Support systems for the worker

The contract should include support – this is essential

Mitzi Nairn in Auckland was suggested to Greg Hughson by Michael Wallace as an option. Greg suggested a regular fortnightly meeting with a supervisor and with the unit they are promoting.

It was discussed as to whether the DW would be expected to be part of the unit as a full member. Daniel observed that they are likely to be already a member of the unit– people in the in-group will be most interested in taking the job.

This raised questions about the advertising for employees, how widely should they be advertised? Within the local units, or into the University community?

The meeting recommended that familiarity with the ethos of SCM must be a key requirement, and that this includes being willing to be a member of the local group if they are not already.

Appointment process

Who should appoint them, local units or the NCG, really looking at people in the units. No need to circulate beyond SCM. Current members or 3-5 years out of SCM. SCM’ers from the 50’s could be better as support people rather than workers unless they are particularly familiar with the current movement.

Recommendation: That a detailed application form and information be distributed to the movement and Senior Friends. The application form is to be returned to National Office and the appointments will be decided on a National level – by the NCG, or an NCG appointed body. The people being looked for are defined as current members, or Senior Friends of generally not more than five years away from SCM.

Funding options

Michael Wallace has suggested the Methodist PAC trust, Otago Community Trust, Presbyterian Synod of Otago/Southland. Local churches, ecumenical organisations, University groups will also be asked.

Draft budgets

Daniel observed that neither of the draft budgets takes account of how seasonal the work will be. There are some times of the year that it is not practical to try and work with students. Michael suggested that this would be a good time for the worker to visit churches and external bodies instead. Michael also said that for ease of administration the 28 weeks would be decided in advance and paid for accordingly, but if the worker decided to arrange the hours differently then that is up to them.

Greg noted that TSCF is about to appoint a full-time worker, Student Life have four staff. They have raised the money from local churches, do it’s quite a competitive environment. However they probably not looking at CCANZ member churches, instead the Baptist, Assembly of God and other Pentecostal churches.

Recommendation: The workers should start with the 28 weeks option with an eye to extending it later if successful.

Nature of the work

Daniel outlined the tasks that he thinks would be useful in supporting SCM Victoria.

Arranging to speak with likely churches (likely in the sense of liberal mainstream parishes) and talk to the staff and any young people there

CCANZ-EYP could be used perhaps as an advertising network. DW’s should perhaps go to conferences such as CCANZ Forum and LITE.
They should visit ecumenical organisations that are natural allies
Liaison and promotional contact should be done with non-religious groups as well (such as general purpose left wing groups). Going to other groups’ meetings and networking/advertising while there is important.

Greg affirmed all the tasks on the proposal and added, organising publicity and being in regular contact with chaplains. They should be available as a contact point with the chaplains – It is good to have an identifiably SCM person who can speak on the behalf of SCM available.

The meeting recommended that the workers be equipped with credentials such as a letter of recommendation from the NCG, and business cards.

Next meeting

Wednesday, 30 September 8:00 pm. To be checked with Terry Wall

Possible back-up of Tuesday 29 September.

Terry’s home number: 09 377 0996

Greg’s home number - 03 456 2004