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  • Pam Hudson

07-03-24 Weekly Questions & Answers
07-03-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Q: One of my new District Council Presidents is asking for a meeting template. Is there such a thing? I know the Rule has the Conference Agenda.
A: The Rule, Part III, Statute 7 has the agenda used for Council meetings. This is the same meeting agenda as expected of Conferences. Every Council has its own set of special considerations, and the agenda should be modified to accommodate its special programs and needs.

Q: Can Conference officers consist of the President Secretary, and Treasurer only, if no member accepts the Vice President appointment?
A: Conference officers (an elected President who appoints a Vice President(s), Secretary, and Treasurer) have no specific authority other than representation of the Conference and requirements to fulfill specific tasks. All decisions are made by the Active Members of the Conference as a whole. According to the bylaws there must be at least one Vice President, hence a member should step forward to serve as VP for a complete slate of officers. The Conference as well as the Council needs to know who will serve in the Presidential capacity should the elected President be unable to serve for any reason.

P: Uno de mis Presidentes de Distrito del Consejo está pidiendo una agenda para la reunión. ¿Existe tal cosa? Sé que la Regla tiene la agenda de la Conferencia.
R: La Regla, Parte III, Estatuto 7 contiene la agenda utilizada para las reuniones del Consejo. Esta es la misma agenda de las reuniones que se espera de las Conferencias. Cada Consejo tiene su propio conjunto de consideraciones especiales, y la agenda debe modificarse para adaptarse a sus programas y necesidades especiales.

P: ¿Pueden los oficiales de la Conferencia estar formados únicamente por el Presidente, Secretario y Tesorero, si ningún miembro acepta el nombramiento de Vicepresidente?
R: Los oficiales de la Conferencia (un Presidente electo nombra sus oficiales: un Vicepresidente, un Secretario y un Tesorero) no tienen autoridad específica más que la representación de la Conferencia y los requisitos para cumplir con trabajos específicos. Todas las decisiones son tomadas por los Miembros Activos de la Conferencia en conjunto. De acuerdo con los estatutos, debe haber al menos un vicepresidente, por lo tanto, un miembro debe asumir la responsabilidad de servir como vicepresidente para tener una lista completa de oficiales. Tanto la Conferencia como el Consejo necesitan saber quién servirá en la capacidad de Presidente en caso de que el Presidente electo no pueda servir como Presidente por cualquier razón.

  • Pam Hudson

5 Tips to Make Fundraising Less Intimidating
5 Tips to Make Fundraising Less Intimidating 1080 1080 Pam Hudson

“Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.” -Henri Nouwen

They say that public speaking is one of our greatest human fears. But there’s something else that ranks right up there—asking for money. It’s ok. We can admit it. Asking for money isn’t exactly what we signed up for when we joined SVdP. Most of us are willing to do anything to support the mission—EXCEPT for fundraising.

But there’s something I read a long time ago when I first entered this work that changed my perspective, and it may change yours too. It’s priest, writer and theologian Henri Nouwen’s essay on the “Spirituality of Fundraising.” National Chief Advancement Officer Ryan Carney shared a link to that little essay in this column a few weeks ago, but I’m guessing that most of us missed it. So if you haven’t read it and would like a copy, please email me sclancy@svdpaz.org and I will email it to you.

Nouwen helped me realize that I was thinking about fundraising all wrong. He reminds us that fundraising isn’t about asking for money, it’s about fostering relationships and deepening our faith. It’s about welcoming others into our work not as a means to an end but as an end in and of itself. As Nouwen states: Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God’s Kingdom.

So, how can we make fundraising less intimidating and more impactful?

1. Share Our Passion: Let’s start by sharing our passion for SVdP’s mission—why we got involved, what stories have touched us, and the differences we’ve seen firsthand. When others witness our enthusiasm, they’ll want to be part of it too.

2. Tell Stories: Stories are powerful. They connect us on a human level and show the concrete impact of our work. Sharing stories of individuals or families whose lives have been transformed through SVdP’s support remind us why our fundraising efforts and our work together matter.

3. Build Relationships: Fundraising is all about relationships. Take the time to connect with potential donors or supporters. Listen to their stories and perspectives. Show them how their contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Invite them to be part of our mission.

4. Faith Over Fear: Yes, fundraising can at times seem intimidating. But this isn’t OUR work, this is GOD’S work. Our mission is worthy, and it calls us not only to serve others but also to invite others to serve alongside us. Let’s trust in the generosity of others and in God’s grace to guide us.

5. Celebrate with Gratitude: When we receive gifts to support our work, what a joy it is to express our gratitude—both to the donors who partnered with us and to God who makes all things possible. When we share the impact of the gifts that others have made, we give them an opportunity to share in our work and foster the sense of joy, connection, and belonging that make our work so rich and beautiful.

