17 February 2005: The new SCMA website is being launched tonight. New and updated information will be available at http://www.scm.org.nz/home/ from this time. Please direct any questions to webmaster@scm.org.nz.
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17 February 2005: The new SCMA website is being launched tonight. New and updated information will be available at http://www.scm.org.nz/home/ from this time. Please direct any questions to webmaster@scm.org.nz. |
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The Newsletter of the Student Christian Movement of AotearoaJanuary1998No 30LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The January SCMA Leadership Conference was a great success, according to the participants. SCM Otago hosted the Conference in the City of Dunedin. The initial weekend was spent at a bach at Taieri Mouth, getting to know each other, then the whole group moved into Selwyn College near the University of Otago. Each day, a member from SCM Otago took responsibility for facilitation, and resource people came from both within, and without the Student Christian Movement. The host Local SCM Group also popped in for meals and social times, so creating a balance of togetherness and the participants of the programme spending time as a group taking responsibility for each other. One of the SCM Aotearoa Movement Animators, Jemma Allen stayed with the group constantly, as someone to talk with each participant individually throughout the course of the week. The individual components of the programme, and its affect on participants is best told in their own words.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- WEEKEND BEFORE The day after I arrived in Dunedin, myself and a whole pack of people I had just met loaded into a couple of cars and set off to spend the weekend at a crib at Taieri Mouth. Originally intended to be a gender caucusing weekend, it turned into a semi- formal getting to know each other time. Over the two days and three nights we did several exercises exploring our lives and faith, and we discussed what it meant to us to be a leader. What really stood out for me though, were the quieter times. We were given a very generous amount of free time, which we utilised by reading, throwing a frisbee, walking along the beach, or just hanging out and talking with one another. The feeling of serenity during these times was the highlight for me of the trip to Taieri Mouth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- MEN'S CAUCUS As part of the 1998 Leadership Conference, there was time set aside for gender caucus discussions - an opportunity for the men and women at the conference to get together and discuss issues and experiences. The Men's Caucus was held at the flat of two SCM Otago members, while the women spent time in town. In the men's caucus we took the opportunity to have a brainstorming session about what it means to be "Man". This brought forth individual and societal ideas (past and present) and gave us a chance to examine the way we saw what it should mean. This led to a sharing of personal experiences as men. The warmth and trust that was generated by this discussion enabled individuals to safely and securely share, ask questions and debate possible answers. For myself, the caucus was particularly valuable as it involved discussion of ideas and feelings that I often feel are intensely difficult to discuss. Relationships, both with other men and with women involve many personal feelings and thoughts, and it was good to hear and support others' experiences, and to be heard and supported in my own. Thanks are due to National Men's Coordinator Tim Gordon for providing a starting point and guidance to our discussion, and for supplying chocolate and other refreshment! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- LIONS! An analogy used by many people concerning my attendance was "thrown in the deep end". Another was "thrown to the lions". What really struck me was the diversity of the participants: differing backgrounds, differing beliefs, yet essentially similar. I came with the intention to be a teacher, yet I ended up being a pupil, for which I am extremely grateful. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- LITURGY WORKSHOP The liturgy workshop was creative and empowering. We built for ourselves a pantry full of ingredients that we can use in liturgy. We collected these ingredients from Anglican, Catholic, Quaker, Presbyterian and ecumenical sources. Of course, once we had access to these goodies it wasn't long before Chef Jemma had us hard at work towards a liturgy arranged around the theme of "Green". Daniel List fashioned out of playdough an SCM logo, garnished with symbols of nature, such as a caterpillar and peas in a pod. The liturgy ended with our shared meal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- NON-CHRISTIAN As a non-Christian, the SCM Leadership Conference was in some ways isolating and in some ways very challenging. We had daily worships, which although undeniably Christian, I found easy to accept. The workshops have allowed me to express spiritually without requiring this to be Christian. Much of the method imparted I can see as being practical in both Christian and non-Christian context. The conference as whole was valuable and generous to me in my capacity as a non-Christian. Strewth! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- AUSTRALIAN VISITOR Lachlan McDowall, the General Secretary of Australian SCM attended the programme and says: Choice. Glam. Lovely. Huge. Woof. It has been a pleasure to attend this leadership training programme and to further the relationship between ASCM and SCMA. The programme has given me heaps of ideas and a refreshing perspective on my work in Australia, and the creative sharing of skills and resources has been fab. For me, the most valuable resource has been the community of people and the most valuable skills those of loving, listening and healing. These are the skills and resources that continue to inspire me and other Australians when we think of SCMA! Love yous all. Love your work! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- WOMAN'S EXPERIENCE Being the sole woman participant has been an experience that is entirely new, occasionally surreal (and not without its difficulties) but overall pretty damn rewarding. One of the best parts was the two-woman interpretation of an in-depth, challenging and community-building women's caucus. Lunch, hair and shopping! While the men were at my house discussing relationships and the body politic, we were tripping around Dunedin, discovering feminist theologies, blue hair goop and chocolate. This is not to say it wasn't an awesome, satisfying caucus. Sometimes the best things come from the most spontaneous, informal experiences. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- MEN'S CAUCUS This event had an agenda of important issues, and some members found comfort in the absence of women - these factors contributed to a nice space where useful development took place. Issues included definitions of sex/gender, and the word "man". What traits (both biological/real and socio-culturally specific) are commonly associated with men's friendships and relationships and how gender issues complicate them. We discussed how sexual orientation and individual experiences illustrate the impact of gender conventions in our culture, and discussed the benefits of all-male social groups for some men when working with these issues. . