Safe Sanctuaries Train-the-Trainer Information

Congratulations on being approved as a Safe Sanctuaries trainer! Now that your district has reviewed and approved your application, you are ready to begin training. While training is offered online on approximately a quarterly basis, there are some steps you can begin doing now to be ready when the next training is offered. It is very important that you read all of this information to be as prepared as possible to hit the ground running for your Train-the-Trainer session.
 

Read This Before Registering for Training

Your approved application for certification as a trainer is valid for one year from the date you are approved. If you do not complete training within a year, you will need to reapply. Training is offered 3-4 times each year (generally once per quarter).

In order to have the best experience in Train-the-Trainer, we want to make you aware of a few things since you will have several opportunities to complete training:

• While anyone is welcome to participate in Train-the-Trainer, it is primarily intended for those who a) serve a church with advanced Safe Sanctuaries needs that keep it from being able to use the Model Local Church Policy, or b) wish to assist churches with advanced needs other than their own. If you only want to train your own church, we encourage you to review the Model Policy to ensure it will not meet your church's needs, since the Model Policy can be adopted as-is by local churches and the training completed entirely online. 
   
• Train-the-Trainer requires a not-insignificant time commitment over the course of 3 weeks, and you should plan to spend up to 5 hours on the course per week.
   
• While you can register for a training session as long as your application is approved before it begins, we encourage you to allow 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the course to complete the prerequisite trainings and identify your practicum church (see below).
   

Preparing for Training

Prerequisite Training Requirements

Prior to your Train-the-Trainer session, there are some prerequisite training requirements that you will need to complete.
 

Model Local Church Policy Training

Prior to Train-the-Trainer, you will need to complete training on the model local church Safe Sanctuaries policy. (Click here for more information about the model policy.)This training is designed to give you an overview of the basics of Safe Sanctuaries before we go into more advanced topics during Train-the-Trainer. The course is entirely online and self-paced, and can be completed on your own schedule any time prior to your Train-the-Trainer session.

Enroll in the Model Policy Training →

Alabama DHR Mandatory Reporter Training

You will also need to complete mandatory reporter training through the Alabama Department of Human Resources prior to Train-the-Trainer. This course is offered directly through DHR, and is also online and self-paced.

For details on how to access and let us know that you have completed the mandatory reporter training, click here.
 

Local Church Practicum Selection

As part of Train-the-Trainer, you will work with a local church to write or revise a Safe Sanctuaries policy and conduct training based on that policy. While this will take place towards the end of your Train-the-Trainer session, you are strongly encouraged to identify the church you will use for your practicum and confirm that the church is willing to take on this role prior to the course. The church you choose may be your own church, or it may be another church with which you are connected.

You will have 8 weeks from the end of the course to submit the policy and recording of the training; however, you will not be certified until those materials are received. To have the best experience during Train-the-Trainer, and to expedite your certification as a trainer following the course, you are encouraged to make arrangements to complete these assignments soon after the course.

If you or the church you will be using have questions about this, please contact Rev. John Fleischauer at john.fleischauer@umcna.org or (205) 226-7963. Note that additional details will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Train-the-Trainer Calendar
 

June 2023

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