WSCF Strategic Plan 2023-2026
VISION
We envision a world where justice, compassion, and the principles of liberation permeate every aspect of society and the church; and where celebrating the diversity of identities and cultural traditions fosters unity, understanding and cooperation, and promotes the pursuit of peace for all. We envision a global movement of Christian students who are empowered by faith and radical love to take on the task of challenging systemic injustices, upholding the voices of marginalised communities, and building bridges of solidarity and equity across borders.
MISSION
We empower Christian students to promote justice and peace in the world, speak truth to power, proclaim a theology of inclusion and liberation, and stand in solidarity with marginalised communities. We initiate and engage in transformative actions, promote liberating education, and encourage cooperation among students of diverse identities and cultural background through interconnection, dialogue and cultivation of shared values. We strive to help build a global coalition of student movements that advocates and works towards a just and equitable society.
Identity
We are the oldest, largest and most ecumenical global coalition of Christian youth and students in our world today, tracing our historical roots to the ecumenical and social gospel movement of the late 19th century. Our prophetic vocation is to proclaim the reign of God on earth by promoting justice and peace, ecological sustainability, youth mobilisation and ecumenical cooperation. The principles of inclusivity, social responsibility, interfaith collaboration, gender equality and environmental stewardship are integral to our ecumenical witness.
Strategic Goal
The aim of WSCF’s strategic endeavours during the quadrennium is expressed in the following overarching goal.
Build on WSCF's ecumenical heritage and identity, cultural and traditional diversity, broad geographical distribution, inclusive and multidisciplinary approach, and wealth of experience in movement work to empower students and young people across the globe to lead in bringing about positive change in their communities; and to enhance our global presence and the collective impact of our work in addressing justice, fostering international solidarity for transformation, upholding human dignity, and caring for creation.
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WSCF Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Values
Gender Justice
We value and advocate for gender justice, striving for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination, violence, and oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identities. We work towards dismantling patriarchal systems and promoting gender equality in all spheres of life.
Ecological Justice
We recognise the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment, and we are committed to promoting ecological justice. We strive to address environmental degradation, climate change, and unsustainable practices, seeking to protect and restore the Earth's ecosystems for present and future generations. We recognise the intrinsic relations between ecological justice and economic justice. We promote sustainability and stewardship of the Earth's resources, recognising our responsibility to care for creation. We strive to live in harmony with the environment, adopting sustainable practices and advocating for policies that protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
Ecumenical and Interreligious Cooperation
We embrace the value of ecumenical cooperation, fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among Christians from diverse traditions. We seek to build bridges of unity addressed by the struggle for justice, working together towards shared goals, and recognising the transformative power of collective action rooted in our shared faith. We recognise the power of interfaith cooperation to work together for the same mission that pursues justice, sustainability of the earth and women, men and creation conviviality.
Inclusivity and Diversity
We embrace inclusivity and celebrate the diversity of human experiences, recognising that everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, has unique gifts and perspectives to contribute to and is part of God’s abundant love. We pursue the creation of inclusive spaces, affirming and respectful of all individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and self-determination.
Social Justice
We advocate for social justice, addressing systemic inequalities and working towards a more just and equitable society. We solidarity with marginalized and oppressed communities, amplifying their voices and working towards a world where justice and equity prevail.
Program Goals
The 37th General Assembly identified the thematic areas that our global programs will focus on in the next quadrennium. We expect to realise our strategic goal as we implement the objectives of these programs.
Climate and Economic Justice
To contribute to the pursuit of integral justice for all of creation by enabling WSCF and our SCMs to be a leading voice in foregrounding the key role of prevailing systems of power and socio-economic development models in the destruction of our oikos, lifting up transformative spiritualities and theological perspectives that respect and uphold the sacred relationship between people and nature.
Youth, Peace and Security – Peacebuilding
To contribute to the building of peaceful, safe and just societies where all human beings are able to live their lives to the fullest by enhancing the role of young people in SCMs as peacebuilders and agents of change in their communities, creating an environment where all people, regardless of background, work together to maintain peace and prevent wars and conflicts.
Democracy, Human Rights and Fundamentalisms
To contribute to the vision of building just and inclusive societies by empowering ecumenical youth and students as a potent counterforce to fundamentalist ideologies undermining the values of justice, equality and freedom by actively engaging in the protection of human rights, strengthening of democratic values and institutions, and promotion of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Identity, Diversity, Dialogue and Gender Justice
To help bring about transformed societies that resonate with the values of mutual respect and love by promoting gender justice, inclusivity and dialogue not only as advocacies but as actual lived experiences in our SCMs and the Federation and in our churches and the ecumenical movement, supplanting age-old discriminatory beliefs and practices with dialogue, understanding, and affirmation.
Youth Ecumenical Leadership
To empower students and young individuals by developing their leadership capabilities and capacities, with a specific focus on fostering leadership approaches that champion inclusivity, equity and the advancement of social justice, and nurturing a renewed appreciation of ecumenism and commitment to the work of the ecumenical movement for the transformation of communities, societies and the world.
Strategies
To effectively implement these programs, we will employ the strategies that have been at the core of our work with youth and students worldwide. These federation-wide strategies, which cut across different programs, include:
Biblical Theological Reflection
Stimulate the study of the Bible and promote theological thinking among Christian students to help them understand the call of God in their lives and the biblical imperatives for social transformation.
Youth Mobilisation and Participation
Empower and enable Christian students and young people to organise and engage in social change processes and actions in various fora and platforms in collaboration with other movements, faith-based groups, and ecumenical partners.
Advocacy and Solidarity
Advocate for systemic change in situations of oppression and exploitation, human rights violations, conflict and violence, wars, and natural disasters, and stand firmly in solidarity with the students, communities and social movements that face these challenges around the world.
Capacity Building and Strengthening of Movements
Build dynamic SCMs that will give rise to a new generation of young Christian leaders and prophetic witnesses that will act together to renew the ecumenical movement and transform the world.