SCM Local Unit Training Manual

One of the most difficult, yet rewarding, tasks a student committed to “justice-seeking spirituality” has in SCM is to create a local community of people with whom to work, reflect and take action. This guide will help you to form a local group and to make a stimulating place of support and challenge.

This guide is in draft form as it is being revised – please bear with us!

Contents:
What is the SCM?
How do I start an SCM group?
How to keep the group going:
Programming
Structure
Advertising and Promotion
Fundraising
Working in groups
Consensus
Conflict resolution
Senior Friends and Advisory Boards
Networking
SCM regionally and nationally

What is the SCM?
A history…
The SCM was founded in 1921 and came out of the YMCA and YWCA of Canada and the Student Volunteer Movement. The students involved in the Movement’s formation were interested in establishing a movement which was open, co-educational and one in which students had complete freedom in controlling its program and activities. Through the years, the SCM has always been committed to the belief that just relations are at the heart of religious or spiritual experience and have strived to connect their faith to meaningful social action.

The SCM is a part of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), which has SCM groups and affiliates in 80 countries around the world.

SCM Canada is part of the North American Region (NAR) of the WSCF; our current partner in the United States is the Council for Ecumenical Student Christian Ministries (CESCM).

SCM Canada has local units throughout the country. There are three main regions – Western (BC, AB, SK, MB); Central (ON, QC), and Eastern (NB, NS, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador). Units in these regions often plan joint gatherings.

How do I start an SCM group?
No matter what you do when forming a local SCM group, remember one key thing: organize around the issue or issues about which you feel the most passion and concern for. If you were walking down a street and saw a poster for a workshop or speaker or film series that you knew you just had to go to, what would that event be about? Justice in the developing world? Gender politics? The meaning of God in a world of suffering and hope? Liberation theology? Gay and lesbian issues? When you figure that out, you might know the focus you want to develop for the SCM group at your university.

There are 2 common models for developing an SCM group:
the broad-based justice/spirituality group, which explores a whole spectrum of issues and politics and faith in an attempt to create an inclusive and interconnected understanding of faith and justice issues as well as activism in response to the issues
the single-issue focus group, which attempts an in-depth exploration of one issue or a group of related issues.

Case Study
The “Sexuality and Spirituality” Group
Place: Concordia University, Montreal
Timeline:
August
A student and a chaplain meet together with the single goal of creating an SCM presence at the university. They determine that a group to explore sexuality and spirituality was a common interest.

September
Design a poster advertising the workshop, giving date and time (once a week, for one and a half hours each week), pro-feminist, pro-gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer group; all are welcome.
Book a Table for Clubs Day
copy poster for table
include SCM pamphlets, describing the SCM, with the local contact info
copies of All Things New, the national ‘zine of the SCM
“Patron Saint” condoms available
“Rainbow Jesus” stickers available
poster of the ABC’s of Jesus up for display
Place a Free Ad in the Campus Newspaper – advertise date, time, location of weekly gathering, as well as topic “sexuality and spirituality”
Plan the Agenda for the First Meeting:
“tell us about yourself”
what is the SCM about?
Why did we advertise to form this group?
What interests you in a group of this kind?
Where should this group go from here?

October
The group continues to meet once per week right through the fall. They continue to put up posters and keep the advertisement in the paper for three weeks, and then decide to close the membership of the group so that members would feel safer to discuss more personal issues. At the beginning of each meeting is a “check-in”, where members of the group tell each other what kind of mood they were in and what important things had happened to them over the week.

November
Members of the group attend the Central Region retreat. This helps them get to know the wider SCM and make SCM friends outside of Montreal. Members also arrange to socialize together most Friday nights at a small dance bar. The group have really begun to coalesce with friendships forming and very interesting discussions being held each week.

December
A closing party is held at a member’s home with dinner and then a night out on the town.

