This is a part-time position based at the Keele Campus of York University and St. George Campus of U of T, to animate SCM faith and justice programming among students and young adults in the GTA.

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM) is a progressive student movement engaged in faith and social justice.  Since 1921, students have led the SCM in exploring and challenging the Christian tradition and its meaning in society and culture. With members from all Christian denominations and places of spiritual seeking, SCM seeks to build communities where friendship, critical thinking and political action can flourish. The SCM strives to practice anti-oppression principles and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Listening and referral skills
• Capacity to empower student leadership
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation
• Ability to work with funding bodies (churches and individuals)
• Current or recent student status & familiarity with the university context

Responsibilities

Programming:

• Develop promotion plan, such as information tables, print materials and social media, for orientation weeks and other events
• Organize or co-sponsor programs; poster and advertise these events
• Outreach and engagement with students to build programs and membership, and obtain club status
• Be present weekly on each campus networking and getting to know students.

Networking:

• Network with key partners on campuses (eg. supportive chaplains, Multi-Faith Centre, OPIRG, LGBTQ clubs, ecology clubs, etc.)
• Collaborate with National SCM http://scmcanada.org/
• Promote and attend  the yearly Cahoots Festival http://www.scmcanada.org/cahoots/
• Participate in Regional Retreats (ie. September 29 – Oct. 2, 2016) http://scmcanada.org/2016/05/turning-tables-fall-retreat/

• Maintain updated email lists and contact information of interested students
• Send out weekly updates through email and on Facebook

Fundraising:

• Work with the Joint Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mail-outs
• Collaborate with SCM friends to organize a Senior Friends event each year in Toronto

Accountability:

• To the York – U of T SCM Joint Advisory Board, by the circulation of one page written report on program activities prior to monthly meeting with the joint board.

Hours and remuneration:

• 20 $ per hour, 16 hours per week, August 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  June 22, 2016.  Please email cover letter and resume to Jeanette Unger, student.minister@utoronto.ca  More information: (416) 978-2785. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Provisional date for interviews is June 28, 2016.

Turning Tables: A Young Adults Retreat on Jesus and Liberation- Fall 2016

We invite you to “Turning Tables”– a fall retreat for young adults (18-35yrs) to explore what our Christian journey could look like if we engaged our minds, our spirit and the world around us. How does one live the faith-based life in the here and now while still yearning for the kin-dom of heaven?

We will explore the theme of Think, Pray, Love to tie our political and personal convictions with our faith rooted in the story of Jesus and the Resurrection.

THINK – We have the capacity and calling to explore our personal and political convictions about the world. We will look at our diverse identities as the body of Christ. What does feminism anti-racism and gender justice have to do with it all? How do we understand our position in a world that values money and status over justice and peace?

PRAY– We will reflect on our need to nourish our spirits and to connect with God and creation to prepare us for the journey. We will practice different forms of prayer to build our power together.

LOVE– Finally, we will examine how Jesus loved in his time on earth, and how we are called to love in the context of our world today. Love as action and movement and power and the purpose of God in the world.

This national retreat is a great chance to meet other young adults from across Canada who are passionate about faith-based justice! If you are coming from outside the province and need help with your travel costs, contact us!

In partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Toronto South West and Southeast Presbyteries of the United Church of Canada, and the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at U of T.

When: Sept. 30-Oct 2nd, 2016

Where: Countryside Camp, Cambridge ON (1.5 hours from Toronto). We’ll provide carpool from downtown Toronto, leaving around 3pm Friday.

Cost: $40.

Registration includes carpooling, stay in shared cabins, all meals and beautiful wooded surroundings! Go here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/turning-tables-think-pray-love-tickets-25383148681

Facebook event: here

You’ll need to bring sheets or sleeping bag and pillows. If you don’t have them then contact us in case we have spares.

The SCM is now searching for a National Coordinator/General Secretary for a one year contract with the possibility of extension.

