Deadline Extended! Accepting Applications until February 28th. If you have any questions or barriers that are preventing you from applying, please reach out to bailey@scmcanada.org!

This May, SCM is sponsoring a delegation of students/young adults to travel to the West Bank in collaboration with Community Peacemaker Teams Canada/Palestine. Participants will spend ten days meeting and learning from local community makers, experiencing the reality of life in occupied Palestine, and participating in non-violent solidarity actions. CPT has extensive experience in running these delegations in a meaningful and safe way.

This is what participants can expect from our specific trip:

Every year in May, Palestinians around the world remember the Nakba, or Catastrophe, marking the ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948; in 2026, this will be its 78th anniversary. This delegation offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the origins, land, and heritage of the Palestinian people. Participants will visit historic Jerusalem, hear stories from several refugee camps in the West Bank, and then travel to al-Khalil/Hebron to accompany the CPT team in providing a protective presence for the community. Along the way, you will build relationships with local community members, share meals, and engage in conversations about undoing oppression, solidarity, peace, justice, and the vision of a free Palestine. No matter your background or experience, this delegation invites you to witness firsthand the joy, resilience, and daily life of Palestinians living under occupation. You will stand alongside local communities, contribute to their resilience efforts, and participate in meaningful activities such as olive harvesting, sharing solidarity, laughter, and hope. This visit offers a rich learning experience grounded in presence, shared humanity, and the transformative power of working together in solidarity.

Participants will be expected to and supported in bringing their learning and experiences to their wider community in the year following their trip, in collaboration with their local SCM unit. Potential participants do not have to already be involved with an SCM unit (although it is great if they are!), but they are expected to connect and work with their local unit (if applicable) in the time leading up to and after the trip.

When Is it?

4th to 14th May 2026.

What Does it Cost?

The ‘real’ total cost per participant is approximately $4000. Participants are expected to fund-raise 1000$ towards their trip costs, using tools and resources that will be provided by SCM. The rest of the funding will be provided by SCM Canada through grants, fundraising, and our own funds.

Who Can Participate?

This delegation is geared towards post-secondary students(any level) and young adults in Canada who are involved with SCM Canada and/or are aligned with the values of SCM and open to collaborating with us. Practically, participants must be 19 years of age or older. 

This delegation should not be approached as a trip in isolation, but as a commitment to advocacy and solidarity. We are looking for participants who are eager to commit to sharing their learning and experiences with those in their home community, including their local SCM unit and/or SCM national.

How to Apply?

You can apply online at https://cpt.org/delegations/apply, selecting ‘Palestine: SCM Special Delegation May 2026’ from the drop-down. 

Please also prepare a 500-1000 word response to the question “Why do you want to participate in this delegation?” touching on the following points:

•What is your experience with/interest in peacemaking and non-violent resistance

•How do you hope to make use of the experience?

•What is your connection to SCM Canada? If none, why are you interested in participating in this delegation with SCM?

The maximum number of participants for this delegation is twelve, so we expect that the selection process will be competitive. 

The deadline for applications to be received through the CPT website is February 18th at 11:59 PM PST. This is to give us ample time for the interview/selection process, and for delegates to get their paperwork in order for the trip, once selected.

For More Information:
Reach out for more information to bailey@scmcanada.org
Virtual Q&A/Info-session for prospective participants: February 9th at 8 PM EST

To Support:
If you would like to support this project, we are accepting donations to subsidize the trip and make it accessible to students regardless of socio-economic background at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/student-christian-movement-of-canada-scm-canada/campaign/palestine-solidarity-delegation/

The ministry and movement of the SCM is supported by countless senior friends, whose legacy is felt by today’s students, even if their names are not known. One of these is recently departed saint Nancy Whitla, a senior friend and lifelong supporter of SCM and WSCF. Involved with the SCM as a young woman, Nancy supported the movement throughout her lifetime, variously serving on the SCM National Board, the GTA SCM advisory board, and the WSCF Board. She was a mentor and supporter of countless young leaders, as well as a formidable fundraiser for the Movement. Nancy’s work established and raised significant amounts for the SCM Endowment Fund, which is instrumental in supporting the SCM financially to this day. In the words of Senior Friend and former General Secretary Sheilagh McGlynn, “I don’t know if the SCM would still be around today without Nancy and the Endowment Fund.” As National Coordinator, when speaking with chaplains and others about re-establishing local units and hiring student coordinators to lead them, I’m often asked with some incredulity “where do you get the money for that?” And so I tell them with gratitude of the tremendous support of Senior Friends, and the Endowment Fund. Thank you, Nancy for making it possible for us to continue helping and empowering students to create inclusive, active faith based community all across this country. 

