A Google search of the term “safety committee!” produces more than 86,000,000 results. These include everything from the role of the committee to its structure and how to make it effective. With the camp meeting and summer camp season approaching, many safety committees will implement an action typically not associated with safety committee—partnership.
A partnership is an arrangement in which parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. At Adventist Risk Management Inc, (ARM) “Our Ministry is to Protect Your Ministry.” But, without a partnership of two parties working toward a common goal, these are just empty words.
Aristotle articulated the principle of partnership when he wrote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In other words, each party plays a part that contributes to an even greater whole. A partnership provides the greatest possibility for success.
One of the ways ARM partners with others is through safety committees. Your institution appoints a safety committee to help protect assets. ARM provides resources to assist in securing those assets. Works speak louder than words. The following two examples point out our collective potential.
One of the ways ARM partners with others is through safety committees. Your institution appoints a safety committee to help protect assets. ARM provides resources to assist in securing those assets. Works speak louder than words. The following two examples point out our collective potential.
Proactive Campmeeting Preparation
Unfortunately, safety committee meetings are not generally considered a high priority in many organizations. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a pre-camp meeting safety committee that changed that perception completely.
At this meeting, to my utter amazement, everyone was engaged. As assignments were issued, questions arose regarding the specific details of the assignments. It was evident that there was a desire to understand the outcomes that were expected. It didn’t take long to understand that safety was this organization’s number one priority. Here are a couple of the best practices learned at that meeting.
At this meeting, to my utter amazement, everyone was engaged. As assignments were issued, questions arose regarding the specific details of the assignments. It was evident that there was a desire to understand the outcomes that were expected. It didn’t take long to understand that safety was this organization’s number one priority. Here are a couple of the best practices learned at that meeting.
- The conference distributed to committee members a 30-page manual compiled over time and frequently updated.
- The manual contained specific assignments with important details related to each assignment, including clearly written outcomes and expectations.
- Every participant was briefed specifically on their assignment and was held accountable for the outcome.
- Signage throughout the campgrounds indicated the location of area-by-area storm shelters.
- An organized transportation system with strict guidelines for pick-up and/or drop-off, including the specific access sites, was outlined.
Periodic updates to the manual and the detail applied to signage and transportation shows a level of concern for the well being of attendees. This attention to detail should be the goal of any organization, either inside or outside the church. The leadership at this camp meeting had an effective partnership between their safety committee and the resources available to them.
Summer Camp Site Survey
The second example of partnership potential occurred during an ARM site survey visit at a summer camp. Typical reactions to theses types visits include, “Oh no! ARM is coming to inspect our program, leaving us with 8 hours wasted. We will have another list of recommendations to file for future reference.” In this particular instance, however, this site survey was different.
- From the beginning, there was a general proactive attitude toward safety among the camp leaders. They had a desire to know what they could do to increase camp safety for all that participated.
- During the site survey, both the ARM safety specialist and the camp director took notes.
- Following the two-day site visit and the exit interview, the camp director took the safety specialist on a brief drive through the facility to demonstrate the completion of many of the recommendations contained in the report.
This site visit is a demonstration of what collaboration can accomplish–a safer environment for campers that can prevent them from coming to harm. This summer camp also has an effective partnership with the resources available and was immediately putting those resources to good use.
ARM’s motto, “Our Ministry is to Protect Your Ministry” is a sentiment only realized when all parties work together to communicate, participate, and facilitate a plan for the overall protection of our church and its assets. Don’t let your words become louder than your works. Learn more about the resources available to you at www.adventistrisk.org.
ARM’s motto, “Our Ministry is to Protect Your Ministry” is a sentiment only realized when all parties work together to communicate, participate, and facilitate a plan for the overall protection of our church and its assets. Don’t let your words become louder than your works. Learn more about the resources available to you at www.adventistrisk.org.
