The undersigned does hereby agree that I have read the LSCC Technology Guidelines below, and give permission for my child, listed above, ("Participant") to communicate with cohort leaders in the following technological ways.
LSCC Technology Guide for Youth Workers/Volunteers
(AKA: Safe Spaces Policy in the Digital World)
At LSCC we know that technology is a huge part of the lives of our youth.
We want to use technology to help us to reach the next generation. But we will uphold all our Safe Spaces policies in the digital world, as stringently as we do in the real world. We will also promote and pursue the value of face-to-face interaction as the primary way to relate to students.
Benefits of technology in today’s youth ministry world:
* Contacting students is easier than it used to be.
* Cultivating community digitally can be fun.
* Event promotion can be streamlined.
* Technology may be the only way to reach students in a time of quarantine!
Boundaries in technology in LSCC’s youth ministry:
* Leaders will get parental permission before connecting with student’s digitally. An annual permission slip for technological involvement and connection will be required… much like the permission slips you fill out for cohort events.
* Texting is primarily used to pass on information. Leaders are never to pursue relationship with students primarily over texting… despite the kids’ preferences. Face-to-face interactions with students is always best, and use of technology should be a movement in that direction.
* Use of technology and social media will always be moving us toward our ministry objectives.
* Leaders will not assume students want us to follow them on social media. Leaders will ask (student and parents) if it’s okay.
* No digital interactions past 9pm or before 9 am.
* Leaders will not communicate with students on social media platforms that self-delete their messages, images, and videos (ie Snapchat).
* Leaders will always maintain standards of exemplary conduct. Leaders will make the well-being of students the primary value of all actions.
* Leaders will be an example in their own online use… unplugging occasionally, being appropriate, being a peace-maker, being respectful. Leaders will make sure their online persona aligns with who they are trying to be as a disciple of Jesus.
