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Members of HEPNet can enjoy numerous membership benefits that will be useful to people in many lines of work, from programming to compliance, human resources to legal, policy to athletics, and everything in between!

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Membership Benefits

Webinars - Webinars are held multiple times a year at no charge to members. Topics range from risk management to transgender youth participating in programs to swimming pool precautions as it relates to abuse. We have been conducting regular and relevant webinars since 2013 on a wide range of topics.
Community Chats - HEPNet Community Chats are monthly virtual gatherings where members discuss youth protection practices, share updates, and exchange resources. Each session focuses on timely topics relevant to members, fostering collaboration and support across institutions.
Annual Conference - The HEPNet annual conference includes networking, educational sessions, social events, new member welcome session, mentorship opportunities, and a whole lot more. Members will receive a discounted rate each year on the conference.
Member Connections - Because HEPNet is so diverse in which areas members work in, some members go to recreational sport conferences while some go to risk management. Chances are that someone else at your conference is also a member of HEPNet but you wouldn’t know without Member Connections. This interactive map shows where conferences are, when, and who will be there, so that you can network and meet up if desired. It also shows where member institutions are as well as when and where HEPNet Hangouts are occurring.

Leadership Opportunities - There are many committees that need chairs and participants and the sky is the limit in how involved you can get in HEPNet. The great thing about this field is very few have “been doing it for 30 years,” so there is no intimidation factor holding someone back from getting involved, even if you are brand new. We welcome all professional fields and experience levels to contribute to our mission and goals.
Affinity & Affiliated Groups - We are working on partnerships with many groups that can bring expertise and breadth to HEPNet. For example, we work closely with the American Camp Association (ACA) in aligning camp accreditation standards with the higher education environment and ACA has an affinity group for Camps on Campus. We are currently reaching out to many other organizations and associations to form meaningful partnerships and experiences.
Job Board - HEPNet’s website hosts a job board for opportunities related to youth protection, across all fields.
Blog - The HEPNet Blog will give members the opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences, and anecdotes about their protection of minors experience at their colleges/universities. The blog will also give HEPNet members a writing credit as blogs are considered publications.

Discussion Board & Listserv - The ability to connect with and ask questions of those not only in your line of work, but across many disciplines is a unique benefit of HEPNet and this will certainly be to your advantage when you have access to all these individuals through a listserv and discussion board.
Benchmarking Surveys & Data - Benchmarking of policies is useful, especially to those beginning to write youth protection policies, but will help anyone. It is always good to know what those informal industry standards are.
Mentor Program - New members can be paired with a mentor based on department, region, policy stage, and more.

Professional Competencies - As youth protection becomes increasingly recognized as an important function in higher education, there is a need to outline professional characteristics as a guide for those within and outside the field. These competencies describe the fundamental knowledge, skills, and essential behaviors for successful job performance and represent the defining characteristics that embody a youth protection professional in higher education.
Member Directory - Connect directly with fellow members by role, institution, or department for collaboration and support.
Templates, Presentations, Newsletters, & Research - Templates to compare policies, trainings, and registration systems against other institutions. Monthly newsletters to keep you up to date on the youth protection field.

Annual Dues

Higher Education

Individual

$285

Institutional

If several people from your institution or system wish to join HEPNet as higher ed members, together you can receive a dues discount of up to 20%.

$542

For 2 individuals at the same institution

$771

For 3 individuals at the same institution

$1,210

For 5 individuals at the same institution

$2,280

For up to 10 individuals at the same institution

Students & Retirees

$100

Enjoy a limited access membership at a low, discounted rate.

Affiliates

$400

For those outside of higher education that support our mission.

What Our Members Have to Say

I’ve been very much enjoying my HEPNet membership. I’m in the Hub frequently, reviewing past discussions and also starting a few new conversations when questions come up. It has been a really helpful resource in my day-to-day work.

– Rose Kemp - Extension Programs Specialist | Minors on Campus | Extended Learning | Texas State University

This was one of the most well-organized events I've attended, and I wanted to reach out and thank you for all the effort that went into making it happen. The sessions were relevant, engaging, and the event just had such a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you again for all your work in creating such a successful event.

– Travella Free - 4-H Youth Development Specialist | NC A&T State Cooperative Extension

– Nikki Roe Cropp | Campfire

I love the amazing resources. Everyone has helped orient me in the greatest ways. I was so unsure where to start and how to start, and the boot camp provided me with great levels of reassurance and support to ask questions. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group.

– Current Member

I love the ALL the expertise among members, the willingness to help, the access to so many resources, how anyone can be involved and are encouraged to be involved.

– Current Member

I love the community chats! I always learn something new, and I leave feeling like I'm not alone in this work.

– Current Member

Truly appreciate the content and format of the Boot Camp to validate and improve my knowledge on key topics. Also appreciated the office hours and Project which provided the personalized attention and ability to get questions answered.

– Past Bootcamp Participant

I just wanted to say thank you. I have been to 50+ conferences in my career and I have never left one that was so thought provoking. Thank you to you and your colleagues for working so hard to keep kids safe.

– Past Conference Attendee

HEPNet has been a useful resource in learning about best practices specific to risk management and minors protection.

– Rosario Navarro - Assistant Dean for Pre-College Experiential and Language Programs | Brown University

I was and continue to be grateful for this collaboration among peers across the country. I have learned much from so many HEPNet members and it's always a joy to talk with them.

– Anne Koester - Director of Youth Protection and Senior Compliance Manager | Georgetown University