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Local SCM units in Aotearoa/New Zealand are directly connected to SCM units in about 90 other countries through that national movement and then through the international movement. To coordinate all this there needs to be some structure.
There is some funny language and acronyms used in SCM. Here are some quick and ever-so-slightly flippant definitions of some terms. If there is a term used in SCM or this website that you think should be defined, then let us know.
NCG: National Co-ordinating Group - meets monthly by teleconference to make decisions about SCMA. Consists of a rep from each local group with a Convener and meetings are attended by the Secretary and Treasurer. (meeting minutes) (people) (structure) The NCG has also spawned another acronym in recent years IPM, the in-person meeting of the NCG which happens once a year.
SF: Senior Friends - former members and/or supporters of SCM. Lovely people.
CCANZ:
Conference of Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand - until recently was the major ecumenical networking body in this country. SCMA had observer status at the annual CCANZ Forum, and is part of the Ecumenical Youth Programme. There are many SF’s in CCANZ programmes and affiliated churches.
CWS:
Christian World Service - the international aid and devleopment agency run on behalf of the protestant and orthodox churches of New Zealand. The SCM National Office is in the CWS National Office. Again, lovely people.
LITE: A Live-in Theological Experience - Bi-annual study conference run by SCM, CCANZ and
Theology House. First run in December 1998 to much acclaim. Designed to bring high quality theological stimulation to school leavers and university students.
Region: In the 1960’s the WSCF divided into six geographical regions: Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America and Carribean, Middle East, and North American.
Hong Kong: not an acronym, but where the Asia-Pacific Regional Office is located.
ASYG: Asia Students and Youth Gathering - WSCF-AP/IMCS/YMCA bring together students and young people to discuss important political issues.
MAP: Movement Animator Programme - WSCF-AP funding for training and analysis projects, such as Leadership Training Conferences. Applications close in March.
ASCM:
Australian Student Christian Movement - we like them lots. We can go to their Conferences for free (and vice-versa), provided we cover our own air travel. Both movements were founded together as the Australasian SCM in 1896!
GMKI: The SCM in Indonesia.
SET: Student Empowerment for Transformation - a long, harrowing but amazing bi-annual leadership training conference run by WSCF-AP.
RCM: Regional Committee Meeting - AGM of the region, except every two years. It elects the RWC, and the Standing Committee who look after the affairs of the Region.
RWC: Regional Women’s Committee.
CWP: Christian Conference of Asia/World Student Christian Federation-Joint Programme - when CCA/CCANZ formalised their relationship with WSCF. It has spawned ongoing projects such as LITE in New Zealand.
WSCF:
World Student Christian Federation - SCM on a global scale. The umbrella organisation for all SCMs.
EAP: Ecumenical Assistance Programme - Funds for Movement development. Applications close 30 April.
IRO: WSCF's Inter-Regional Office is in Geneva and coordinates the international activities of WSCF.
FIM:
Frontier Internships in Mission - funds interns to work with a community for solidarity, to organise for justice and do theological reflection. Apply anytime.
IRLTP: Inter-Regional Leadership Training Programme - Like SET, except for every Region (to date no satisfactory pronunciation for IRLTP has been found...)
ExCo: Executive Committee - the NCG of the World!
IMCS: International Movement of Catholic Students - Catholic students are welcome in SCM, but many choose to join groups affiliated with IMCS as well or instead.
GA: General Assembly - Every four years the entire Federation gathers.

