision?” Evaluate the worst, plan/work toward the best and pray for great discernment!
“But if WE don’t do it, won’t another organization that might not be as mature or capable step in? Won’t that reflect badly on the entire movement?” Another great question, and one that causes all of us tension because we want the movement to be better understood for the great work accomplished.
All of us are concerned about “the movement” and that those who speak are credible – no one wants to be misrepresented. But we should also be concerned about being unequally yoked – what if another organization was also featured which did NOT share your credibility? Or even your ethics?
The Lord has given each of us a realm over which He holds us responsible. IMPACT’s commitment to leaders is to help YOU make a sound decision for YOUR organization. You are not responsible for “the movement”. You are responsible for your ministry.
On behalf of our ministries, donors and clients, it behooves us to do the research, prayerfully consider and weigh the pros/cons of a decision that could have unforeseen challenges. The list to the left may provide a few questions to help.
So, opportunity? Maybe. But will what may start as an “opportunity” remain that way? No one knows. And part of our responsibility as leaders is to assure that we best position our ministries in the most favorable light possible. But when we are drawn to the limelight, it rarely serves our PMC – and thus our clients – well.
Though opinions may vary as to the right plan of action, the key to unlocking the truth will be found by ensuring thorough, practical and prayerful preparation. Apply the words of Jesus as we struggle to identify and discern opportunity from threat:
“You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack…be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.” (Matt. 10:16, The Message).
Though perhaps not the stars of the show, featured will be our ministry reputations, donor relationships and the lives of the women we serve.
FOR CONSIDERATION
- What is the track record of the company behind the productions? Have they been trustworthy in past programming?
- Do they share our values? If not, would we trust them to profile our organizations with NO ability to influence the resulting product?
- Would we trust them with our clients?
- What is the worst that could happen if this venture goes bad? Would we have any power to mitigate it?
- Is the issue being highlighted one which reflects the TRUE EMPHASIS of our organization?
- If we are identified by this show, would it draw, or repel, those women who need us the most?
- What additional facts might I need to gather? In other words, what do I not know that could create an unpleasant surprise?
- Am I making an impulsive decision or one based on pride?
- Have I sought the wisdom of others, specifically my board?
- If I could look down the road in one year, would I come to the same conclusion?
- Does engaging with this effort glorify God?
IMPACT has established an accreditation for those organizations which have secured IMPACT Affiliation, as they have met established industry standards for medical, legal, corporate and nonprofit operations.
For IMPACT’s first year:
- National Industry Standards compiled, organizational assessments and specialized trainings created
- Affiliation model and content delivered to 14 Organizations (44 locations) in 11 states (#15 in process*)
- 1 staff member and 3 organizational consultants served over 80 team members (plus boards)
- In addition, 2 IMPACT medical consultants assessed the skills of 58 sonography nurses
- CEUs were provided for each
- 20,000 abortion-risk women will be served through these PMCs in 2012
- In addition, 2 IMPACT medical consultants assessed the skills of 58 sonography nurses
“The opportunity to have the IMPACT team together with my team for two days was an incredible experience. IMPACT taught us the processes to measure outcomes for every aspect of our organization. We’re only as good as we can account for. The ongoing exercise of each department clarifying their own mission, direction and results has been valuable as a team. Our organization is this wonderful big puzzle that when it fits together properly, turns into an amazing blessing to our clients and our donors. Thank you for reorganizing our puzzle pieces!”
Renee Wooten, CEO, Options 360°
IMPACT has received a matching $50,000 grant to help PMCs be strengthened and protected! If you have a strong desire to help PMCs increase effectiveness to reach and serve abortion-bound women and build even deeper protection for their operations, visit our Donations page. The IMPACT of your gift will be doubled!!
Parkridge - Lubbock, TX
Life Choices – Memphis, TN
Lowcountry Pregnancy Center – Charleston, SC
Hope Women’s Clinics – Ft Lauderdale, FL
Westside Pregnancy Center – Los Angeles, CA
Options 360 – Battle Ground, WA
The IMPACT Team recently met with several city and county representatives in Memphis, TN to strategize how to reduce abortion in the Memphis area. Pictured above are Robbie Randolph, Council of Advisors; Sue Parker, Life Choices CEO; Karen McNeil, IA Board Secretary; Dr. Charles Fowler, Sr. Pastor of Germantown Baptist Church; Kim Conroy, IA CEO and board member Jerry Twombly.
The HOPE Women’s Clinics team – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“After two days with the IMPACT team, our staff has a clearer vision for the work God has called us to do, an increased sense of unity, and a more passionate commitment to excellence than we have ever had before. Our board of directors is excited about the new level of accountability that they see will come with IMPACT affiliation. We are thankful that an organization like IMPACT has been born – and we are thankful for the many dedicated donors across the nation who have made it possible.”
Nancy McDonald, CEO (center back), Ft. Lauderdale, FL
“I believe the IMPACT Association is the vital next step in the effectiveness of PMC’s ministry to the unborn and their moms.”
Joe Mcllhaney MD
President/Chairman, Medical Institute
IMPACT Association has recently completed our 8th on-site training – and we’re excited about what is being discovered! The clinic teams are amazing – each organization has committed and wise staff and their affirmation for IMPACT has been overwhelming. Additional organizations (of the 15 Pilots) are in process.
We are seeking funding for the next round of PMCs to enter IMPACT – be praying and searching with us.
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Dear IMPACT:
Thank you for skillfully leading our staff through two days of organization-wide introspection in a unified effort to 
strengthen our foundational goals through the achievement of the Master Standards identified and outlined by IMPACT. Your encouragement and your expertise is a life-giving investment to us and generations yet unborn. Our board, staff and volunteers are grateful to you and for you!
Maureen Yockey Executive Director
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
Denver, Colorado
