Setting up an SCM group - 10 simple steps

What is SCM?
SCM is a student led community passionate about faith and justice. We envision Christianity as inclusive, aware, radical and challenging. SCM has links at over 60 universities and colleges across Britain, both student groups and chaplains. Each year our movement comes together for an annual conference and we have termly gatherings for members to share ideas and make collective decisions about the movement. We are affiliated to the World Student Christian Federation.

What do SCM groups do?
Local SCM groups are the life of the movement. They are ecumenical student led communities who meet regularly to explore together a radical faith. Each group has the freedom to decide what they want to do and how they want to organise themselves. Some groups focus on discussion and theology, others share regularly in prayer and worship, some are committed to campaigning and activism, some do a mix of all of these, some are small, some are big, some are based in a chaplaincy, others at a local church. What they have in common is that they are inclusive, welcoming places for exploring faith.

Starting a group in 10 simple steps

You can start an SCM group! Get in touch with SCM's Links Worker who can offer help, advice and training. You can contact Rosie on 0121 200 3355 or email links@movement.org.uk. Rosie can explain how to get your group affiliated to the national movement and help you think through your ideas.

1. Think local
What is needed at your university or college? What other groups are there already on campus? Is there an existing group that could affiliate to SCM? Who do you want to attract to the SCM group? What is your vision for the group?

2. Get people involved
You only need two or three enthusiastic people to get things started. You might find others who would like to help set up a group through your chaplaincy community or local churches. Ask your chaplain if they know of anyone and check with the SCM office to see if there are any other SCM members at your college or university.

3. Get organised
Have your first meeting with people who are interested in helping organise the group. You'll need to work out what tasks need doing and who wants to take on which role. If you want to be registered as a university or college student society you may need to have a co-ordinator, a secretary and a treasurer to fulfil the requirements of your student union. It's worth thinking what other things need doing e.g. publicity and website. If you need any help or training at this stage then don't hesitate to contact the SCM office.

4. Talk to others
Speak to other faith groups on campus and explain to them what your SCM group will be doing. If you are thinking about meeting on a specific day of the week then make sure you avoid clashing with other groups and events. If you want to be registered as an official university or college society at this stage then talk to your student union/association/guild and find out what you need to do (e.g. write a constitution, elect a committee). Talk to your university or college chaplain and find out what support they can offer.

5. Plan a programme
This is best done in collaboration with all the people who are interested in being involved in the group.

• You could have a mix of social events, discussions, film nights, workshops, speakers and trips.
• Or you could pick a theme for the term and link all your sessions together looking at different aspects of the theme.
• Or perhaps you will have a strong social justice focus and be more involved in campaigning and volunteering.
• Do you want to include prayer, worship and Bible study? If so, where and when? Will you combine them with your main meetings?

If you want help with planning your programme or want to see what other groups have done then please contact the SCM Links Worker on 0121 200 3355 or email links@movement.org.uk. Whatever the focus of your group the value of food cannot be underestimated! It's a great community builder. Lots of SCM groups have a shared meal each week – something simple like soup and bread. Remember that your group may have different dietary requirements, it's a good idea to stick to vegetarian food to start with. You can ask members for a small donation to cover the costs.

6. Get noticed
Once you have some events planned, you need to make sure people know about your group.

• Word of mouth is essential; invite friends along and anyone who has expressed an interest in getting involved.
• Put up some posters and leave flyers around in places where students are likely to look e.g. chaplaincy and local church noticeboards and display tables.
• Make use of facebook to set up a group page and advertise events.
• Book a stall at your Freshers fair in September, think of a quirky publicity stunt, and ask people to sign up with their contact details. It's the best time of year to get people on board.
• Plan a big follow up event - perhaps a picnic or BBQ - to help people get to know each other. If you'd like help with ideas for Freshers week or would welcome an extra pair of hands then contact the SCM office.

SCM groups get free use of the SCM logo and graphics plus free SCM publicity (posters, leaflets and postcards) which you can add your own contact details too. Contact the SCM office if you don't have what you need.

7. Communicate and keep going
Keep communicating and spreading the word about your group!

• It sounds obvious but if you have a website or facebook group then keep it up to date.
• Send out regular emails to members of your group, reminding them of events that are coming up.
• If you have noticeboard space then update it each term with new photos and a copy of your programme of events.
• Make sure that those who are organising the group are meeting regularly to share tasks and ideas. You may want to meet as often as once a week or once a fortnight but if you keep each meeting short and organised then it won't be too demanding.
• Involve new people so that they feel part of the group and find something they can participate in. If your founding members are graduating soon you’ll need to think ahead and plan a smooth handover to a new committee or planning group.

8. Work with others
Once your group has formed friendships and found its identity then you can start exploring how you can work with others. You could organise a joint event with another faith group on campus e.g. an evening on prayer with the Islamic Society. You could plan a vigil for World AIDS Day, involving members from the local community. Or you could arrange a day trip to another SCM group in your region or an ecumenical retreat or residential.

9. Think big
Small groups of people can change the world! Don't forget to dream dreams and think creatively about your group. Make sure you have at least one event a term which allows members to share their ideas and plan for the future of the group. Meet up with other SCMers from around the country at national events and inspire each other with your plans and visions. Get involved in supporting and encouraging new SCM groups in other parts of the country, and help the
movement grow.

10. Get involved and stay in touch
SCM is a student-led movement, and you are at the grassroots! Encourage members of your group to sign up as individual members of SCM so that they get more involved. You can keep in touch with the national movement by attending events, meeting up regionally with others, sharing resources, camping together at Greenbelt and catching up online via the forum and blogs. If you have ideas for SCM then bring them along to gatherings and have your say. Get involved with planning national events or stand for SCM 's General Council.

If you have any questions about setting up an SCM group please contact the SCM office on 0121 200 3555 or scm@movement.org.uk

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