Power of Hello: Virtual Community Safety Training
Hosted by the Secure Community Network (SCN)

How can a simple “hello” help keep our community both safe and welcoming?

Join us for Power of Hello, a virtual training from the Secure Community Network (SCN) that empowers community members to recognize concerning behavior, engage safely and respectfully, and know when to seek additional help.

Creating a secure and inclusive community is a shared responsibility. Whether you live in the Valley year-round or are with us seasonally, each of us plays an important role in helping WRJC remain a place that is both welcoming and aware.

Based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CISA’s Power of Hello initiative, this training builds on situational awareness and adds practical tools for everyday interactions. Participants learn how to move beyond passive observation and thoughtfully address potential risks before they escalate — while staying grounded in Jewish values of dignity and welcoming the stranger.

Framed around the OHNO framework — Observe, Initiate a Hello, Navigate the Risk, Obtain Help — the training is especially valuable for greeters, volunteers, staff, board members, and congregants, but is open to all members of our community.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize suspicious or concerning behavior
• Safely and appropriately engage others using the “Power of Hello”
• Communicate effectively in uncertain situations
• Know when and how to seek additional support
• Help create a community that is both safe and inclusive

This training has been piloted in Jewish communities across North America, with participants reporting increased confidence, awareness, and comfort in their interactions.

Virtual | Open to all - you don't need to be a full-time resident | No prior training required