Safe troubled times
A troubled world calls for us to make sure our congregations prepare for or prevent various threats with training, policies, and procedures ahead of time.
Safety
Congregational Safety 101
By Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
How to prioritize preparation work, what areas to pay attention to, and some basic knowledge on how to respond to everything from fire to a disruptive person to active shooter to protests. Part of “Threats from Without, Care from Within.”
Threats from Without, Care from WithinCongregational Safety in Troubled Times
By Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
This robust training helps you anticipate and plan responses to violent threats, vandalism, doxxing, and other forms of intimidation and harassment.
De-Escalation
When someone is having a mental health emergency the people around them may feel uncomfortable or at a loss about what else to do, though there is no real harm taking place.
Preparation and Grounding for Possible Threats
The Power of HelloAssessing Potential Threats Among Visitors
All support personnel at houses of worship can contribute greatly to enhancing security by understanding how to identify suspicious behavioral indicators and taking precautionary actions to safely mitigate the impacts of a potential attack.
Simply saying “Hello” can prompt a casual conversation with an unknown person, providing an opportunity to observe, establish a connection, and evaluate suspicious behaviors when necessary.
“The Power of Hello” (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
Alternatives to Calling the Police
Who defines safety? How do create systems of safety that center those who have been most harmed? What are non-punitive ways to address and respond to harm?
Courage, Risk, & Safety: Preparing for Right-Wing Threats against Congregations
As UU congregations are increasingly being targeted by right-wing hate, all of our congregations should be prepared to respond to threats with skill and courage while also remaining grounded in our values.
Don’t Let Scammers Take Advantage During Anxious Times
By Renee Ruchotzke
Scammers like to strike when people are anxious. Be sure to take a breath, then remind yourself, YOUR MINISTER WILL NEVER ASK YOU TO BUY GIFT CARDS or ask yourself, IS THIS PERSON ASKING FOR OUR DIRECTORY WHO THEY CLAIM TO BE?
Contents
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Publicity and Outreach for Controversial EventsFrom Resilience Hub
Planning a event grounded in our values but that may attract controversy or put attendees with marginalized identities at risk? Here are some tools for discernment.
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