Children should feel safe, welcomed, and respected when participating in church programs, youth groups, camps, and other community activities. Volunteers play an important role in creating the environment, and knowing how to recognize and respond to bullying can make a difference. Bullying isn’t always obvious. It may involve physical aggression, hurtful comments, repeated exclusion, intimidation, […]
Behind every strong safety program is someone dedicated to making sure the details are handled, the resources are available, and the people who need them have the support to succeed. At Safe Gatherings, we believe those efforts deserve to be recognized. We’re excited to announce Kathy Pittenger, Associate Director for Connectional Ministries for the Michigan […]
Imagine this scenario: You are a camping volunteer and work with teens. On a couple occasions, you have noticed a certain duo taking a walk during free time. Unfortunately, it is a camper and an adult camp counselor. You know from your Safe Gatherings training that an adult should not be alone with a camper, […]
During a children’s program, a volunteer notices that a 7-year-old child repeatedly excludes another child during group activities. The volunteer isn’t sure whether the behavior is typical childhood play or something more serious. The volunteer considers letting the children work it out on their own, but ignoring the behavior could allow it to continue or […]
During a children’s program, a volunteer is preparing snacks for the group. A packaged food item has been donated, but the original packaging is missing. Without the packaging, the volunteer cannot see the ingredient list or check for potential allergens. The volunteer recognizes that the food looks familiar and it may be a common brand. […]
Every organization has someone who keeps the details moving. They make sure training stays current, background checks are completed, questions get answered, and staff and volunteers know what is expected of them. They may not always be the most visible person in an organization’s safety efforts, but their work plays an important role in keeping […]
Volunteers and staff play an important role in creating safe environments for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. They are often the people interacting with participants every week, building relationships, leading activities, and helping create a welcoming place for everyone. Because of that, knowing their responsibilities is only part of the picture. Staff and volunteers also […]
During a youth program, a parent tells a volunteer that their child has a contagious illness but insists the child attend the activity. The volunteer notices that the child looks unwell and becomes concerned about exposing other participants. The volunteer wants to respect the parent’s wishes but also recognizes the importance of following the organization’s […]
Creating an environment where individuals with disabilities feel welcomed, included, and protected requires thoughtful planning, clear expectations, and a commitment to safety. Whether serving in a church, school, camp, or community organization, leaders play an important role in creating environments where every participant can engage safely. While individuals with disabilities may require unique accommodations based […]
During a youth program, a volunteer notices a child who uses a wheelchair struggling to reach an activity table. The room is busy, with children moving around and supplies scattered throughout the space, making the environment feel crowded and potentially overwhelming. The volunteer wants to help but isn’t sure how to offer assistance without making […]
For many organizations, churches, schools, and nonprofits, safety efforts often begin with a reassuring statement: “We’ve never had an incident.” While that may be true, relying on a clean history as proof of future safety can create a dangerous sense of security. The absence of a known incident does not necessarily mean the absence of […]
A long-term volunteer who has faithfully served your organization for years is scheduled to serve this weekend. While reviewing records, you discover that their required safety training expired several months ago. No one has mentioned it, and the volunteer continues to serve as usual. They are well-liked, experienced, and have a strong track record of […]
