Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Across the country, as young people grow out of the blanket that covered our eyes from Canada’s traumatic past and present, there’s a wrestling with the idea of how we can help. What do we do? What power do we have? And how do we solve these issues without asking Indigenous people to take on the emotional work of holding our hand and guiding us through it, when they have their own healing work to do? The paradigm shifts we each take on as we move through our healing work isn’t unique to an individual.

One of the things to come into creation as a result of the news about residential schools and the increasing numbers of children found is dialogue. The Coalition of Catholics for the Betterment of Indigenous Peoples, or COACAB, is one of the groups to have emerged that are focused on taking on these discussions. The coalition has been focusing on doing community check ins and community organizing to try and understand how lay people and youth can work together to uplift and support Indigenous communities.

The first act of the coalition was to write an open letter to the Catholic Church, which you can read below. The goal of the letter was to call in the non-Indigenous Catholic community in a way that acknowledges the wrongs of the Catholic Church, at a time where no formal apology was being issued. There has finally been an apology from the Canadian Catholic bishops regarding the ongoing abuses caused by the the Catholic Church in residential schools, but this is only the start.

So much more to be done. COACAB continues to have frequent discussions and community check ins as we hold each other accountable and in love so that they can work on the inner decolonization work that needs to take place, as well as the organizational work that needs to be done in order to ensure systemic change.

As COACAB continues to understand their goals as a coalition, there is a desire to make this letter known globally. Not only does COACAB want Canadian Catholic bishops to acknowledge the wrongs, but the Pope as well. The coalition also wants to encourage churches and faith organizations to implement programming to remain accountable and to continue learning about Indigenous issues.

SCM supports this work and will continue to participate in these types of conversations. We hope that everyone is able to hold themselves and each other during this time of reflection and pain.

The Organization:
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Canada is a 100-year-old, youth-led, grassroots network, with a passion for social justice, community in diversity, and radical faith in action. As a radical ecumenical movement, we welcome all at our table – regardless of belief, sexual orientation, faith tradition, or age. Together, we take action for social justice, engage in progressive spiritual and faith activism, and seek to foster community in diversity. We work to be a prophetic voice for justice in our world.

Deadline for Applications:
30 November 2021

Work Location:
Anywhere in Canada! While the SCM of Canada office is located in Toronto, ON, we operate across Canada and meetings are held remotely via Zoom. 

Contract:
Board members are asked to sign on for a renewable, 2-year term. The Treasurer is expected to provide approximately 5 hours of service per month.
Please note that board members are volunteers and do not receive a salary or monetary compensation for their services. 

How to Apply:
Please send your cover letter, CV, and two references to info@scmcanada.org.

Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the financial matters of the charity
   1. Work with the Office Administrator and review/present financial statements on a monthly basis and oversee bookkeeping.
      Note: The Office Administrator is currently providing bookkeeping services. Prior to April 2021, bookkeeping services were provided by Great Bear Bookkeeping (who remain available to answer questions and provide assistance). 
   2. Assist/Oversee the development and presentation of the organization’s annual budget.
   3. Ensure proper financial record-keeping, process, and procedure is being maintained, including assisting/overseeing the development and implementation of financial, reserves, and investment policies.
   4. Verify donations are being handled appropriately and that grants and other contracts are accounted for in accordance with the requirements of funders.
   5. Act as a counter-signatory on, or provide approval for, charity cheques and applications for funds – location dependent. This may include providing advice and insight on purchasing decisions.
      
2. Oversee and ensure CRA compliance
   1. Ensure accurate and timely filing of the organization’s T3010, payroll remittances, and other government filings.
   2. Ensure all required financial records are available to support CRA reporting expectations and ensure that the organization is kept in good financial standing with the CRA.
   3. Be aware of CRA policies/regulatory requirements with respect to financial compliance and be able to navigate any areas of confusion over financial issues related to CRA expectations and requirements.
      
