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16809713316484


Change. Ugh. Unless it is in the form of a gold coin, most people don’t like it.

How many of us are still adhering to our New Year’s resolutions? For that matter, how many made it through Lent abstaining from ... whatever? You know what I mean. You gave up cookies but by the third week you gave up only chocolate chip cookies and by Holy Week you gave up only chocolate chip cookies with more than 5 chips in them. (I won’t tell.)

And who likes changing the clocks an hour? If you like it in the spring, you hate it in the fall. Or vice versa. Lose an hour? Gain an hour? Either way I’ll probably be late for work the next week. It takes time to adjust to change.

Although sometimes change is for the better. How about the really big changes like starting a new job, changing schools, or moving? I was thinking about big changes in my life and realized I have lived in 22 places across the U.S. That’s a lot, considering I have lived in my current house for 35 years. No, I’m not a centenarian. It just took me a while to find home. I welcomed that change.

With so many of us having a disdain for change, how fun is it to be saddled with — I mean tasked with — serving as a catalyst for change. Essentially, that is what a “local coordinator” is called to do: changing the hearts, minds, and behaviors of those around the children in their care. Thank goodness they have jumped on the horse, grabbed for the reins, and whooped a resounding giddy-up!

A local coordinator oversees compliance and record-keeping of the Archdiocese of Miami’s Safe Environment Policy for their site. That means communicating to their clergy, religious, employees, vendors, and volunteers the need for a background check every five years through fingerprinting. Not only because of policy, but also because it is state law.

Oh great, I have to go register online and then find the right location after work instead of going right home. I’ll be late for dinner. Not to mention going through the humiliation of being fingerprinted. At least it no longer involves the tell-tale signs of black ink.

I am sure this is what some are thinking. But wait there’s more. Next, the local coordinator gets to tell them about the online Virtus training course that must be completed before they can serve, and which will include monthly bulletins. I remember when leading live Virtus training sessions many attendees expressed their frustration, to put it mildly, at having to take the course. Others showed you the same at the sign-in table through raised eyebrows and a crooked smile. However, it was those same people, along with most others in attendance, who at the end of the session expressed understanding and appreciation for the course.

More than anything else, this reversal encapsulates the success of the local coordinator as a catalyst for change: changing the hearts, minds, and behaviors regarding compliance one participant at a time.

Currently, we give the Virtus initial training course online so it can be accessed 24/7 and completed in approximately 90 minutes. The third main component of compliance, the Pledge to Promote Safe Environment, is already signed electronically through the Virtus registration, so it barely warrants a stink eye.

Still, it is that initial resistant attitude and apprehension that the local coordinator deals with on a daily basis. And they do so sitting tall in the saddle exuding understanding and compassion. No doubt motivated by the vital importance of compliance and the very real danger of non-compliance, they calmly and diligently explain that all these requirements are designed to keep children — possibly including the participants’ own children — and vulnerable adults safe, as was promised by the bishops through the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. (The ADOM policy includes vulnerable adults because in the state of Florida, with so many healthcare facilities and retirees, it would be unconscionable not to include them.)

It is imperative that clergy, religious, and employees representing the Church, as well as the well-respected parents serving as volunteers and all volunteers with access to children, set the example. They are considered people of trust, especially by the children themselves and by the adults around children. It is their support of the policy and the integrity of their actions that shows others — be it in their parishes, schools, neighborhoods or beyond — that we put child protection first. Because people are watching. Because predators are watching. Because being a little inconvenienced is insignificant when it comes to the safety and well-being of all God’s children, which of course includes the vulnerable adults in our care.

No one knows this better than the local coordinators at our parishes, schools, and other entities. It’s a thankless job. Did I mention they also need to send reports, forms, and letters to the Safe Environment Office for review by the independent auditors and potentially be ready for a surprise visit from those same auditors?

So the next time you see the local coordinator at your site, maybe replace that crooked smile with a genuine one. Or, since Lent is over, bring them a cookie. I hear Night Owl is open until 2 a.m. They have a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie!