The Second Term
The group continues to meet once per week. Eventually the meetings are held at people’s homes with a potluck dinner before each discussion. Many members of the group attend the February Central Region retreat.

Preparation for the National Conference.*
Because this was a new group, there is a strong desire to have as many people attend the national conference as possible so they could begin to feel more at home as SCMers.
They call National Office to get the list of all alumni who lived in Quebec or who went to McGill.
A letter is sent asking for funds to pay for the conference fees to those people plus local churches and religious orders. Donations are channelled through the National Office so that tax-deductible receipts can be issued.
A weekend retreat is held at a cottage to close out the year and to do a preparation study on the National Conference theme.

A large group attends the conference, which expanded their vision of the SCM community from a local and regional one to a national one. There is a large returning group for the next fall.

*National Conference is the annual, week-long meeting of SCM members from across the country, usually held the 1st or 2nd week of May. Each year it is hosted by a different region, on a rotating basis. This is the time when SCMers come together to learn, build community, determine the direction of the national movement for the next year(s), and elect a new board of representatives.

How to keep the Group Going
Okay, so there is a small core group of people interested in SCM. The case study gives you some ideas about how to keep a group going. There are certain key elements which will need focus:
programming
structure
advertising
fundraising
working in groups/consensus/conflict resolution
Senior Friends/Advisory Boards
networking
SCM regionally, nationally and internationally.

Programming
As mentioned earlier, programming should always revolve around issues that are the passionate interest of the members of the group.
What things do they really want to learn about?
What kind of actions do you find most meaningful and energizing?

When a group engages in activities that it finds most interesting, there is always a renewal of energy and interest in maintaining a group. There are many ways to organize programs, and the methods used reflect the personalities and interests of group members.

*Here are some examples to choose from: *

• A six week workshop on a key topic. Each week there would be a different resource person addressing a particular aspect of the topic (eg. different forms of liberation theology). One poster would advertise all the events, but would be put up each week with the upcoming event underlined in red grease pencil.

• Individual events. There might be a fascinating speaker or workshop leader available to you for one occasion only. This event could be advertised widely (eg. A well-known feminist theologian from the university could do a talk on feminist theology and global politics).

• A demonstration or vigil. This could take place at a consulate, company or office of the university. Often this is done in cooperation with other groups (eg. picketing a department of the university engaged in military research).

• A term-long series of meetings based around a common theological perspective. For example, every Thursday there could be an exploration of themes as diverse as free trade, foreign debt, domestic violence and militarism from the perspective of women and feminist theology.

• A campaign to raise funds or materials for another organization or group of people. For example, the group could help collect materials for a Trucks for Nicaragua project to send to Nicaragua.

• A study weekend or retreat. Members book a location for a whole weekend to reflect on a related series of topics (eg. A study weekend on prayer, meditation and power for social change).

There are many forms of programming. Keep your eyes and ears open for the ways other groups on campus are functioning.

What works?
What does not seem to get off the ground?
Always include an evaluation after every event.
How could it have been improved?
What was the most effective?
What would you do next time?

Structures
SCM groups do a wide spectrum of programming, but they also are organized along several different lines. These are three commonly-used models:

The Collective
A group is formed with the understanding that every single member is fully responsible for the life of the group. Tasks are divided evenly, often based on the individual skills and interests of members. These tasks can also be rotated so that one or two people do not get stuck with collective tasks. Decisions are always made collectively. A collective chair or facilitator may be appointed, a responsibility that would also rotate. Usually collectives need people responsible for such jobs as finances, publicity, facilitating meetings, relating to the national SCM, contacting other campus groups, administration and correspondence, and sitting at book and information tables.

The Local Coordinator
Sometimes one or two people have more time and energy and can take on a larger coordinating role. This person is the “local coordinator” in SCM-speak. Often local coordinators are responsible for the administration and fundraising work of the group, with most programming still planned collectively. The local coordinator is responsible to get the group going in the fall, is a contact person and relates to the Advisory Board (of Senior Friends) and the National Office on behalf of the group. In some cases, this work is a paid position, and in others it is a volunteer position.