3. Board and committee leadership
   1. Attend and engage in all board meetings, including annual AGM.
      Note: There are approximately 5 meetings a year and they usually occur on weekday evenings and last 1-2 hours. 
   2. Liaise with the General Secretary and Office Administrator, as necessary to provide adequate oversight of Treasurer duties.
   3. Assist with strategic planning in regard to the organization’s financial viability, sustainability, and risk management. 

Qualifications:

1. Commitment to the organization’s mission and strategic directions, including our commitment to an anti-oppressive framework.
2. An understanding of, and experience with, good financial management and reporting practices.

For more information on SCM of Canada, please take a look at our website: www.scmcanada.org

As the SCM looks to expand this coming school year, there’s a desire to create an SCM chapter in Calgary. This chapter will need a student coordinator from University of Calgary that will be focused on growing membership and running events during the Winter semester. If you’re interested, read on!

Job Description

Thank you for your interest in this position with the SCM! The Student Christian Movement of Canada is a progressive student movement on university campuses 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 – queer affirming, anti-racist, and decolonizing – and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice in Calgary.

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership 
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation 
• Current student status & familiarity with the university context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
• Network with other relevant student groups on campus and supportive chaplains for collaboration and mutual support
• Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
• Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
• Promote the SCM through email and social media
• Meet regularly and as much as needed with the General Secretary to check in on activities and for guidance and support
• Promote SCM National programs
• Help SCM with fundraising initiatives to keep our clubs running

Accountability:

This position is accountable to the SCM Canada General Secretary who is stationed in Toronto. The position is mostly self-led, and community directed by those interested in the club at UBC/VST. However, the General Secretary will be available for online meetings whenever necessary, and bi-weekly check-ins.

Hours and remuneration: 

An honorarium of $250/month will be given. The position will be offered from January 2021 – April 2022. It is expected that the Coordinator will be giving approximately 4-5 hours/week of their time to this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, Nov 25, 2021.  Please email a cover letter and resume to Divy Sallentes Uptegrove at divy@scmcanada.org. 

As the SCM looks to expand this coming school year, there’s a desire to create an SCM chapter in Vancouver. This chapter will need a student coordinator from University of British Columbia that will be focused on growing membership and running events during the Winter semester. If you’re interested, read on!

Job Description

Thank you for your interest in this position with the SCM! The Student Christian Movement of Canada is a progressive student movement on university campuses 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 – queer affirming, anti-racist, and decolonizing – and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice at UBC and VST.

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership 
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation 
• Current student status & familiarity with the university context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
• Network with other relevant student groups on campus and supportive chaplains for collaboration and mutual support
• Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
• Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
• Promote the SCM through email and social media
• Meet regularly and as much as needed with the General Secretary to check in on activities and for guidance and support
• Promote SCM National programs
• Help SCM with fundraising initiatives to keep our clubs running

Accountability:

This position is accountable to the SCM Canada General Secretary who is stationed in Toronto. The position is mostly self-led, and community directed by those interested in the club at UBC/VST. However, the General Secretary will be available for online meetings whenever necessary, and bi-weekly check-ins.

Hours and remuneration: 

An honorarium of $250/month will be given. The position will be offered from January 2021 – April 2022. It is expected that the Coordinator will be giving approximately 4-5 hours/week of their time to this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, Nov 15, 2021.  Please email a cover letter and resume to Divy Sallentes Uptegrove at divy@scmcanada.org. 

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM) is a progressive student movement on university campuses 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 – queer affirming, anti-racist, and decolonizing – and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice at York University – Keele campus. 

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership 
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation 
• Current student status & familiarity with the university context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
• Network with other student groups on campus and supportive chaplains
• Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
• Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
• Promote the SCM through email and social media
• Work with the SCM Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mailings
• Collaborate with SCM Advisory Board to organize a yearly SCM alumni/supporter event
• Collaborate with other SCM coordinators (U of T and Ryerson)  and the national SCM

Accountability:

This position is accountable to the York SCM Advisory Board, by the circulation of a written report on program activities prior to meeting with the board. 