Here are some specific reflections on Nancy and her legacy, from SCMers who knew her well. If you have a story to share, please tell it in the comments!

“I first met Nancy when we were both on the national Board of the SCM: I was one of the central region representatives, and she was the Senior Friend. It was wonderful to have her lengthy history that gave us insight and wisdom into choices we were making in the early 90s, as well as knowledge about what had happened in the past, and the powerful role that the SCM had played in Christian student development and activism. She was kind, gracious, and had a clear focussed vision about possibilities, without in any way discouraging us from directions that we were moving in.” – Sarah Shepherd

“I had a lot to learn when I began working for SCM in 1995. Nancy took me under her wing and became a gentle teacher and mentor. She was especially wise with finances and budgeting. I was terrible with those things, and she taught me how to budget for myself and for SCM.

I had a kidney stone attack one night when staying at her house. She and Bill drove me to the hospital at 3 am, and she kept me distracted from the pain with her charm and wit.” – Rick Garland

“I have some beautiful memories of Nancy from my time in the WSCF. I remember her as a very kind and gentle woman. She was deeply committed to the SCM and WSCF and I’ve learned a lot from her. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.” – Clarissa (Gigi) Balan

“Nancy was such a staunch and strategic SCMer, hospitable and gracious.” – Michael Wallace

“I got to know Nancy in my years as Ecumenical Chaplain, in 2004-18.  I remember her so well as one of the trio of inspiring women who were the life-blood of SCM U of T advisory board for many years, the other two being Audrey Tobias and Jean Lee. 

I will always remember Nancy’s understated – but not to be underestimated – resolve and dedication, particularly with regard to the SCM and WSCF. She would ask probing questions, always in a spirit of kindness and discernment. Her clarity of insight for SCM was unstinting, generous toward the student leaders, with an unwavering eye on the high goal and purpose of the SCM. May her legacy continue to inspire those of us who follow in her footsteps.” – Ralph Carl Wushke

Is there an SCM Saint who you’d like us to lift up, as a memorial or to celebrate a significant birthday? Please let us know via info@scmcanada.org

On Saturday March 1st at 2 pm EST, SCMers from across the country (and beyond!) will gather to share our memories of & appreciation for the late Very Rev. Lois Wilson. All are welcome to join us!

To RSVP & receive the Zoom joining information, please click here to register, or copy & paste the following into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrduyhrTstE9YDYBDymeZQzd7rp_cKJM6y#/registration

Eco Justice Resource

WSCF has published a compilation of student essays and prayers entitled Towards a Global, Christian Movement for Eco-Justice. The book highlights the interconnectedness of ecological justice and human rights, as environmental destruction is often most devastating to those living in poverty. Contributions include prayers of lament and thanksgiving, stories from specific communities facing injustices, personal reflections, and calls for action. The book is available from SCM Canada for a recommended $10 donation.

Copies are also available online: Christian World Imprints or Indian Society for Promotion of Christian Knowledge

Seeking Contributors – Racial Justice and Indigenous Peoples Rights

On a similar note, the WSCF-North America is seeking young adults, students, and partners interested in contributing a chapter, article, or reflection for a new book on racial justice and indigenous people’s rights.

Interested parties should send their piece in a Word document for edits by August 31^st. Please share this information with your passionate writer friends. Specifications are outlined here.

For more information, contact Luciano Kovacs (WSCF Executive for North America, Program Director for Advocacy & Solidarity) at wscfna@gmail.com.

We have one spot left for a Canadian student/young adult to attend the October 1-10 North America Regional Program on US/Mexico border solidarity and migrant justice, and the School of the Americas Convergence.

Apply by July 20th by emailing wscfna@gmail.com

The program includes:

Educational activities – conference-style keynotes, workshops and working groups

Exposure excursions across the border and in the desert

Biblical and theological reflections on the theme

Recommendations for advocacy work on migrant justice.

Read the concept paper from the WSCF-NA to learn more about the purpose behind the trip: Click Here

Download Flyer Here