Desert Southwest Conference
Safe Environments For All
News and Resources
About Safe Sanctuaries
The DSC is committed to the highest levels of integrity. Our call to “do no harm” is taken very seriously. If you are aware of any criminal incidents, issues, or concerns regarding the churches of the DSC, please consider reporting them to the Conference or the UMC. Click here to download a copy of the 2019 Safe Sanctuaries policy and click here to download the Full Inclusivity policy statement for Camp and Retreat Ministries of the Desert Southwest Conference.
About Safe Gathering Training
Safe Gatherings includes online abuse prevention training, background checks, and paperless reference checks for people who volunteer or work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The background check and training are good for three years because Safe Gatherings continues monitoring the individual’s clearance. Individual training is $45, and registration is available at https://safegatherings.com/app/registration.
Let’s Get Started
News and Events
Resources
Human Trafficking Awareness
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month. Pastors and laity, let’s intercept the traffickers and reverse the momentum. Resources and action items are available for your church for the whole month of January.
- Click here to download and distribute this two-sided bulletin insert.
- Share the information on Social Media and other networks.
- Respond in at least one way available through the resources on the insert.
If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.
Read the Resolutions on Safe Sanctuaries
WHEREAS Christians and United Methodists, we are concerned for the care and well being of the children and youth in our care. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Annual Conference approve guidelines for Safe Sanctuaries for all Conference events. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every church in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference approve guidelines for Safe Sanctuaries in the local church. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Desert Southwest Annual Conference guideline approved by Covenant Council, 3-8-08, be used as a model. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every church in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference shall have a Safe Sanctuaries policy in place by June 1, 2009.”
Sample Safe Sanctuary Policies
Select from the titles below to read and download the PDFs.
Sexual Harassment
- Click here to learn about this topic, strategies to eradicate sexual harassment, and resolutions adopted.
- Information on state laws, flyers, and overview for how to get started.
- Comprehensive resources for the complaint process.
- Curriculum on sexual misconduct in the church and understanding the role of power.
- Click here to download the UMC Sexual Ethics poster.
- Do no harm video series.
- Click here to download a hotline poster.
- Contact communications@dscumc.org to order 4.25″x6″ magnet posters.
- Click here to submit a report.