We are eagerly anticipating the privilege of gathering for convention this year, and we know the care and respect we show one another—and to the owners of the convention grounds—will enhance our time together.

While the focus remains on the restoration of our soul, we also recognise that for some in our fellowship, convention has posed challenges, particularly for those affected by child sexual abuse or harm.

In line with the processes introduced last year, we will continue to adopt measures to ensure that convention is a safer and more secure space for everyone involved.

Preparations and Conventions

• We are grateful for all who assisted with preparations last year and look forward to your help again this year.

• Please inform your elder or the worker coordinating the convention if you plan to attend for a day, a meeting, or the entire convention. As before, your name will be recorded on arrival and departure. This process may vary for each convention.

• As last year, any individual with a conviction, or allegation that has not been fully investigated, regarding sexual abuse or harm to children is not permitted to attend preparations or conventions. This is to give precedence to child safety and survivors at convention and reducing the risk of a child or young person being harmed.

• We remind everyone of the potential hazards associated with preparations, and children or young people attending must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

• Children are welcome at conventions, with their safety being the primary responsibility of parents or designated responsible adults.

• If you wish to bring guests from outside the fellowship, particularly for evening Gospel meetings, please check with the coordinating workers for approval in advance. Guests on convention grounds should be accompanied at all times.

• Parents are encouraged to educate school-aged and older children about appropriate behaviour and ensure they know where to seek help if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We will continue to have Safe Contacts available for responding to any concerns.

• Children and young people are encouraged to stay with friends or siblings when not accompanied by parents or a responsible adult, checking in regularly with an adult.

• Job allocations will continue to accommodate parental commitments as much as possible. For children under 12, we recommend that one parent always be available for child supervision.

• We will endeavour to meet any specific accommodation requests. We advise minimising the time children spend alone in tents and recommend against leaving children to sleep alone for extended periods, especially during meetings.

If you need additional support, please reach out to the workers coordinating each convention or a trusted friend who can assist. If you have concerns about attending, don't hesitate to contact your elder or one of the workers to explore alternate arrangements.

Feedback

Your feedback has been invaluable in improving the safety of our children and young people at conventions. We continue to welcome further feedback, which can be submitted through suggestion boxes at convention or via email at conv.feedback@gmail.com. Feedback from children is also welcomed and encouraged.

We trust these measures, which build upon last year’s processes, will create a safe and spiritually enriching environment for everyone. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conventions.

Parents Information Sheet: Convention 2024 / 2025 Guidelines

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to this year’s conventions. Below are some helpful reminders to ensure both a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all families:

Visiting Workers:

• Confirmed by their home countries to have no allegations or concerns related to child sexual abuse or misconduct. o Will undergo Ministry Safe training and follow the Workers' Code of Conduct.

• Visiting workers will stay with families without children under 18, unless specifically requested by the family.

Safe Contacts: (formerly called Child Safe Contacts)

• Designated individuals at each convention to address any safety concerns.

• These contacts have completed necessary background checks for working with children, Police Checks and child safety training/certification.

• If you hold valid certifications, please inform your elder when submitting names for convention.

• Contact details for Safe Contacts, workers, local emergency information, and reporting lines will be clearly displayed.

Child Supervision:

• Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible adult throughout the convention.

• Children should avoid entering empty tents or buildings.

Accommodations:

• Children will stay in tents with immediate family members unless otherwise requested by parents/guardians. o In dormitories, parents or responsible adults should stay in the same area as their children.

• Please do not leave sleeping children alone in tents during meeting time.

Facilities:

• Children must be accompanied to shower and toilet facilities by a parent, sibling, or responsible adult.

Grounds Familiarisation:

• Acquaint your children with the convention grounds, including safe areas, restricted zones, and play spaces.

• Designate an agreed-upon meeting point for your family.

Your cooperation is essential in making this a safe and enjoyable convention for all. We’re looking forward to seeing you.

Malcolm Clapham, Graeme Dalton, Tim Hamilton, Trevor Joll, Dalton McGuinness, Alan Mitchell and Stephen Thorpe.