How to start an SU Group - Scripture Union Scotland

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Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU GroupsIntroductionEach school day across Scotland, around 1,250 pupils meet with school staff, church leaders,parents, senior pupils and other volunteers in “Scripture Union Groups” to explore the Bible andrespond to what they read there. We want to thank all of you who have recently become involvedin this work, and all of you who have been involved in SU groups for many years.This Team Leaders’ Manual has been written by the Regional Workers and Associate Workers of SUScotland to give you ideas, resources and stimulation to make the most of your SU Group and theopportunity it presents for children and young people of Scotland to explore the Bible and respondto the significance of Jesus. There are variations in the early chapters for those working in Primary,Secondary and Special Needs schools and the chapter about setting up an SU Group is only providedto leaders initiating new groups –if you are really keen to see it, you can find it on the SU ScotlandWebsite or from your local staff member.On the subject of staff, we’ll use the phrase “local staff member” to refer to Associate Workers,Local Area Workers and Regional Workers and assume that you know which person you relate todirectly. Similarly the “local office” may be the Regional office or the office of your local Trust that isassociated with SU Scotland and employs their own staff member. Someone must have posted thisto you so you should know where to contact us but if you don’t, please call our Regional Departmentin our Head Office in Glasgow on 0141 352 7631 or follow the link called “Who is my local worker?”on the front page of our website www.suscotland.org.ukThis manual is provided to the Team Leader or person who we see as responsible for the leading ofan SU group. You are at liberty to make further copies of this for other members of your team if youwish as you work through the ideas contained within. The advice and ideas contained within it arenot exclusive to “Scripture Union Groups” and may well be helpful to those leading school groupsnot affiliated to SU Scotland, or to church youth groups.SU Scotland’s Volunteer Handbook needs to be read in conjunction with this Team Leaders’ Manualas it is that document which outlines our policies and procedures for all SU activities. It also directsyou to the SU Scotland Emergency Contact number which many people only associate with HolidayActivities but is available to assist with Child Protection or other challenges for Group Leaders.We wish you God’s blessing on your work for Him and assure you of the prayers of our staff andcountless supporters as you undertake this frontline role with SU Scotland.Regional Ministries Department,SU ScotlandJanuary 2012January 2012
Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU GroupsSection 1 How to start an SU GroupThis chapter is intended as a training resource, but it will help to work through at least some of thiswith Scripture Union Scotland (SU) or Associate Trust staff, another experienced group leader and allmembers of your team.The title “SU Group” is virtually the default setting for Christian Groups in Scottish schools (just as aDyson vacuum cleaner is just as likely to be called a Hoover even though it’s a Dyson). This positionreflects the long history of SU’s work in Scottish schools as well as the national breadth of our workover the years and brings with it a trust from school staff and church leaders as well as aresponsibility on current SU staff and volunteers to protect the goodwill offered to us. As suchgroups can be called “SU Groups” that we know nothing about; to protect our name and ministrythough, we want to help you set up a group that builds on the good name enjoyed across Scotlandand maintains a recognised standard.This document raises a number of issues and offers advice and guidance relevant to starting an SUGroup. The subsequent questionnaire uses the same 10 subject areas, asking specific questions andproviding space to gather information and record your thinking as you work, with others, toestablish an SU Group in school.1.1.1 ResearchGet to know your school and some of the people in it. The chances are that you have someinvolvement already as a teacher, parent, chaplain, youth worker or pupil. Find out about thecurrent Christian work and witness in the school then the recent history and the future interest anSU Group. Use the school website to gather information that you don’t have access to. Talk toothers in a similar role to you and then start to approach others who they recommend.1.1.2 Involve other Christians from the Chaplaincy Team, pupils, school staff or localchurchesA team with a breadth of membership will bring different talents and availability to strengthen theprogramme so gather together a workable group of volunteers. It may be that school staff can bethere as “gatekeepers” to give school management confidence but cannot offer preparation time orleadership. Be clear what people are being asked to do and are offering to do and be willing to pushthem.1.1.3 Pray as an individual and with others for the school, and for initiatives that couldbe taken to start a group in the schoolRegister with Pray For Schools (www.suscotland.org.uk/pray/) administered by SU Scotland; if othersare praying for the same school and are happy to be put in touch, then we’ll connect you. Thewebsite offers ideas and resources to help you and other people pray for your school throughout theyear as well as at two significant times: Back to School with God Sunday (August) and the Europewide “Pray for Schools Day” in October. Resources and ideas are also available in “hard copy” fromour Prayer Co-ordinator in the SU Scotland national office on 0141 332 1162.Most SU staff circulate prayer needs for their region to supporters on a regular basis; get your newsincluded by contacting your local office. Try to add news to your church prayer agenda innewsletters, prayer meetings or other services.January 2012
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