Join a Safeguarding Cohort

Creating Safe, Accountable Faith Communities

 
 

WHAT IS A SAFEGUARDING INITIATIVE COHORT?

GRACE's Safeguarding Initiative Cohort is a group of like-minded churches in a region, network, or denomination who engage in the six-month Safeguarding Initiative together. This approach gives the benefit of community-based learning and peer support, with options for doing some of the aspects of the Safeguarding Initiative together and some as an individual church. By joining a cohort, churches gain shared learning experiences, collective insights, and cost-effective access to safeguarding resources that cultivate a culture of accountability and safety.


WHY JOIN A COHORT?

  • Collective Learning: Share insights and strategies with other churches to enhance learning and implementation of safeguarding practices.

  • Cost Savings: By participating in joint seminars and utilizing shared resources, churches in a cohort can reduce costs associated with the six-month Safeguarding Initiative.

  • Expert Guidance: Just like our Safeguarding Initiative, when you join a cohort you gain access to GRACE’s specialized knowledge, frameworks, and tools.

  • Supportive Community: Build relationships with other churches in your area, network, or denomination, fostering accountability and a culture of safety that extends beyond individual congregations.

  • Empowerment of Leaders: Equip your church leaders and volunteers with essential skills and knowledge, empowering them to foster a proactive approach to safeguarding and abuse prevention.


COHORT FEATURES

  • Joint Seminars & Training: Collaborative seminars, leadership training, and policy development.

  • Safeguarding Training for the Whole Congregation: Practical safety education for adults and age-appropriate safety talks for youth.

  • Building Safety Consultation: Direct support to enhance ministry spaces.

  • Ongoing GRACE Support: Access ongoing guidance on safeguarding issues and discounts on GRACE’s response services.

  • Cohort Support: Build collaborative relationships with other leaders and communities within the cohort, gaining inspiration, resources, and creative solutions for implementing safeguarding measures effectively.

HOW CAN I JOIN A COHORT?

  1. Identify Commonalities: Look for churches with similar theological backgrounds (same denomination or faith tradition) or those in nearby geographic regions (e.g., Greater Houston, rural Pennsylvania).

  2. Reach Out to GRACE: Contact GRACE for guidance on cohort formation. GRACE can help connect you with churches also interested in a cohort and offer initial resources to support the process.

  3. Build Relationships: Meet with potential cohort members to discuss common safeguarding goals, challenges, and the commitment needed to support one another.

  4. Define Goals and Structure: With GRACE’s guidance, you will work together outlining cohort goals, such as policy development, safeguarding training, or resource sharing. Establish a structure for regular check-ins, joint seminars, or policy workshops.

  5. Maintain Accountability and Support: Plan regular cohort meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and offer support. This ongoing collaboration helps each church stay accountable to safeguarding goals.

JOIN A SAFEGUARDING COHORT TODAY

Please contact us at safeguarding@netgrace.org for any additional instructions.