The Committee System
In tandem with either of the above structures, local groups may wish to divide up into committees to divide up jobs. There might be a committee for programming, one for outreach, and one for fundraising.

As you can imagine, there are countless variables on these models.
Think about your group, their time, energy and skills. What configuration would work best?

Advertising and Promotion

Getting the word out for events is crucial for their success. There is often no “foolproof” plan – often “word of mouth” promotion works as well as anything else. There are, however, some proven methods of promotion including:
Postering. Make an eye-catching poster for an event.

Many student council offices or computer science labs have desktop publishing programs for student or club use, or if you’re artistically inclined, you can design one in a “low tech” fashion. However you do it, try to come up with a catchy title for your event and use an interesting graphic. If you’re no DaVinci, clip art books are always helpful, and often newsletters of other organizations will have something useful.

Once the poster is made, place them in areas where students congregate – libraries, pubs, lecture halls, etc. Putting a poster in an area where there are none means no one is looking there anyway. Putting one in an area where there are thousands tends to lead people to gloss over them. Use good judgement.

• Tabling. Most campuses will allow clubs to put a table with information and resources in well-traversed areas.
  This is an opportunity for you to display information on upcoming events as well as SCM pamphlets and copies of All Things New and any other relevant resources (petitions, Amnesty International appeals, pamphlets on violence against women, etc.).

• Advertising in Campus Newspapers. Many campus newspapers give free advertising space to clubs. Even if they don’t, this can be money well spent.

• All newspapers will have size requirements and often you will be required to provide “camera ready” text and art for them, although some will be willing to help you in this area.

• Posting on the Internet. See if your university has a “USENET” group or form a yahoogroups community. As well, post your events on the national website, www.scmcanada.org, under the “Events” section. This is a great place to see what other units are doing, as well!

• Press Releases. Releases to the campus media and the local media are often a way of getting free advertising about your event (especially if it involves a speaker from outside).

• The campus media are always looking for stories, and may wish to follow up your release with a request for an interview.

• Something about campus radio, website

• Using Your Networks. Use your other contacts.

• Get professors to promote an event or series in class.

• Promote it in other related organizations such as chaplaincies, social justice organizations, women’s centres, etc.

• Use discretion in deciding which groups you want to “target” and get the word out.

Fundraising
Every group needs some money – for programming, conferences and office costs. Yet fundraising is almost universally seen as an onerous task. There’s one key psychological point: You do good and important work. You deserve the donations you receive, plus more! So how do you get money?

There are 2 key sources for money for local SCM groups

SCM Alumni. If you do not have a list of SCM alumni for your university, contact the National Office for that information. Write alumni a letter, invite them to a potluck or give them a call. SCM alumni almost always support local activities very generously.

Local Churches. Contact the churches in the neighbourhood. Offer to speak to youth groups, outreach committees, to preach sermons, to cater “after service” refreshments, etc., and keep them posted about your activities. Most church folk these days are excited when young people are doing the kind of work the SCM does. They will very often support you if you write them a fundraising letter. Often it is best to contact the minister/priest first, unless you have a contact with an SCM alumni or friend who can advocate for you.

There are also many other fundraising possibilities
Student Councils often have funding available for projects.
Do various kinds of “a-thons” and get lots of sponsors.
Apply to home congregations, even if they are not in the same place as your university. Many religious orders are very generous, especially with young people.
Foundations and grant programs.

Above all, do not be shy about asking for money. You do very important work that deserves the support of people in your community.

REMEMBER: any personal donations can be tax deductible if you channel them through the National Office or apply for charitable status at your local university.

