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"When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, and when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."

~ C.S. Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia

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The heavier the winter, the richer the promise of summer becomes. As we have scraped our way out of what has been a gruesome winter across Canada, my gratitude for the floral bloom which is in season is exceedingly great. Seeing cherry blossoms, tulips, lilacs and peonies in their fullness has made me appreciate the heavy snowfall we enjoyed over the past many months. In the absence of a bed of snow, the soil becomes susceptible to the onslaught of the frost. Low temperatures, compounded by heavy winds, can result in erosion, temperature fluctuations, and freeze-thaw cycles which damage the quality of the bloom in the afterglow of winter. While I may not enjoy shovelling the snow off of my driveway twice a day for two weeks, I am grateful for the covering the snow brought when spring comes and the flowerbed is in full form.

As we approach the summer months, this is an excellent time to take stock of the safeguarding infrastructure of your organization, and identify areas of need in preparation for the future. While it does take work, and it can get cumbersome, this is an undertaking which always proves fruitful. I trust this month's newsletter, and our monthly special, will encourage you towards this end. Plan to Protect^® has been the leading voice with respect to safeguarding practices and protocols for the better part of twenty years, and we are eager to come alongside you and your team with our expertise. We cannot wait to partner with you!

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Do you know you don't have to do safeguarding alone? 

Our team is ready and eager to work with you!

We would love for you to join our network of members -- and together we will learn and grow to better safeguard our communities.

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The following reflection from Melodie speaks to the impact one person can have on the life of a child. Just imagine what happens if a whole community bans together to protect the vulnerable.

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A Reflection from Melodie Bissell

. Chair & Sr. Safeguarding Consultant, Plan to Protect^®

^Consider sharing this with your community and team members. 

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Becoming Everyday Protectors:

The Power of Vigilance and Compassion

We truly believe that the majority of staff members and volunteers are remarkable — they show up with servant hearts, ready to help, encourage, and love those around them. These people create safe, welcoming environments in our churches, schools, camps, and organizations. But even in the best communities, it’s possible for someone unsafe to slip in unnoticed. That’s why we need each of us — every amazing volunteer and staff member — to not only be safe themselves, and to care for the vulnerable, but to be alert for those who may be unsafe.

Let me share a story that has deeply stuck with me — one that drives home how powerful one person's care can be.

In a busy Orlando restaurant, a waitress noticed something strange: a young boy sat quietly with two adults and a little girl. He wasn’t eating. He wore a mask and hoodie. The adults said he’d eat later, but the waitress noticed bruises on his face and arm.

She had a choice — to ignore her concerns or to act.

She wrote a note and held it where only the boy could see:

“Are you OK?”

The boy shook his head. No.

She wrote a second note:

“Do you need help?”

He nodded. Yes.

The waitress called 911. When authorities arrived, they discovered heartbreaking abuse — the boy had been beaten, denied food, and tortured. He was severely underweight and covered in bruises.

This story is difficult to hear — and yet, it's a stunning example of what it means to be a safe adult.

That waitress didn’t save the world. She saved one child. But to that boy, that was the world.

And here’s the truth: you — whether you are a volunteer or a staff member, have the same power! You are already trusted adults. You’re already present in the lives of children, youth, and vulnerable individuals. And your presence, your attentiveness, your willingness to say something when something doesn’t feel right — that can make all the difference.

We’re not asking you to become detectives. We’re asking you to be:

• Observant
• Empathetic
• Willing to speak up when something seems off

No fear, just love in action. Just people caring enough to notice. Just hearts tuned to protect.

It’s not about suspecting everyone. It’s about refusing to overlook the one who might be hurting in silence.

Let’s be the kind of people who don’t just show up — but who stand up... for safety... for compassion... for the vulnerable.

Let’s be like that waitress — ordinary people, doing the extraordinary: paying attention, and taking action.

If you see something, please say it (share your concern and suspicion with your team leaders). Together, we will sort it out. The Duty to Report Child Abuse is a law that must be followed for the protection of our children.

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LISTEN IN...

Listen to an insightful conversation with Melodie Bissell, our Chair & Sr. Safeguarding Consultant, and Naomi Suggs, our Sr. Policy Consultant, as they discuss the changes and additions to safeguarding policies that have been added and changed over the past 18 years and the stories behind some of those policy additions.

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Join us as we sit down with our newest recipient of the Plan to Protect^® Seal of Excellence — Pastor Andy Spencer, Family Ministry Pastor at True Life Church, Quispamsis, NB.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation as we dive into how Pastor Andy and the team achieved the HIGHEST STANDARD in safeguarding for their church.

We’ll explore how they:

• Stay current with best practices
• Screen and train staff and volunteers
• Overcome real-world safeguarding challenges

Mark your calendar — this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

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This June, take advantage of 15% off our consulting rates

and invest in safeguarding with the experts you trust!

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Led by Melodie Bissell (Chair & Senior Safeguarding Consultant) and Naomi Suggs (Senior Policy Consultant), our Policy and Consulting Team at Plan to Protect^® has worked with thousands of organizations across North America. Through their leadership, Plan to Protect^® has become a recognized standard in abuse prevention and safeguarding, trusted by churches, schools, camps, community agencies and international mission organizations.

With deep expertise in navigating complex investigations involving sexual misconduct, bullying, and spiritual abuse, Melodie and Naomi bring wisdom, discernment, and unmatched professionalism to every consultation.

Now’s the time to book!

Whether you’re starting from scratch, updating policies, or facing difficult safeguarding challenges, you’ll receive an additional 15% off our regular consulting rate throughout June.

Secure your consultation today and strengthen your commitment

to protection and peace of mind.



Some conditions apply.

Subject to applicable taxes. No other discounts apply.

Offer valid through June 30, 2025.