This bundle brings together Katelyn McArdle’s complete rapid response framework — from a complete guide to map out your rapid response to the email templates that help you communicate authentically at every stage of a campaign. Katelyn spent over a decade leading digital strategy at nonprofits, and this is the process she uses to help organizations move quickly without getting ahead of themselves.
From the Helia Library — based on the article Not Every Headline Needs A Campaign, from our Coffee Chat with Katelyn McArdle.
What’s Inside
Two resources, meant to be used in sequence. Start with the Decision Framework — the email scripts are only useful once you’ve confirmed you should be responding in the first place.
01 — Rapid Response Planning Guide
Katelyn’s pre-launch checklist for organizations that have decided to respond — covering operating plan, campaign hub, communication rhythm, and impact reporting. Use this after you’ve completed the authority and delivery assessment and before anything goes live.
02 — Rapid Response Email Scripts
dy-to-adapt email templates for every stage of a campaign: the initial announcement, the advocate activation ask, the mid-campaign impact update, the supporter fatigue message, and the campaign close. Return to these throughout the campaign, from the first email to the final impact report.
If you want help with Rapid Response
Katelyn McArdle consults on digital strategy and rapid response campaigns — helping organizations assess whether and how to respond to urgent moments without damaging their brand or exhausting their team.
She’s a good fit if:
- You’re facing a moment that feels urgent, and you’re not sure if you should respond
- You’ve responded before, and it didn’t go well — supporters were confused, staff were overwhelmed, or the campaign fell flat
- You want to build a rapid response capacity internally so you’re ready next time
- You’re an enthusiastic leader who knows you sometimes jump too quickly, and you want a thought partner who’ll slow you down
Connect with Katelyn!
As always, take what’s helpful and make it your own.