Comments from readers

Ralph Rayburn - 04/21/2023 02:44 PM
Once again, an easy read that covers all the bases. We are fortunate to have these dedicated souls in our midst. Thanks for all your efforts.
Susy Del Riego - 04/21/2023 01:50 PM
We could not have a better person in the office of safe environment than you, Jan. Your passion for keeping children and vulnerable adults safe is beyond compare. Your knowledge and support make our jobs so much easier. Thank you! I look forward to continuing this work for His kingdom.
Patricia Hernandez - 04/21/2023 10:07 AM
I am proud to work with the Archdiocese and the St. Agatha Faculty & Staff to provide a safe environment for all our students to grow and learn!
Dwayne Clein - 04/19/2023 03:26 PM
Thank you Jan and Fanny for all that you do for all the children, vulnerable adults and for HIS glory.
Anie Flor - 04/18/2023 12:16 PM
Thank you Jan for sharing your informative article and for bringing the awareness and of the Local Coordinator's mission to protect God's children and the vulnerable adults of our community. Together we can make a difference!!!
Elaine Benjamin - 04/18/2023 11:39 AM
Dear Jan, Thank you again for reminding us of the importance of staying on top of our Job and the responsibilities we carry with it. You are a force behind us and I appreciate all that you do. Every year this blog puts me in the mode to rev up my engine to do and improve more of what it takes to keep our Children and Vulnerable Adults our of harm ways. Thank you & God Bless.
Lisa Pinto - 04/18/2023 12:20 AM
Jan, thank you for exhausting every avenue to remind us of our blessed duty to have "eyes on" at all times to keep children and vulnerable adults safe. I always look forward to reading your articles! And yes, may all local coordinators get inundated with cookies. At the very least, a thank-you!
Diana Gonzalez - 04/17/2023 10:13 PM
Thanks for your positive outlook and encouraging reminder about accepting and adapting to change, in all forms that it may come! Our local coordinators do get the raw end of the deal sometimes, but they truly deserve so much credit. Thank you for effectively & efficiently communicating with our local director and adapting to change (virtual/digital components) so that she can effectively & efficiently communicate with the rest of the staff. Protecting our youth and the vulnerable is vital, and it's because of you and our local coordinators that we can work cohesively to provide safe environments in our churches and schools.
Sheila Pena - 04/17/2023 10:08 AM
Jan as always you are on point with your information!! Thank you for always helping me with my sometimes crazy questions
FrFederico Capdepon - 04/17/2023 10:00 AM
Dear Jan , I follow up all your articles and I enjoyed them greatly . You have a wonderful way to say things so important to all of us . Sharing your feelings and with a good sense of humor . We support the very important job you are holding . Your mission of safeguard and safety in the archdiocese is vital to all of us . I know it can be difficult and lonely ,sometimes , believe me ,you have our support all the way . Keep it up! Thank you for everything you do. Fr Federico Capdepon
Eradis Inda - 04/17/2023 09:54 AM
Thank you for a refreshing reflection on our daily work challenges in regards to save policies. Mostly the reminder to keep a positive attitude at all times! For sure we will be counting from the help of the Holy Spirit. "With Peace and Blessings and Plenty of these in our active catholic faith lives.
Ellen Age - 04/17/2023 09:50 AM
Great article and so true! I do hope that the Virtus training continues on line. I have had to take my laptop to our ministry center and help get some people thru the on line training, but still it is very convenient. I try to stress that the monthly bulletins take very little time to complete when there are possible candidates for volunteering. I have also had someone tell me that they were to depressing to do, but unfortunately they are necessary because of the world we live in. Thank you to everyone for all that you do to keep our children safe. It is a great program.
Ana German - 04/17/2023 09:39 AM
This line right here: "It is their support of the policy and the integrity of their actions that shows others — be it in their parishes, schools, neighborhoods or beyond — that we put child protection first" sums up beautifully our mission. While some see these policies as hindrances and barriers to serve, we see see them as acts of love for our children and vulnerable adults. As a young parent, I appreciate all those who have committed to keeping a safe environment. The monthly bulletins have opened my eyes to topics that I would have not encountered otherwise. I recently had my fingerprints taken and was surprised at how easy and fast the process is now. In and out in less than 10 minutes. The newer VIRTUS portal keeps all the information in one place so it is easier than ever to see if you fell behind on some bulletins or if you are due to get fingerprinted again. Thank you Jan, for sharing this, and for all you do for our Archdiocese. God bless!
Paulette Vitale - 04/17/2023 09:38 AM
Your articles are always informative, encouraging, spirit-filled and energetic. Thank you for guiding us at every turn.
Fanny Garcia-Dubus - 04/17/2023 09:10 AM
What a great article dear Jan! so true, we keep working together joining these efforts and try to change their hearts and minds. No task is too big or impossible for those who love especially with the love that God has for us. Thank you for all you do for us. God bless you!
Lisa Dodge - 04/17/2023 09:02 AM
What a great article and how did you know about those chocolate chip cookies? Anyway, I think it so great that people can take their Virtus online and not have to give up 3 hours to sit and listen to an instructor. I know that it is tough to keep up with the bulletins and get your church community on board but it is for a greater cause. Keeping our children and vulnerable adults safe should be a concern for all Thanks for sharing this
Bertha Moro - 04/17/2023 06:51 AM
Good article! Hope those who read it take it to heart. Your sense of humor was on point!
Kimberley Eichholtz - 04/17/2023 06:47 AM
Thank you for sharing the trials and tribulations of being a local coordinator. The process has been streamlined beautifully over the years and the virtual component is a fantastic way for everyone to have access seamlessly. Communication between all entities is so important and this is an effective way to do so. Thank you for your blog and know that I am truly grateful for all you do for the Archdiocese.

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