Working in groups
The SCM is a community organization, so you will always be working with others. Developing good group relation skills is essential for an SCM group to be effective. Decisions must be made that include all members, space must be made for the contribution of each person and yet conflict often still seems to surface once in a while. There are a number of important things to keep in mind:
Remember that people have very different personalities. Some people talk more than others. Try to facilitate discussions so that everyone feels safe to contribute. [could add an appendix – short – on helpful facilitation techniques]
Use check-ins to begin meetings, where people can talk about the things happening in their lives before they meet. It can clear the air of problems that are clouding peoples’ minds and centre the group.
Always use a facilitator in meetings (someone who will keep track of time, ensure that the group keeps to the agenda, monitors the contributions of various people and generally keeps the group on track).
Include social time after meetings or on other occasions when possible.
Developing friendships with group members increases commitment, respect, enjoyment and clarity in even the most challenging of meetings.
Rotate responsibilities in groups so that no one person takes on more work than others or so that one person does not come to dominate the group. Keep track of decisions and key discussions.
Take special note of and review any tasks that are assigned to individuals between meetings.
Communicate in a thoughtful manner and encourage good listening skills. Try to use “I” language; in other words, do not generalize or speak for others whenever possible.

Consensus
Consensus decision-making is often an ideal method to go about resolving things in a group. Consensus means finding a way to go about the work of a group that everyone can support. Consensus, even when not fully achieved, ensures that the group reviews a decision most carefully and pays attention to counter-positions and alternatives. This method can often take more time than traditional methods such as voting, but the result for the group is worth it. Sometimes consensus cannot be achieved or would require the compromise of program, of political stances or the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time. Sometimes a group must decide, in as gracious a manner as possible, to agree to disagree and go with what the majority thinks.

This also needs to be expanded – Gwen’s very helpful diagram of the consensus model would be great to include. It is also important to include a note on when it’s not helpful to use consensus – ie. When decisions are small or don’t affect all the people present, when ordering pizza, etc…

Conflict resolution
Conflict and disagreement is very common in group situations. What is just as common, and much more unfortunate, is the way problems and differences are buried until they end up inhibiting the community or even destroying it. A healthy group is one that both acknowledges that conflict comes with the territory of community formation and deals with it openly, immediately and with a sense of respect and caring.

Conflict Among Individuals
When a conflict arises between individuals, it is usually best that the two people resolve it on their own. It is better not to involve the whole community in an essentially personal conflict, especially if this leads to “taking sides” or a seeking of allies.

Having said this, there are a number of scenarios where the involvement of other people is helpful and necessary.
One important example is the “power-over” situation where sexism, homophobia, racism or other such forms of coercion take place. In these cases, the person doing the confronting may need the support and presence of another person or the whole group.

A third party or the whole group may also help two people who cannot resolve a problem on their own. Often a third person helps to clarify the situation. In these cases it is best not to hurry the process, but to carefully and painstakingly give each person a chance to say, uninterrupted, exactly what s/he perceives the issue to be. Only when the problems themselves are clearly understood can one move on to working out potential resolutions.

Finally, the whole group may be upset with the behaviour of one individual. In this case, a group meeting is appropriate, but it may be better that only one person speak on behalf of the group. Others may add their agreement or expand on comments, but essentially this process attempts to prevent a “ganging up” kind of situation where “attacks” are coming from all sides. It also ensures that the problem is clarified among the group and the process for the confrontation is carefully thought out.

When Conflict Involves the Whole Group
Often political or theological differences lead to conflict or debilitating disagreement. This is sometimes more difficult to deal with since people have fundamental disagreements. In these cases it is always important to clarify the positions, to have mutual respect and to accept that a different focus for the group might be necessary.

Senior Friends and Advisory Boards
There are many SCM alumni, called “Senior Friends”, who are very anxious to support you. The important thing is to be in contact with them. Do not just send them a funding letter once per year. Hold a potluck dinner where you can meet and talk. Send them a newsletter or update. Invite them to events on campus. Above all, do not be afraid of them! They may be professors or clergy or have roles that sometimes hold power over and intimidate students, but remember: they support SCM because they were once in your shoes – students searching for justice and a sense of spirituality. Usually they are still involved in these pursuits, but are simply no longer in university.

