Monday, April 22nd, 2024
A member of your congregation really wants to start volunteering with teenagers but has been slow to finish her abuse prevention training and because of a technicality, her background check has not come back yet. There is an event a few days away, and she comes to you asking for an exception so she can […]
Read More >>Monday, April 22nd, 2024
Ten dollars does not go far these days. You can barely get a fast-food meal for that amount. And yet, some churches and organizations spend that same price, or less, on a background check, expecting it to provide an acceptable measure of safety and peace of mind. When in reality, the bargain you thought you […]
Read More >>Friday, January 26th, 2024
Imagine this scenario: You are the payroll manager at a medium-sized church. In addition to your work there, you also fill in as a volunteer with the youth program. You learned about mandatory reporting from your abuse prevention training, but you still aren’t sure whether it applies to you. What do you do? It’s important […]
Read More >>Friday, January 26th, 2024
For many, the start of a new year means making resolutions. More sleep, a more balanced diet, more exercise, travel, you name it. The possibilities are endless. This mindset can be a very positive start to the new year and set you on the right course. As an individual, you may have already mapped out […]
Read More >>Wednesday, October 25th, 2023
What would you do? It’s Trunk or Treat time at your small church and you are busy lining up cars in anticipation of children in costumes walking around and playing games with congregation members. Most of the cars are registered for the event, but someone you don’t recognize lines up their car at the end […]
Read More >>Wednesday, October 25th, 2023
When thinking about health, people often think about blood pressure, heart disease and other physical conditions. But that’s not a whole picture of a person’s health. Mental health, which includes a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being, is important for people of all ages—and just as essential as taking care of our physical selves. According […]
Read More >>Tuesday, July 25th, 2023
On the playground one day as you are volunteering, you overhear a young girl tell her friend that she has an important secret with Uncle John, a friend of her dad’s. There is something about the way she says it that gives you pause. On the one hand, it could be a surprise party for […]
Read More >>Tuesday, July 25th, 2023
1. Educate yourself on the area you will be traveling. If it’s a mission across town but to an area you’ve never been, map it out ahead of time. Ask others who previously have served in that area about relevant details such as where to park and areas or routes to avoid. For an international […]
Read More >>Monday, May 22nd, 2023
1. Start early. If you are already thinking about volunteers, you are a step ahead. Even though spring has sprung, your church or organization may have the bulk of its activities in summer and fall months. It’s never too early to start looking. 2. Talk with your current volunteers. With volunteers, there is always a […]
Read More >>Monday, May 22nd, 2023
You have been a volunteer at your organization for many years. You serve in many different areas, including the children’s department and during camp season. Your children’s ministry director comes to you expressing interest in your help as part of a committee updating the organization’s policies. You don’t have any experience in policymaking, so you […]
Read More >>Tuesday, September 20th, 2022
Decisions made in ordinary moments can have long-term positive or negative consequences. Clergy and ministerial leaders are often expected to make all the right decisions AND have all the right answers. Is it time for your clergy members or ministry leaders to renew their ethics training? The 2-hour “Clergy Ethics and Congregational Boundaries” course from Safe Gatherings is […]
Read More >>Friday, February 11th, 2022
We are excited to see you at the ELCA Extravaganza 2022 in Minneapolis, starting today! Visit our booth to learn more about Safe Gatherings and ask us about our newest product, Policy Builder!
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