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- CREATIVE SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP ... with Sandra Winton. Sandra is a Catholic nun, counsellor and generally cool person who lives in Dunedin. The first part of the workshop was a meditation based on the image of the pearl of great worth. We had a choice of swimming around the room with music, or sitting with our eyes closed and swimming internally. I found swimming around the room a surprisingly weird experience. After a break we wrote some poetry, after personal brainstorming to find topics.. Unpoetic people take heart! Even BSc students can write poems (of a sort). Sharing our creations was entirely optional. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- CHECK OUT OUR WEB PAGE! http://www.godzone.gen.nz/scm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- WORK IN ROMANIA! From Esther Hookway, the EELLTP (Eastern Europe Language and Leadership Training Project) Co-ordinator. "We are looking for a recent graduate with English as his or her mother-tongue, who would be able to take responsibility for extra curricular activities during a three-month intensive English language course sponsored by the WCC at the Ecumenical Institute of St Nicolas in Iasi, Romania, from 15 April to 10 July 1998." Contact SCMA Office for more details. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- AUSSIES Lachlan McDowall, the General Secretary of the Australian SCM had a day in Christchurch at the SCMA National Office. There he and the SCM Aotearoa National Administrator, Martin Dickson, discussed strategies for closer communication, including using some of each other's resources to avoid duplication of effort, especially in areas such as organisational policy documents. They also had a meeting with the SCMA Senior Friends Coordinator Arana Casey, to compare the different types of relationship the two organisations have with senior friends, and explore possibilities. Helpful discussion was also held on the WSCF intention to build SCMs in the Pacific Islands and the possibilities of working together to be proactive in inviting WSCF Regional and Inter-regional secretaries to our area. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Whose Agenda? Choices for the Future Is a conference organised by the same network as the Beyond Poverty Conference in March 1997. It will cover issues of: The Government's proposed Code of Social Responsibility, Workfare and welfare reform, Social capital and role of the state, Poverty, housing, health and unemployment, The future of work, What social contract/charter is desirable, Strategies, and visions for the future. It is being held from the 12th to the 15th of February, at the Albany Campus of Massey University. If you can't get to it look out for publications from it. Proceedings available for $15 from PO Box 3813 Auckland/Tamaki Makau Rau 1. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- MAI Consultation hui are being held by Te Mana Akonga (National Maori University Students Association) to discuss the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. The Auckland hui is on 23rd February and Hamilton 14th February. Details: maria.tma@xtra.co.nz or Te Mana Akonga PO Box 10-191, The Terrace, Wellington/Whanganui-a-Tara. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- TAKING CONTROL The fightback against transnational corporate power conference. 27th Feb. to 1st March in Christchurch/Otautahi. Contact SCMA office or Box 2258 Christchurch. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BEYOND DESPONDENCY A conference on the Universal Basic Income will be held in late March 1998 in Wellington/Whanganui-a-Tara. More info., or offers to present papers to UBINZ c/- Pvte Bag 11042, Palmerston North. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BURMA Recieved by email: Dear Rebecca (SCMA Human Rights Coordinator) and SCMA members: On behalf of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to receive the solidarity message from the Student Christian Movement Aotearoa. I am also very pleased to hear that the awareness and support of the SCMA for our struggle.... In peace and solidarity, Soe Aung, ABSDF. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- DEVOTION to HERO of FREEDOM! How could I let this issue go by without a mention that the queer communities festival season is under way? Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identification, you are welcome to party at Freedom in Otautahi or Devotion in Whanganui-a- Tara on Saturday the 14th February (Saint Valentine's Day) or at Hero the next week. SCM Canterbury made a decision to advertise in the Freedom Magazine this year (see below). Party now, and remember that the government is about to mutilate the Human Rights Act! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BRIEFLY The National Coordinating Group will meet on February the 22nd. Mabuluki, a Co- Secretary General of the World Student Christian Federation has postponed his proposed visit. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- IF YOU MOVE Please send a change of address card or email to the National Office. If Amanda, Mary, Richard, Hilary and Tim can do it, you can too! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- RECENT ARRIVALS AT THE OFFICE Peace Movement Aotearoa Dec.-Jan. check out the numerous conferences and events happening including the National Peace Workshops in Christchurch/Otautahi 29th May to 1st June 1998. With the magazine are petitions from the Free East Timor Campaign and the Anti-Bases Campaign - they should be at your local SCM group. Consider putting them on your orientation table. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- REGIONAL WOMEN'S TRAINING PROGRAMME Hilary Mather and Fiona McLaughlin attended the Programme in the Philippines at the end of last year. Hilary's full report on this and her solidarity visit has been sent to NCG members, and will be available at local SCM groups. The conclusion of the report says: As with any regional programme, some aspects of the content and resolutions are more directly relevant to our situation here in Aotearoa than others. However, being able to offer insight gained through experience and encouragement to women struggling for recognition within their movements, was a valuable part of attending. Overall, I think this programme was very worthwhile and I learnt a lot and was challenged in my thinking. I am particularly grateful for being forced to critically analyse the situation of women in my own country, for the opportunity to share with and learn from other women in our region, and for all I learnt about the Philippines. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- SOLIDARITY VISIT TO SCM PHILIPPINES Hilary also visited SCM Philippines; "If my Filipino friends have one message they want to ensure the rest of the world hears, it "do not let anyone believe that the Philippines is a prospering democratic society, as the Ramos government claims." The people are suffering and the government's lie must not be believed by governments who have the power to influence other nations through the developing global economy." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS ASIA-PACIFIC Quentin Duthie attended this conference in Thailand, and has recommendations regarding SCMA and Catholic students. Report at the local SCM group. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- SCM UPDATE is compiled by the National Administrator of SCM Aotearoa. Your contributions, news and information are welcome! Submission date is the 25th of each month. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- Back to Update archive |
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