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Local Unit Contacts | Local Unit Training Manual
Local Unit Locator:



What is a local unit?
The local unit is the basic building block of the Student Christian Movement.

Local units - small, independent 'cells' of students - are your starting point in the movement. Click here to find a local unit near you, or look at the bottom of the page to find information on how to start one on your own!


How does it all work?
We believe that if we want to change the world, our own lives have to reflect that. Instead of having a big, powerful headquarters somewhere far away, each local unit gets to forge their own unique community. Units come together to set national priorities and policies in a democratic process known as consensus.

As a result, the SCM has a wonderful diversity of local communities - different flavours, theologies, styles, and activities. Some units worship every week. Some focus mostly on activism. Some are small but dedicated. Some do Bible studies. Some call themselves interfaith. Some are still figuring things out.

What unites all these folks is our passion to be a welcoming place for students to question tradition, challenge society, and build positive communities.


How can I start a local unit?
If you can't find a unit in your home, it's actually not that hard to start a new one - honest! The National SCM office provides support to the local units. If you're interested in starting or being part of a local unit, please contact the national office: EMAIL - info @scmcanada.org (REMOVE SPACE) or call 416.463.4312, or contact your local unit.

You can also visit our Local Unit Training Manual.


National conference & council
For many of us, conference is a highlight of the year. Members from the local units gather annually at National Conference (held at different locations each year) in May. Conference is an exciting time to explore social justice issues in depth, connect with spirituality, and build lasting friendships and vibrant community. (Many SCM elders, whom we call Senior Friends, are still close friends with students they met decades ago!).

National Council, the annual meeting of the SCM membership, also happens at National Conference. During National Council, Board members are elected for the coming year. The National Council also decides SCM's priorities for the coming year. If you haven't come yet, we hope you'll find it a unique experience of grassroots democracy.