So what's the big deal about best practices? |
|
Best practices are ideal for the simple design of a program or an event. We are all aware though that when caring for the vulnerable, a program is seldom simple, rather, as we learn in the Cynefin Framework, we often find ourselves in complicated or complex situations where best practices do not fit the scenario. |
|
I remember a time when a youth pastor called me, frustrated as he was driving to a youth event and there was a lightning storm outside. He saw one of his students walking to the event fighting off the rain and wind and subject to lightening. He was facing a complex situation where he had to either leave the student to nature or break policy and forego the best practice of never driving a student alone in the car. At times like this we want to buy-in to the myth that Plan to Protect® doesn’t work in complicated and complex situations. However, if you have heard me teach, you know I often speak of good, better, best and bad.
In complicated situations, we are called to sense what is transpiring, analyze the risks and respond with good practices. They may not be the best practices, but we are selecting a good practice which will protect all the stakeholders. In the
case of the lightning storm, you would sense the student is in danger, you analyze what would be the greater risk (the student’s life in danger) and respond by offering her a ride the rest of the way. A good practice would be to complete
an incident report form upon arrival at the church and to notify the student’s parents and your supervisor that you made an exception to the policy and you are being accountable for your actions.
|
|
In a complex situation, we are called to probe what is transpiring (to ask questions), to sense how to move forward, and to respond appropriately with the information you have gleaned. An example of a complex situation would be on a short-term global trip when a student’s passport is stolen or you are in a car accident in a developing world country. This is complex as you don’t know the way forward. You will need to probe and ask questions of other leaders and partner organizations, and then analyze the risks, and respond with the knowledge you have gained. In situations like this, the Cynefin Framework states that this is an emerging practice. You are writing the practice as you live it out. The more guiding principles you can provide for complex situations the better.
In all cases, you want to avoid the chaotic. Unfortunately, if we don’t invest in professional development of our leaders and personnel, too often we find ourselves in the chaotic. In the chaotic, what happens is workers will act first, then sense they did something wrong, and then they respond to their actions by
either hiding it or dealing with the fallout.
Are you prepared for the complicated and complex situations within your organization? If not, I invite you to join us starting today for our Serious About Safety Masterclass on Facebook. Not only will we be considering best practices in 2021 but we will also be considering good practices for complicated situations, and how to ready yourself for complex situations that arise during the year.
We have all found ourselves in complicated and complex situations with COVID. For some of us we even discovered that we were in a chaotic place when the media came calling or when the worst happened. We will discuss this all this week in Serious About Safety!
|
|
The excitement begins today on Facebook. Join us for Serious About Safety on Facebook.
Our free, 5-day Live Masterclass will teach you the five simple steps to identify risks and implement a strategy to prevent abuse and protect children, youth and vulnerable adults.
For the third time, we are capturing the highlights of the Plan to
Protect® certification training, our best practices and standards and unveiling them in this 5-day launch. 1:00 pm EST each day, Melodie and the team will be live on both Facebook and Instagram to teach. The session will be recorded and available to review in the group during the launch.
Invite your team ...
Invite your Networks, Teams, Board Members ...
|
|
The Winners of Our Creative Writing Contest |
|
We sought out young writers for our creative writing contest. They were asked to write a 1,500 word children’s book on any topic related to safety. We introduced the contest in three of our newsletters in 2020 and also sent invitations out to many schools to participate. Our panel of judges reviewed the submissions,
and it is our pleasure to announce the top three recipients.
First Prize is a $500 scholarship
Second Prize is $250 scholarship
Runner Up (third prize) is a $100 Amazon gift card
|
|
 |
FIRST PLACE WINNER is Megan P. – Grade 12 student, author of ‘Josh’s Secret’. Megan P. grew up as a missionary kid in Kijabe, Kenya. After a meeting focused on hard topics, such as bullying and trusted adults, Megan was interested to learn about how to share these topics with people of every age all over the world.
Megan loves writing, loves visiting her grandparents in Kansas, and loves connecting with people of all ages.
Megan’s book is about trusted adults and domestic violence.
|
|
|
|
SECOND PLACE WINNER is Hannah C. – Grade 12 student, author of ‘Masked’. Hannah C. was born in South Korea but spent most of her life in Africa as a missionary kid. She is now a high school senior in Kijabe, Kenya. There, she faced identity crises which drove her to write her first ever children's book, ‘Masked’, about self-esteem. Hannah aims to inspire and enchant children to feel confident, special, and bold about who they are. You can always find Hannah holding a pencil, drawing or writing on a piece of paper. Hannah’s book is about identity and friendship. |
|
|
|
THIRD PLACE WINNER is Chloe A. – Grade 12 student, author of ‘Birds of a Feather Don’t Always Flock Together’. Chloe grew up overseas. She spent most of her elementary years in schools where she and her sister were the only Americans. She has experienced ridicule and mockery simply because she looked different than the rest of the students. Chloe understands the impact racism can have on a child and doesn’t want any other child to be treated unfairly. She wishes to make others aware of this universal issue. Chloe’s book is on self-esteem and bullying.
We are currently in the process of seeking a publisher who will be publishing all three books. Watch for news of the release!
|
|
Laura Garg
Office Support
lgarg@plantoprotect.com
Laura is originally from Leon, Gto., Mexico, and moved to Canada 10 years ago. Laura has a Bachelors Degree in Communication and Marketing.
Laura moved to Stouffville in 2013 with her husband and her young son, whom she will often refer to as her "little prince." She is a devoted mother and is passionate about the protection of children in her community and around the world. She has previously worked with her local school board and in daycares. One of Laura's many projects is translating the Plan to Protect® manual into Spanish. It will be published later in 2021.
|
|
Why is Laura Serious About Safety? |
|
Did you know that if you are a member of Plan to Protect®, you receive unlimited email and phone support on everything Plan to Protect®. This benefit is invaluable and provides access to expertise by phone and email. We love chatting with our members.
|
|
Check out our training in February: |
|
Plan to Protect® 101
February 16, 2021 @ 12:30pm - 1pm Eastern Time
Plan to Protect® Special Interest Webinar
"Critical Incident Series : Mental Alertness and Readiness to Respond"
February 18, 2021 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Plan to Protect® Refresher LIVE Webinar
February 18, 2021 @ 8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
Plan to Protect® Orientation LIVE Webinar
February 20, 2021 @ 1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
All trainings are scheduled in Eastern Time
|
|
We have extended our BOGO sale because we always think
two is better than one!
Register for one Certification Training course
during the month of February
and receive a 2nd registration for 50% off.
|
|
Terms:
· No other discounts apply.
· Registrations can be for two individuals from the same organization.
· Registrations can be two of the same or a combination of any of the courses listed below
· 50% off applies to the lowest-priced registration.
· Payment must be received by February 28, 2021.
· Students have 6 months to begin the course upon registration.
· Once activated, the student has 12 weeks to complete the course.
Courses include:
- Train the Trainer (Level 1 or 2),
- Administrator/Leader (Level 1 or 2), or
- Crisis Response and Management Course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