Advisory Boards
One concrete and highly effective way to integrate Senior Friends and others is the "Advisory Board.” Invite a spectrum of local professors, clergy, university staff, lay people and others to form an Advisory Board. They can give invaluable advice and assistance on programming, administration, fundraising, etc. They can also do a lot of the work in organizing for Senior Friends, funding campaigns, etc. They can help students learn how to relate to and work in the university context. Many current SCM units have active and supportive advisory boards.

Networking
Many SCM groups like to network with other social justice or religious organizations on campus. A coalition of like-minded groups can often be a highly effective means of learning and challenging society. People from other groups help us to see things from different perspectives, help us to be accountable to oppressed groups and learn that social change is a cooperative venture. Having said that, there are two notes of caution:
often much larger and more organized groups swamp SCM, and the movement loses the visibility that you have struggled to establish.
sometimes a lot of energy goes into networking, and not into building a local SCM community. You end up with only one or two members working with groups but without any “home” SCM community.

SCM Regionally, Nationally, and Internationally
Regions:
SCM Canada is organised into three geographic regions: Western (BC, AB, SK, MB), Central (ON, QC), and Eastern (NB, NS, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador). Each region has two representatives elected to the National Board of Directors. Regions will often host regional retreats and/or other events. The Regional representatives are a good place to start, when looking for resources on starting a local unit or other resources.

National:
SCM Canada currently has two national coordinators (paid staff) who work in the national office in Toronto. There are also two national representatives (students/volunteers) who are elected by the national movement at National Conference. The National office can provide various resources (listed below).

International:
SCM Canada is part of the North American Region (NAR) of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF). The WSCF is the international body of SCMs from around the world. The NAR currently includes Canada and the United States. Mexico, for linguistic and cultural reasons, has chosen to be part of the Latin America/Caribbean region of the WSCF. The NA Regional Secretary (paid staff) currently works out of an office in Toronto. (See appendix for an exciting flow chart!)

Local units and the national movement can establish relationships with other SCMs around the world. In the past, SCM Canada has had an internship/exchange program with SCM Nicaragua and SCM Philippines. While these programs do not currently exist, there is certainly space and opportunity within the movement to revive some of our international connections, to be more aware on a personal level of the damage and destruction done by systems of injustice here at home and around the globe.

SCM Resources
The SCM exists as a network of student collectives. At the nerve centre of this network is the National Office. Here, the national coordinators and a host of loyal volunteers work toward providing your unit with as much support and resources as needed to meet your goals. It is from here that you receive:
communication re: national and international goings-on
pamphlets on the SCM, the WSCF, national SCM projects and issues which are foci for the SCM
All Things New, the biannual national zine. This zine is coordinated by an editorial collective and contains submissions (articles, essays, poetry, art work, reviews) by students from across the Movement. Each issue explores a particular theme and features cover art which focuses on the theme and acts as a resource for discussion, debate, etc.
“The NewS”, a regular newsletter focusing on recent events
travel coordination and updates concerning the annual National Conference
“Epistle”, a theological journal containing in-depth essays
special projects such as the “Patron Saint Project,” condom wrappers promoting safer sex and giving an alternative history of 3 saints (“collect all 3!”)
news of concern within the social justice community (urgent action requests, boycotts, demonstrations, etc.)
news of concern within the church and theological communities
records containing the history of the SCM in Canada
lists of Senior Friends, important resource people in your area
other supplies which help to broaden your image as a local SCM
If special funding is needed for an event or project, the request would be made here and the information sent to the Board of Directors.

Essentially, the National Office is as useful as you want it to be. National staff are there to assist you as much as you need them to.

This manual was originally developed by Andrea Flemming. Updated January 14, 1997, adapted February 13, 2001 for the website, and adapted again 2006.