SHINE! Radiating a Dream of Inclusion & Liberation

Registration forms are below, and costs detailed in the Form. Please don’t hesitate to inquire for more info (1-8-PROPHETIC) or apply for funding. LGBTQIA and other marginalized students/youth and are especially encouraged to apply for a scholarship.

SCM’s National Conference is our largest event every year and draws students and youth from across Canada for a week of social justice, learning, discussion, fun, talent shows, movement-building and worship.

On this page, you can register, find more info on speakers, get help with finances, and hear what others have to say about conference.

Conference is an amazing time to network across the country and learn tools for change.

CONTENTS

• What is National Conference?
  
• Highlights
  
• How much will it cost?
  
• Travel Pool
  
• Getting there
  
• What SCMers say about conference
  
• Fundraising, assistance & sponsors
  
• Past conference themes

What is National Conference?

Since 1921, National Conference has been one of the highlights of life in the SCM.

A chance to spend time with other students in the movement, to be re-energized, and to re-energize the SCM. Conferences have covered timely topics from First Nations rights to what it means to belong; from empire to resistance. They also feature our National Council, where we build our movement through radical democracy.

Highlights

• Diverse and creative ecumenical worship styles
• Cutting edge theological/activist speakers to be confirmed
• Anti-oppression community
• Workshops on: anti-oppression, gender/sexual diversity, anti-homophobia organizing, consensus decision-making, global solidarity, and more!

How much does it cost?

• Please send a $50 deposit to SCM with your application form prior to your registration being accepted (or let us know it’s on the way – we take credit card & cheque).

We have received funding to reduce the costs and increase bursaries! This program costs a sliding scale (what you can afford), depending on whether you plan to attend the entire week, or just SHINE!:

• SCM National Conference (May 2-10): $100-$150
• SHINE! Gathering (May 6-10): $50-$100

Both programmes include lodging, meals, speakers and programming; all participants will be lodging together. Scholarships and bursaries are available upon request – please apply soon: fund@queerandchristian.org

• Download an SCM Application for Funding to apply for a scholarship or bursary ( DOC | PDF )

Getting there

• Please do NOT book your travel until your registration has been confirmed – details to follow. Travel is booked through SCM’s travel agent (unless special permission).

• Low emissions / low cost transport saves the earth and our budget. Consider taking the bus, train or hitching a ride!

What SCMers say about conference

• Alice Glaze, SCM Saskatoon
• David Ball

Fundraising & sponsors

• 
  The cost of conference is always more than what comes in for registration – in other words, conference is subsidized in a variety of ways.
  
• That said, we recognize that the registration fee is high for many people. You should contact your local unit or national office for assistance or ideas on fundraising – but do it soon! Some local units provide bursaries, as well local and national church denominations.

  Conference is funded by SCM’s Senior Friends (alumni), the Liberty Hill Foundation, and the United Church of Canada. We also gratefully acknowledge the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada’s support for our National Conferences.
  
  

  
  

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  TRAVEL POOL

  We have received funding to subsidize the travel pool we have traditionally used in SCM to ensure equal access regionally across Canada!

  As a result of funding, the travel pool for SHINE! is only $100. It ensures we can truly be a cross-country movement. So everyone (regardless of region) pays this on top of your registration fee.

  All travel is part of a General Travel Pool in which costs are shared evenly regardless of region or distance of travel (this ensures conference is accessible to all regions equally). Travel must be booked through SCM’s travel agent before April 17 (details provided upon acceptance of your registration). Bookings after this date will be subject to SCM Travel Pool costs plus any extra costs accruing. Please notify National Office if you need special arrangements or consideration (ie. booking train ticket, need bursary for travel).

  
  

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  FUNDING & TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

  To assist you in fundraising, SCM has a variety of channels to help get students to our events. We generally require students to contribute something, outline what they need and reasons why, and what you intend to contribute to a local SCM group, the movement as a whole, or to your organizing community as a result of this programme.

  • Download a sample fundraising letter on SCM letterhead to help you ask for money from your church, student union, credit union or local Rotary/Lions etc clubs (DOC file )
    SORRY, CHECK BACK SOON FOR FILE DOWNLOAD
  • LGBTQIA identified students/youth: Our Queer & Christian Without Contradiction campaign has some funding/bursaries available
  • Goring Discipleship Fund: This conference bursary is available in memory of SCM alumni Vince Goring, with a priority for students/youth with financial need, and from indigenous, racialized and marginalized communities/background. Please inquire!
  • BC Students: The BC Friends of the SCM offers funding for 2-3 students to fly to & attend conference (you pay what you can, if you can)
  • Manitoba Students: Manitoba SCM Advisory Board has some funding available and has lots of tips & connections on fundraising.
  • Universities of Toronto and York: Both Toronto campuses have funding available for students to attend conference.
  • Local chaplains are often great sources of funds – contact your chaplaincy and ask about partial funding
  • Student Unions usually have money for students to attend conferences like this one. Ask your Student Union or Association if you can get partial or full funding for this one – talk up the solidarity & student leadership theme.
  • Your church or others in town would love to hear you come home and tell them about how great conference was and how youth can make a difference in the world. Maybe they could help you fundraise to get there!
  • More info coming soon!

[ See past conferences archive ]

““National Conference was an amazing experience I won’t soon forget. Relatively new to SCM, I found it helpful to learn about how SCM functions as a grassroots movement… The community we built that week gave me confidence in trying to keep the movement growing locally. I will certainly be back next year!””

- student, Saskatoon