Deadline for Applications: May 25, 2016
Work location: SCM General Office, Toronto, Ontario (Dupont & Spadina)
Term of Contract: 1 year contract, with possibility for renewal, beginning in June 2016
Salary: $36,000-38,000, plus health/wellness benefit plan.
How to Apply: Send your Cover Letter and CV to hiring@scmcanada.org

Please indicate how you meet the above qualifications,  experience, and skills  criteria, and the contribution you feel you can make toward the goals of SCM.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The successful applicant will support the life and work of the Student Christian Movement (SCM), including its local units and national programs. They will be accountable to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for implementing decisions made by the board. The General Secretary is the only hired full-time position within the SCM.

The SCM or Student Christian Movement is a progressive network engaged in social justice and faith. We are a non-dogmatic community of diverse belief systems where faith and radical political action flourish. We encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds such as race, language, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.

The position will include travel and some work on weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
– Understanding of the political and theological orientation of social justice and faith movements
– Experience in grassroots justice and political organizing
– Experience or exposure to SCM’s work on a national or regional level and/or experience in an organisation with similar vision
– Experience in managing programs, events and committees
– Adequate understanding of the Christian Churches in Canada and ecumenical movement
– Commitment to working in an anti-oppressive framework, including anti-racist, feminist, and LGBTQ.
– Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
– Inter-faith experience is an asset

SKILLS
– Able to work independently (this is the only hired full-time position in the SCM) and as part of a team with local boards and units
– Strong ability to take initiative and create partnerships and programs
– Strong skills in community building and grassroots organizing, especially
in faith-based settings
– Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize day to day activities
– Strong administrative computer skills, including word processing, email, internet, and skills / aptitude / ability to learn basic publication and layout and database management
– Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution
– Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, other languages an asset

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Managing Programs:
– Organize SCM’s annual program, Cahoots festival, with the festival collective, including finding speakers, booking space, and recruiting committee members
– Manage all aspects of SCM’s global exposure programs and promote to recruit participants
– Support the development of justice-focused resources and find contributors
– Organize Fall SCM Retreat with the retreat committee and promote with churches and faith communities
– Use your passion and skills to empower and support students to organise local groups in their campus or community and provide training on faith and justice issues.

B. Finance and Fundraising:
– Research and write grants to fund SCM Programs and write reports to funders
– Steward individual donors and respond to their inquiries
– In conjunction with the Treasurer, oversee finances of the SCM including bookkeeping, banking, auditing and receipting donations
– Organize direct mail and newsletter

C. Communication & Office Administration
– Administer web site, social media, and moderate mailing lists
– Create monthly e-newsletters
– Develop and maintain relationships with SCM alumni and other key stakeholders
– Ensure bills are paid, such as rent, mailing, internet service etc, and ensure files are organized.

D. Contact with National Churches and Organisations:
– Develop and maintain relationships with campus ministries and ecumenical coalitions and develop partnerships when possible
– Attend and participate in faith and ecumenical events, retreats, conferences and church services to meet like-minded people and partners (some weekend work)
– Work with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and its regional north American body located in NYC and its committees to develop and participate in global programs.
– Develop and maintain contact with church bodies, including being available for speaking engagements

We meet weekly for a justice-focused bible study at U of T. Together we explore biblical text from our context and experience and from the lens of social justice!

When: Wednesdays at 6:15 pm (Winter Semester)

Where: Chaplaincy Office at Knox College (Basement)

This space is feminist, anti-racist and queer friendly, and all are welcome! All faith traditions are welcome!

You can email us at uoft@scmcanada.org

(image copyrighted by nakedpastor.com, thanks for letting us use it!)

SCM Ottawa in partnership with the Max and Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies is hosting a film screening at Carleton University to explore marginalized gender and sexuality identities within the Navaho, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian traditions.  Feb 1-4, 2016.

Films will start at 7 p.m., followed by a facilitated discussion. Cost: FREE! And we’ll have popcorn.

MONDAY
Two Spirits (2009)
Information: https://streamingmoviesright.com/us/movie/two-spirits

TUESDAY
Hineini: Coming Out in a Jewish High School (2005)
Trailer: http://www.keshetonline.org/resource/hineini-coming-out-in-a-jewish-high-school/

WEDNESDAY
A Sinner in Mecca (2015)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzshP2k5FMk

THURSDAY
For the Bible Tells Me So (2007)
Trailer: http://forthebibletellsmeso.org/media.htm