Over the past few months, Safe Gatherings sent window clings to churches and organizations that met the criteria so far in 2021. We send these out each year to recognize those organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the Safe Gatherings program. When churches and organizations post the window clings on the windows and doors of […]
You are volunteering in a children’s department at your organization, and you are supervising kids outside on the playground. A child approaches you and says his uncle has been hurting him. The child says his uncle told him it is a secret just between them, and the boy is afraid he will get in trouble […]
There are many areas in life where adults don’t need a written set of instructions on how to do something, or a set of rules or guidelines to review. We just know what to do—whether by experience or by instinct. The same does not hold true when it comes to a child protection policy at […]
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 […]
Comparing the store brand with the name brand in a grocery store is a good use of time. The ingredient lists are often the same, despite one being a little more expensive. When it comes to background checks, though, it’s really important that you think about the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” In […]
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 […]
You are a leader in a children’s ministry and your current policy is that all staff, volunteers, and congregants wear protective masks during church activities because of COVID-19. This policy was communicated to all staff and volunteers and is posted on your church doors. You have a volunteer that refuses to wear a mask, saying […]
Over the past year of the pandemic, there has been great loss and suffering to many across the globe. It was a year of panic, anxiety and a range of other emotions for people of all ages. But in the midst of it all, many were hopeful, optimistic, steadfast and came together in ways they […]
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. […]
As churches across the country plan for reopening, what can you do to prepare? We have many helpful reports available on your dashboard. Check out the Applicant Status report. It provides a list of all who are approved and those pending. For those pending, this report lets you know which items are still needed. Another […]