By Robin Pugh, Director of Congregational Life
Our troubled world calls for increased safety procedures on Sunday morning. Here is what the hosts learned at their recent training lunch:
The two biggest safety suggestions for houses of worship from the UUA and U.S. government are:
- Greet people
- Have them wear a name tag
Someone intent on causing disruption doesn’t typically like being noticed immediately. When you walk into a store or a bank, an employee greets you. They are not just being friendly; they are also saying, “I have eyes on you” and assessing whether your behavior is threatening or suspicious. When UUCWC’s hosts greet someone unfamiliar to them on Sunday morning, they are not only being welcoming but also establishing a connection and evaluating risk. They tell our visitors, “We ask everyone to wear a name tag.” Please help our hosts and wear yours.
At 10:15 a.m., we lock the front door, and one host stays in the lobby for the rest of the service. This is to keep an eye on the lobby and let latecomers in.
If any host sees a person who makes them suspicious, they get help by letting the staff know. If the service has started and it is urgent, they tell the tech folks, who will let Kim know. In the future, hosts will receive basic training in de-escalation.
UUCWC has cameras on all our entrances. A 24-hour feed goes to Kim and Marilyn’s phones, so they can see if someone comes by after hours. All of our locks have been changed since the reopening.
Yes, these are troubled times, but we are in this together.
Are you interested in UUCWC’s safety? The Board is looking for people to join two safety task force teams: one for our physical space and the other for our virtual one. Please email Board Chair Wendy Stassola at wstasolla@gmail.com if you are interested in either task force.