Hours and remuneration: 

$20 per hour, up to 8 hours per week (including CPP and EI), October 15, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Do you have a friend you would like to do this work with? This position is open to a joint application for 2 students to share the one position.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, Sept 30, 2021.  Please email a cover letter and resume to Jeanette Unger, scmintoronto@gmail.com. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The People’s State of the Nation Address (PSONA) is an event hosted by activists as a counter-narrative to the Filipino President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). Anakbayan Toronto organized a PSONA rally this year on July 25th. SCM Canada was asked to write a speech, which was delivered by Rosie from Anakbayan Toronto. You can watch this speech on ABTO’s Instagram (@anakbayanto) IGTV, along with the entire event that was recorded live. Below is the written statement we’ve contributed. Credits to Divy Sallentes Uptegrove and Simon Bondoc from SCM Canada, and Kjerrimyr Rodrigo Andrés from SCM Philippines for contributing to this statement.

I was told PSONA is a counter-narrative. I have observed that in the church, on the streets there is a narrative by church goers that Duterte is God sent. That he is the iron fist that saves. But SCM, along with many Churches and religious organizations in the Philippines, has a counter-narrative.

The Student Christian Movement all over the world including Canada and the Philippines, feels called to engage the prophetic teachings of the revolutionary Jesus of Nazareth. When I think about examples in the Bible where followers of Jesus are being persecuted, I’m reminded of the clergy in the Philippines being arrested and EJK’d for their gospel work of serving the poor. For being a prophetic voice in a broken nation who continues to see hope. 

Pastor Dan Balucio,  Pastors Camilo Tabada, Benjie Gomez, Pastor Dan San Andres, and Rev. Nathaniel Vallente

These are some of the many names of clergy who are punished for doing the work of the Gospel. To be Christians doing this work means to have hope, and operate out of our prophetic eye. Our ability to see justice play out.

I want to echo the voices of Chrisitan activists in the Philippines such as Bishop Marigza, the former secretary general of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines who had this to say:

“Our church workers have been faithful to their pastoral duty to accompany the downtrodden, the poor and the marginalized. They have been instruments to proclaim the good news of salvation to God’s Anawim (the poor, the marginalized), and to expose and denounce evil. Their unwavering stand against any attempt to suppress and oppress the people’s basic and fundamental rights make them a target of a government that is coward yet intolerant to criticism” End quote

I reached out to several SCMers in preparation to write this statement. As I heard back from Kej, a member of Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, he told me that as I was asking him about this, one of their projects got red-tagged. He wanted to say to you:

“Our prayers reflect the horrible health and socio-economic crisis the Filipino masses want to end and the political system that they want to hold accountable. But even these daily expression of our faith is now being attacked. In his more than five years in office, attacks against church people have worsened. This is an affront to our religious expression to let our faith push us to serve God and His people. His regime marks a very unChristian point in our history. Thus, from our prayers to our actions, it is our faith imperative to remove him from his office and do not let any successor continue this bloody and tortuous rule.” End quote.

And so, I say with clear conviction that from the ecumenical, and Christian perspective, the Duterte administration needs to end. The persecution of clergy who stand up for the people that Duterte has NEVER stood up for needs to end. SCM is in solidarity with the Philppine masse, for the people united will never be defeated.

Thank you. Oust Duterte. 

