"What does The Boston Project do to ensure safety for volunteers?" We hear this question (or versions of it) from many volunteer groups who serve with us in Boston. The Boston Project takes the safety of our volunteers very seriously.
Over the past fifteen years, thousands of youth from across the country (most not from cities) have served with The Boston Project, and God has protected every one of them. The Boston Project pursues effective safety policies and procedures, and in step with our principles, is always listening to community leaders, law enforcement officials, and street workers in the city to learn how we can be excellent in keeping teenagers safe.
Ultimately, we believe that God is the only one who can guarantee absolute safety, regardless of where we live or work. That is why the first step in keeping teenagers safe is prayer. Many people are praying for the safety of your teenagers, including our staff, Christians in the city, supporters of our ministry, and members from your own church and youth group.
City Knowledge & Relationships
Safety starts with knowledge, and is grounded in relationships. The Boston Project is a long-term community-based ministry. We do not "set up shop" each summer, and leave when the volunteers are gone. The Boston Project's year-round staff live, work, shop, go to church, and raise our families where we serve. We understand neighborhood dynamics that would escape most outsiders, keep up-to-date on "hot spots" for crime, and stand with families against violence in our community.
Safe Housing Sites
We ensure that the church buildings that we use as home bases are secure. Our staff performs two nightly security walk-through's, and sets the church alarm system at night (where equipped). Each participant also wears nametags and wristbands that have emergency contact information, and identify them as Boston Project volunteers.
Safe Service & Outreach Sites
Before we send a team to any service & outreach site, a Boston Project staff makes at least one (usually more) preliminary visits. We will never send a team to a site that we determine is not safe. When teams go to sites, a Boston Project staff navigates the way, explains the significance, trains volunteers on any needed skills, and works with the team for the entire time.
Staff Supervision and Training
The Boston Project provides a trained and equipped staff team to lead your entire trip, and will stay with your team 24/7. They eat meals with you, sleep at the housing site, and oversee every service & outreach site. Staff are required to carry cell phones for any emergencies, and are trained in how to respond to emergency situations, including CPR and First Aid.
