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National Conference

May 4-11, 2008 | Nova Scotia

SCM’s National Conference is our largest event every year and draws students and youth from across Canada for a week of social justice, learning, discussion, fun, talent shows, movement-building and worship.

On this page, you can register, find more info on speakers, get help with finances, and hear what others have to say about conference.

  • Register by March 31 (Early bird discount: March 15) (Download as DOC or PDF). Email the form to info@scmcanada.org. Financial assistance may be available (Costs $185 early bird, plus shared travel pool)

THE THEME
This exciting national conference will re-examine SCM Canada’s place in our global movement and remind us of how we are connected, from global to local.

Around the world, Student Christian Movement activists are being persecuted, imprisoned and even assassinated for their justice work, alongside students, indigenous people and workers who dare to speak out.

How do we relate to our struggling sisters and brothers around the world? How do we show support and not find ourselves paralyzed by such atrocities? What unites us, and how do we live out our vision, ‘That all may be one’?

Join SCMers and other students from every region of Canada as we look at global solidarity from a faith perspective and commit ourselves to action. You will get the chance to be part of our National Council, the highest democratic decision-making body of SCM Canada.

Registration forms and costs to be confirmed.

Conference is an amazing time to network across the country and learn tools for change.

CONTENTS

Downloads

Highlights

  • Speakers and resource people on solidarity theme
  • Democratic decision-making & movement-building
  • Great location on the waterfront
  • Anti-oppression & consensus training
  • Discuss what matters with like-minded youth

Getting there

  • Please do NOT book your travel until your registration has been confirmed
  • Participants must arrive in Halifax no later than 3pm on Sunday, March 4, and depart no earlier than 3pm on Sunday, March 11. (This makes airport/bus depot pickups easier on us and the programme).
  • Low emissions / low cost transport saves the earth and our budget. Consider taking the bus, train or hitching a ride!
  • We reimburse travel - keep/print your receipts. Or you can book through our travel agent and pay later - just let us know!

What is National Conference?


Since 1921, National Conference has been one of the highlights of life in the SCM.

A chance to spend time with other students in the movement, to be re-energized, and to re-energize the SCM. Conferences have covered timely topics from First Nations rights to what it means to belong; from empire to resistance. They also feature our National Council, where we build our movement through radical democracy.


What SCMers say about conference


How much does it cost?

  • Early bird registration (by March 15) is $185. The deadline is March 31 ($200), which covers all programming, food and lodging costs.
  • SCM tradition is that we all share equally from a travel pool, usually around $200 (cheaper if people get there cheaper).
  • Financial help may be available. Please contact us for more information, or find your local unit, church or student union for funding.
Fundraising & sponsors
  • The cost of conference is always more than what comes in for registration - in other words, conference is subsidized in a variety of ways.
  • That said, we recognize that the registration fee is high for many people. You should contact your local unit or national office for assistance or ideas on fundraising - but do it soon! Some local units provide bursaries, as well local and national church denominations.

    FUNDING & TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

    • Download a sample fundraising letter on SCM letterhead to help you ask for money from your church, student union, credit union or local Rotary/Lions etc clubs (DOC file )
    • BC Students: The BC Friends of the SCM offers funding for 2-3 students to fly to & attend conference (you pay what you can, if you can)
    • Manitoba Students: Manitoba SCM Advisory Board has some funding available if you contact them (via manitoba@scmcanada.org) and has lots of tips & connections on fundraising.
    • Universities of Toronto and York: Both Toronto campuses have funding available for students to attend conference.
    • Prairies Carpool: Do you want to car-pool from the Prairies all the way to conference? Contact Saskatoon local SCM, usask@scmcanada.org to get on the road trip from anywhere East of Alberta!
    • Local chaplains are often great sources of funds - contact your chaplaincy and ask about partial funding
    • Student Unions usually have money for students to attend conferences like this one. Ask your Student Union or Association if you can get partial or full funding for this one - talk up the solidarity & student leadership theme.
    • Your church or others in town would love to hear you come home and tell them about how great conference was and how youth can make a difference in the world. Maybe they could help you fundraise to get there!
    • More info coming soon!


[ See past conferences archive ]



[ Conference 2005, Shawnigan Lake, BC ]