Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Overview
These groups have the purpose of peer support, topical trainings and general networking with others involved in similar ministry and mission. They are open to anyone who is also involved in these common areas, whether you are a volunteer leader, part or fulltime worker, or a Corps Officer who is a key leader in one of these areas. We currently have CoPs running for Aspire, Neurodiversity, Children’s ministry, Next Gen reps on ALT and have plans to expand these
CoPs
Neurodiversity community of practice
Frequency: Monthly, second Monday, 11:00-12:00pm
Facilitator: Steph Limmer & Sarah Opie
Details: The group meets every four to five weeks, drawing on the expertise of Staci McLean to deepen our understanding, develop new skills, and gain practical tools for supporting neurodiverse children and young people.
Children’s Leaders
Frequency: Monthly
Facilitators: Missy Ditchburn, Althea Walker, Sarah Manase and Steph Limmer
Details: These sessions are a combination of feedback from participants on current ministry, specialist topics with discussion groups, guest speaks (subject experts) and news and updates from facilitators. To register for ALL 2027 CoP, see this link: https://thesalvationarmynzfts.typeform.com/to/L1KpPI76
Upcoming dates:
Monday 17th August 7:30pm - The Preschool Journey: Supporting Your Child's Growth and Development. Register here.
Wednesday 16th September, 7:30pm– Trauma-informed practise. Registration info coming soon.
Thursday 15th October, 7:30pm – All things intergen! Register here.
Monday 1 March 2027 at 7:30pm – Hopes and Deams….planning for 2027
Wednesday 7 April 2027 at 7:30pm – Caring well to serve well: Mental health and wellbeing in Children's Ministry
Tuesday 11 May at 7:30pm 2027 – Understanding Gen Alpha
Monday 7 June at 7:30pm 2027 – AI and technology in ministry
Tuesday 27 July at 7:30pm 2027 – Partnering with Kindy & Schools
Wednesday 11 August at 7:30pm 2027 – Intermediate Aged kids
Wednesday 8 September at 7:30pm 2027– Growing Through Play with mainly Ministries
Monday 18 October at 7:30pm 2027– PART 1 Partnering with parents
Wednesday 20 October at 7:30pm 2027 – PART 2 Partnering with parents
Monday 1 November at 7:30pm 2027– Developing Emerging Leaders
Next Gen Reps on ALT’s
Frequency -bi-monthly
Facilitator: Nolan Hill
Details: This group discusses the challenges, celebrations and dynamics of representing children and young people as members of their local Area Leadership Teams (ALT’s). We invite other members of ALT’s to give perspectives and helpful insights. We check-in with one another to encourage a sense of belonging and peer support.
Aspire Kiwi Youth Development facilitators
Frequency: Once per term.
Facilitator: James Adams
Details: James leads an informal connect, where facilitators contribute to session content through updates, helpful practice tips and insights from their youth-facing practice. James updates participants on current best practice, survey and data entry input requirements, funder updates and upcoming CQI developments
CoP’s Coming Soon
Youth Leaders and Volunteers
Frequency: monthly or bi-monthly
Facilitator: TBC
Youth Workers (Part & Fulltime)
Frequency: monthly or bi-monthly
Facilitator: TBC