Are you a student leader with a passion for faith, justice and the arts? Do you long for an
inclusive Christian student community that celebrates diversity of gender identity, sexual
orientation, racialization, and ability? Are you passionate about Black Lives Matter, the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission, transformative ecumenical/inter-faith practice and climate
justice? Consider this:

Student Christian Movement – X University [formerly known as “Ryerson” University] Chapter is
an affiliate student group on campus in ministry, in partnership with First Lutheran Church,
Lutheran Campus Ministry of Toronto, Student Christian Movement of Canada and the Student
Christian Movement – GTA. Funding for this ministry is generously provided by the Youth and
Young Adults Ministry of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
The SCM X University [formally “Ryerson” University] Coordinator will be a full or part-time X
University student with a passion for faith-based engagement with students that is consistent
with the mandate of the Student Christian Movement of Canada: “radical faith in action –
community in diversity” See www.scmcanada.org

First Lutheran Church www.firstelc.ca provides a physical or virtual home-base for SCM X
University, and its pastor is a “supporting chaplain” to SCM and a member of the Spiritual
Collective at the university.

Responsibilities:

• Build on the established recognized club status of SCM X-University with the X University Student Union and X University Student Life to maintain club status.
• Promote SCM through available opportunities such as Orientation Week, tabling (as permitted), online events, etc.
• Manage communications for SCM-X-University for students, stakeholders and events.
• Plan, promote and deliver X University SCM programs (COVID19 compliant) such as SCM contextual Bible studies, film nights, and topical events, eg: Green faith, Qu(e)erying Religion, etc.
• Attend and represent SCM-X University at Student Union meetings and initiatives.
• Build relationships with suitable campus groups and programs to create synergies: eg. Rye Pride, Trans Awareness Month, International Women’s Day, Black History Month, the Ryerson Spiritual Collective, etc.
• Collaborates on appropriate events offered by First Lutheran, eg. The Table, ZOOM events, etc.
• Collaborates with SCM national and regional programs, eg. GTA retreats, Cahoots, and an awareness of the World Student Christian Federation

Remuneration:

The SCM X University Coordinator receives a monthly honorarium of $250 sponsored by First
Lutheran Church. Program expenses (within a prescribed budget) will also be contributed.

Term:

The position is offered from September to December 2021, with the possibility of renewal
January to April 2022 contingent upon funding.

Accountability:

The SCM X University Coordinator is accountable to the X University Student Union, First
Lutheran Church and the Student Christian Movement – GTA board of directors.

Applications and deadline:

Please submit a letter of application and resume to pastor@firstelc.ca by August 16, 2021.
Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has accepted the position.

SCM’s York and U of T chapters are each hiring a campus coordinator for the 2021-2022 year.

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM) is a progressive student movement on university campuses 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 – queer affirming, anti-racist, and decolonizing – and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

JOB POSTING: STUDENT COORDINATOR, STUDENT CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT (SCM) AT U OF T

PDF version of SCM U of T job posting

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice on the University of Toronto – St. George campus. 

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership 
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation 
• Current student status & familiarity with the university context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
• Network with other student groups on campus and supportive chaplains
• Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
• Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
• Promote the SCM through email and social media
• Work with the SCM Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mailings
• Collaborate with SCM Advisory Board to organize a yearly SCM alumni/supporter event
• Collaborate with other SCM local coordinators (York U and Ryerson)  and the national SCM

Accountability:

This position is accountable to the U of T SCM Advisory Board, by the circulation of a written report on program activities prior to regular meetings with the board. 

Hours and remuneration: 

$20 per hour, 8 hours per week or $650 per month (including CPP and EI), August 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Do you have a friend you would like to do this work with? This position is open to a joint application for 2 students to share the one position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  Please email a cover letter and resume to Jeanette Unger, scmintoronto@gmail.com. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

JOB POSTING: STUDENT COORDINATOR, STUDENT CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT (SCM) AT YORK U

PDF version of SCM York job posting

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice at York University – Keele campus. 

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership 
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation 
• Current student status & familiarity with the university context
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
• Network with other student groups on campus and supportive chaplains
• Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
• Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
• Promote the SCM through email and social media
• Work with the SCM Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mailings
• Collaborate with SCM Advisory Board to organize a yearly SCM alumni/supporter event
• Collaborate with other SCM coordinators (U of T and Ryerson)  and the national SCM

Accountability:

This position is accountable to the York SCM Advisory Board, by the circulation of a written report on program activities prior to meeting with the board. 

