Plan to Protect® - January Newsletter

Announcing the Appointment of a New President

Dilshan Anandarajan - Plan to Protect® President

On behalf of the Shareholders and Board of Winning Kids Inc. (Plan to Protect®), I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dilshan Anandarajan as the new President of Plan to Protect®. Dilshan brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our organization, as well as a strong background in risk management and leadership.


A graduate of the Schulich School of Business, Dilshan has spent the last five years with Euclid Transactional, where he excelled as a Senior Associate in underwriting and risk analytics while also leading the training and development of the analyst team. Beyond his professional achievements, Dilshan is actively engaged as a youth leader, speaker, and music director at the bridge - a Markham community church, while volunteering his time leading youth sports programs in the Jane and Finch community of Toronto with Youth Unlimited. He comes highly recommended by his employers, direct reports, clients and mentors, all speaking of his strong character, integrity, work ethic and leadership skills.


Dilshan is enthusiastic about joining the Plan to Protect® team and is eager to drive growth in our SaaS (Software as a Service) offerings while expanding our impact. His vision and expertise align perfectly with our mission to provide the highest standard of abuse prevention.


Dilshan says, “With great excitement and anticipation, I count it an honour and a privilege to receive this appointment. It has been a joy to journey with Melodie over the past many months as we have envisioned the future of safeguarding initiatives across North America and the instrumental role Plan to Protect® will continue to fulfill in schools, churches, camps, and youth sports organizations. I am eager to grow Plan to Protect’s offering while upholding Plan to Protect’s excellent training standards in partnership with the wonderful team that is in place.”


As for me (Melodie), I will begin to move towards semi-retirement. I will remain actively involved as Chair and Senior Safeguarding Consultant, working alongside Dilshan to extend our reach to organizations serving the vulnerable sector.


Please join me in warmly welcoming Dilshan Anandarajan as he transitions into this pivotal role. Together, we will continue to advance the cause of safeguarding and abuse prevention.


Please join us in welcoming Dilshan to the Plan to Protect® community and team.


With gratitude,

Melodie Bissell

Chair and Senior Safeguarding Consultant

Plan to Protect®



Teamwork concept.


PamojaTunawaza - meaning Together We Can!

As we begin a new year, we're reminded that working together to build a safe environment is not just a practical choice; it’s a profound expression of our shared humanity. When we join forces, we bring diverse perspectives, unique strengths, and collective wisdom to the table, creating solutions that no single person could achieve alone. Collaboration fosters trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging, reminding us that we're stronger when united. By lifting each other up, we cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and protected, ensuring that safety is not just a goal, but a lived reality. Together, we transform challenges into opportunities and isolation into community, proving that the best way to create lasting change is hand-in-hand!


I love how one of our church members called their community together for this common purpose. “In framing protection of the vulnerable not only as a requirement of ministry but also as a ministry in itself, we strengthen our witness as followers of Jesus. The pursuit of safeguarding is a powerful testimony to our community that we care for the vulnerable, as did Christ. Additionally, through training and awareness, the community at The Way can be key actors in stepping in to help and support victims of abuse."


Plan to Protect® - What's New in 2025?

New Training Materials...

Young woman enjoying brand new online training.

Plan to Protect® certified trainers will now have access to our updated PowerPoints, Instructor Notes and Student Notes. The theme of the training is a Swahili word, Pamoja Tunaweza, “together we can” make a difference in the lives of individ-uals by creating safe places for them to play, learn, grow and build community. It is time to archive all old training materials and update your training materials with our newly published Orientation and Refresher Training.


Here are our top 8 reasons to update your training material:


  1. Plan to Protect® requires it for all trainers using our materials; 
  2. Demonstrates your duty of care to your staff and volunteers; 
  3. Provides the updated training that reflects the Standard of Care in 2025; 
  4. Learners will have an opportunity to engage with case studies, and discuss how to be a safe person and be instrumental in building a safe setting; 
  5. Overcome the feedback, “I have heard the exact same thing every year!
  6. Trainers receive ongoing professional development for such a critical topic;
  7. We have added stories of a victim-survivor, and tips for recognizing grooming behaviours; and 
  8. Fresh new look and content.


Young man doing online training and smiling.


If your organization has had a certified trainer in the past,

or your certification has expired, please reach out to our office to learn how you can save $150+ off the registration of a new trainer!


Call +1 (877) 455-3555 Ext. 10, or email us today to learn more!


  Call Us Today 
Email Us Today


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During January 2025, if your organization has never had a certified trainer, we are offering 25% off the purchase of both

Train the Trainer and Administrator Leader!


That's a $375 savings!


Register Today


Some conditions apply.


Certification courses are subject to applicable taxes. No other discounts apply.

Both courses must be purchased together. Use Discount Code: JanSpec

Purchase must be completed by January 31, 2025.



Relaunching our Plan to Protect® Podcast...

Microphone and headphones.

We are relaunching our Podcast with a monthly focus on safeguarding!


In January, join Melodie Bissell and her daughter and guest, Tori Bissell as they discuss the impact and influence of Mental Health on Safeguarding. Melodie and Tori have a combined 30 years of experience in abuse prevention and response. They have responded to 1,000+ reports of abuse, conducting inquiries and investigations, served as victim advocates and have experienced vicarious trauma, emotional scars, and gray hairs (Melodie), as a result. In this podcast episode, they will discuss the vulnerabilities that come with mental illness, tips for resiliency, self-care, and coming alongside those that are suffering. 


Caring for mental health is essential when prioritizing safety and care because true well-being encompasses not just physical safety but also emotional and psychological security. Mental health influences how individuals think, feel, and respond to the world around them, impacting their ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and thrive. When we address mental health, we create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and valued, reducing the risk of harm caused by neglect, isolation, or misunderstandings. Prioritizing mental health ensures that safety measures are holistic, fostering resilience, empathy, and trust—key components of a community where everyone can flourish, feel, and respond to the world around them, impacting their ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and thrive.

Watch for the Release of our 2025

Podcast on YouTube


Subscribe to our YouTube Channel


Training by Plan to Protect®

Join us in January for our LIVE Trainings!

Plan to Protect® 101

January 14, 2025

12:30pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time


Learn the basics and standard of Plan to Protect®. This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.


FREE!

Register
Adults partaking in online training.

Plan to Protect® Refresher LIVE Webinar

January 23, 2025

8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time


Great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.

This training meets insurance requirements.


$33.00 plus tax per person.

Your discounts apply!

Bundle options are available.

Register
Young woman with headphones on, looking at laptop and smiling.

Plan to Protect® Orientation LIVE Webinar

Young man doing online training and smiling.

January 25, 2025

1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time


Join us for this two-and-a-half-hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse, prevention, reporting and response,

and so much more!

This training meets insurance requirements.


$38.00 plus tax per person.

Your discounts apply!

Bundle options are available.

Register

Don't miss our... Orientation for Board Members

and Trustees LIVE Webinar in February

Compliance Concept with Related Keywords.

February 4, 2025

7:00pm - 8:30pm EST


Board Members and Trustees of charities and not-for-profits have ultimate oversight of and responsibility for all aspects of the organization. They are responsible for ensuring policies are in place, and as the governing body of the charity, are legally accountable to the CRA and regulatory bodies.


This 90-minute webinar meets the requirements of insurance companies for orientation training for those who provide leadership and oversight to volunteers and staff entrusted with the care of children, youth and vulnerable adults.


$38.00 plus tax per person.

Your discounts apply!

Bundle options are available.

Register