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 […]
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!
Do you know the most frequent reason that a Safe Gatherings application is delayed? It might not be what you think. You may be thinking that the background check is most frequently what causes an application to be delayed, but that’s not correct. The most frequent reason? The applicant’s own references! How can that be? […]
A regular volunteer comes to you two days before the mission trip she has planned to attend and says that her Safe Gatherings approval has not come back yet. You had reminded her a couple of times over the last month or two, but she still hasn’t completed the necessary steps. She says, “I’ve been […]
Over this past year, we know there have been many changes in organizations, and this includes staffing. This newsletter’s administrative tip is to remind you to let us know about these changes. We want to make sure we are still communicating with the right people. If you have Safe Gatherings admin changes, please call us […]
Safe Gatherings is proud to partner with N2Discovery as the recommended protection program provider for Discovery Weekend activities. At N2Discovery, Discovery Weekend resources emphasize the need for events to be safe places for children and youth. They are committed to ensuring that staff and volunteers are screened and trained, and encourage the use of Safe […]
Safe Gatherings updated its training course last fall to address the challenges and best practices when conducting online ministry. The module is now included as part of the Safe Gatherings training. The module discusses abuse prevention considerations for conducting online meetings, technology challenges and solutions, boundary awareness situations in terms of virtual ministry, and more. […]
For many, the relationship with your congregation lives in your heart, and it’s never more true than this year as everyone is searching for ways to connect. The Easter and Passover celebrations are going to look quite different than in years past. Kudos to those who are thinking outside the box to create meaningful holidays: […]
Electric Slide, Macarena, Hokey Pokey, anyone? Moving is good for the heart, so why not have fun while you are doing it? You may remember some dance moves from your childhood, teen years or maybe you keep up on the latest craze. Print out and share this activity page, then have fun Googling and practicing […]
People are social distancing and many are staying home, which means more people are communicating via their computers, tablets and cell phones. Unfortunately, all of this digital communication can create and cultivate negativity. This week’s timely topic that may be helpful both at home and in your role at a church or organization is cyberbullying. […]
These days can be a scary time for young people. Their routines are in flux or non-existent, and they aren’t able to go to the places they are used to going to every week, such as school and worship. As people across the country are adjusting to a new normal of staying home and social […]
Our 2019 window clings will be hitting your mailbox soon, and your church or organization will be receiving them if you have met a certain number or percentage of Safe Gatherings approvals. Post your window clings at your doors and on your windows to signify your strong commitment to protecting the children, youth, and vulnerable […]