Cultivate a Harassment Free Ministry Culture

Every ministry genuinely desires a safe and harassment-free environment for its staff, but it requires intentional steps to ensure that remains true. In this webinar, Gina Rock and Nicole Gregory discuss different types of harassment and provide practical guidance on how to prevent, recognize, and respond in the unfortunate event that harassment occurs.

Preventing Harassment:

The conversation emphasizes a proactive approach to prevention. It highlights that while blatant, egregious harassment happens, so do more subtle forms like bullying or toxic work environments. The webinar provides a checklist for prevention, including:

• A Thorough Anti-Harassment Policy: The first step is creating a clear, comprehensive policy that is easy to understand and readily accessible to all staff.

• Education and Training: Learn why educating all staff—especially supervisors—is crucial. The webinar points out that managers can be held personally liable and must be trained on proper reporting requirements.

• Clear Reporting Channels: Establish a clear line of communication so that victims, and bystanders, can report concerns without fear of retaliation.

Responding to Harassment:

The webinar provides a pre-determined course of action for when harassment is reported. This includes:

• Determining Severity: Understand when an issue is an internal matter and when it requires escalation, such as notifying law enforcement or engaging a third-party investigator.

• Protecting the Victim: Learn about the special protections for victims, including fair investigations, accommodations, and a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation.

This webinar serves as a vital guide for ministry leaders who want to create a culture of dignity, respect, and accountability, ensuring your ministry is not only compliant but also a truly safe place for everyone.