Risk Assessment
A memo to parents of participants on an AIM project:
We are living in a risk-adverse society. Our efforts to minimize the
risk in our lives are most obviously reflected in our legal system. For
several decades, we've all seen a proliferation of law suits filed by
plaintiffs who complain that they should not be held responsible for a
risk they took. We are also the most-insured nation in the world.
Consider the array of insurance options which most Americans feel are
basic: health, life, disability, liability, automobile, home, and
mortgage insurance. All attempt to minimize the risk inherent in living.
Some of the best things in life involve great risk. Getting to know
someone at a deep level requires being vulnerable with that person. A
whitewater rafting experience is thrilling because it’s risky. Crossing
a busy intersection to get to a destination involves the small risk of
being run over.
The risks involved in a short-term mission experience are many:
- The risk of a possible mishap while traveling
- The risk of being rejected while sharing your faith
- The risk of being vulnerable with your team
- The risk of contracting an illness or having an accident
- The risk of being unprepared to deal with culture shock
Against these risks, we must weigh the risk of not engaging in a
short-term mission experience:
- Students will grow up with a narrow, self-centered world view.
- No one will share Christ with the lost.
- Students will inherit a lukewarm Christianity.
- Materialism will never be challenged.
- Students will live their lives as takers, not givers.
On AIM projects, we take precautions to minimize risks:
- We assure that projects have been thoroughly planned. Safety and
health issues are investigated.
- Trained staff lead our projects.
- Students are required to go through a screening and preparation
process. Your consideration of the risks mentioned in this memo is an
important part of that process.
- Rules are clearly stated and enforced. Students are not allowed to
leave their dorms at night. Ministry groups must be accompanied by an
adult. Dress codes are enforced.
You as a parent must weigh these risks against one another. If you
are uncomfortable with the risk, then it is better not to send your
child on one of our projects. If you send your child, please know that
we understand the precious trust which you are giving to us.
Risk Assessment
| Information: |
Call AIM toll-free at 1-800-881-2461 (In GA call 770-983-1060)
to speak to a representative, or click here to email us!
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