Hours and remuneration: 

$20 per hour, 8 hours per week or $650 per month (including CPP and EI), August 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Do you have a friend you would like to do this work with? This position is open to a joint application for 2 students to share the one position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  Please email a cover letter and resume to Jeanette Unger, scmintoronto@gmail.com. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

First Lutheran Church and the Student Christian Movement are looking for a Summer Intern with the title of “Program Coordinator/Community Service Worker”

Dates: Earliest possible start is May 10. Latest possible start is May 24. Flexible end date between Jul 9, 2021 (at full time basis) and up to Oct 15, 2021 (on a pro-rated negotiated basis to a maximum of 23 weeks.)
Hours: 35 per week or pro-rated as negotiated. Maximum total hours: 280
Remuneration: $14.25 per hour
Location: Toronto (or home office based in Ontario)

Job Description

First Lutheran Church and the Student Christian Movement collaborate to offer student outreach and campus ministry at Ryerson University in the form of contextual Bible Studies and other programs. First Lutheran is a historic congregation nestled in the heart of Ryerson campus. SCM at Ryerson University is a recognized student club of the Ryerson Student Union and one of three SCM units in the GTA.
The Summer Intern will be responsible for supporting the established SCM Ryerson program offerings in collaboration and cross-sponsorship with SCM GTA and SCM Canada. The Summer Intern will support the program life and public relations of First Lutheran Church which may include worship leadership and preaching, social media campaigns and promotion, and other duties as agreed upon.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ryerson Student Christian Movement (SCM RU): to lead and support SCM RU, through social
   media and online programs with SCM GTA and SCM Canada, eg., online Radical Bible Study,
   movie nights, and the SCM GTA fall retreat.
2. LGBTQ2SAI Faith-based programs: to support and deliver queer and trans positive events, eg, Queer Christian Fellowship, etc.
3. First Lutheran social media: to animate First Lutheran social media accounts with suitable content, i.e., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, website.
4. First Lutheran worship: to support, plan and participate in Sunday services including summer pastoral vacation replacement.
5. First Lutheran “Little Food Pantry”: to coordinate stocking of this new food sustainability program.
6. Administration: to perform other and related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Graduate or mature undergraduate student with a passion for justice and community in
   theological perspective.
2. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including group facilitation.
3. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work from home.
4. Adept social media skills.
5. A team player with a positive outlook.

Key Competencies

1. Enthusiasm and ability to promote and deliver faith-based study programs, eg. Contextual
   Bible study.
2. Ability to sustain and build online student and young adult community in a time of pandemic
3. Be able understand, organize and lead online programs in a Christian setting as part of a team
   of paid and volunteer leaders.
4. Superior social media and communications skills.
5. Excellent social intelligence and non-anxious, consensus-building workstyle.

Notes

1. First Lutheran has received Canada Summer Jobs funding for this position.
2. This position will be filled on a “tele-commuting” basis until such point as COVID19 restrictions
   are lifted and face-to-face gatherings are permitted.
3. The position will require some evening and weekend work.

Terms of Employment
Accountability: The Summer Intern reports to the pastor of First Lutheran or his designate.
An acceptable criminal record check, including the level of clearance required to work with vulnerable
people will be required.

First Lutheran Church, Toronto is a small downtown congregation with a big heart. First welcomes all
regardless of age, race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation or creed. www.firstelc.ca
The Ryerson Student Christian Movement is a local unit of the Student Christian Movement in
Canada, and a partner with First Lutheran in campus ministry. www.scmcanada.org

To apply: please send letter of application and résumé to pastor@firstelc.ca by May 14. Late
applications will be accepted, and applications will be considered until a suitable candidate has
accepted the position. All interviews will be conducted online.