Let’s let our faith be bigger than our fear. Let’s invite others into our work with courage and conviction. Let’s remember that one of the best fundraisers was Vincent himself who connected those in need of help with those who could offer support on the common ground of God’s love. May each of us continue to carry on Vincent’s legacy…

 

  • Pam Hudson

Giving Matters
Giving Matters 150 150 Pam Hudson

Make Giving More Meaningful by Honoring Others

Early in my time with St. Vincent de Paul, I was fortunate to meet Mike and Pat, a caring, kind, and generous couple. They had been married nearly 5 decades by the time I met them, had a wonderful family (whom I’ve also been fortunate to know), and many…MANY…friends around the country. My wife, Rachel, and I have gone to dinner with them, I’ve visited them in Chicago when I’ve passed through, and I’ve had the great honor of sharing how much Mike meant to me during his celebration of life. Knowing them is one of the great gifts SVdP has brought to me.

Among the many things they have taught me over our 10 years of friendship is something that I now do in my personal giving: every gift Rachel and I make is now in honor or memory of someone meaningful in our lives.

Why does this matter—and why is it important that we offer this to our communities?

  1. We can help build relationships. Mike and Pat have made gifts in honor of me. When I received that notice, I was surprised, and it was incredibly meaningful to me. I felt closer to them, that I mattered to them.  It made an already close relationship all the more meaningful.
  2. It can inspire future giving. After Pat and Mike made that gift in honor of me, I made a corresponding gift to that organization. It brought my attention to that work in a different way and inspired me to be generous, as they had been generous.
  3. We can be part of telling people’s stories. Each time Mike and Pat made a gift in honor of someone, I’d call or email to find out more about the person. One of their neighbors, one of their doctors, friends from a club… Each came with a story that I now knew and could share with others. It’s a beautiful part of our Vincentian work to keep alive stories of caring and compassionate people who have served others with the humility and dedication of Blessed Frederic and Blessed Rosalie.

But most people have not made a habit of giving in this way, like Mike and Pat. We may need to ask the right questions or inspire others. I’d offer some questions and approaches you can use to help make giving even more meaningful:​

Tell me about the person who has inspired you most to care for others and be part of work like St. Vincent de Paul?

Have you ever considered making a gift in honor/in memory of that person? 

Could we do work together to honor that person? Would that bring you joy in being part of St. Vincent de Paul? 

There are also things we can do immediately to inspire others and make giving more meaningful. For instance, we can make sure we have an “In Honor of/In Memory of” field in our online donation pages or on our paper forms. And we can (and should!) always notify those honored!

We have a beautiful mission that prioritizes knowing and serving others. Offering to our donors the opportunity to give in honor or memory of those important to us is an important extension of that Vincentian mission.

  • Pam Hudson

Resources to Open/Expand a Thrift Store
Resources to Open/Expand a Thrift Store 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Finding resources to open a new thrift store or expand/invigorate an existing operation can be easier than you think. Why do it alone?

A great way to save time, avoid undue risk, obtain expert advice and guidance is to access the SVdP National Thrift Stores website (https://thriftstores.ssvpusa.org/) where you will find a wealth of information from thrift store veterans who are glad to share their knowledge and experience with fellow Vincentians.

It takes more to open a successful thrift store than enthusiasm, hope, and a prayer. As the cliché goes, the devil is in the details.

A successful operation requires a great deal of pre-planning and investigating as well as examining sources that have the content needed. The website provides many of these answers.

The home page features expandable topical sections that include Opening Your Store; Training/Development; Resources; Merchandising; Marketing/E-Commerce, as well as a Contact Us link. Each topic has a dropdown menu that includes detailed operational examples and illustrations that can be downloaded and tweaked for your specific needs.

In addition, Production Training Videos are viewable and downloadable to assist in staff training under the Resources topic.

Video Topics include How to Take Donations; Sorting and Hanging Clothing Station; Accessories, Shoes and Linen; Houseware Pricing; Clothing Pricing; & Furniture.

Using these videos for staff training refreshes and reinforces the expectations for paid employees and volunteers. They are great tools available to your management team.

The Stores website includes detailed examples and workable charts for operational procedures, store layouts, interior and exterior signage requirements, and a variety of other resources available, just to mention a few.

The Members of the Thrift Store Committee offer direct contact options. You can find your region’s store committee member by selecting About Us in the upper right corner of the webpage above. You can also schedule a visit to a National Model Training Store for assistance. Both options provide guidance and expertise of what a successful thrift store does and how it presents our Mission and Goals.

You can contact Jeff Beamguard, Director of Stores Support at the National Office. Jeff’s email is jbeamguard@svdpusa.org or call (720) 775-5376.

——-

We hope you are planning to attend the National Assembly in August in Phoenix, AZ.

The National Stores Committee has planned a GREAT program for you.

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the program will include presentations from Dr. Ken Snyder with the SVdP Phoenix Dental Clinic, an update on the 2nd National Store, a Store/Conference testimonial, learn about Recycling Dilemmas, and what is happening at SVdP in Eugene, OR.

Following our daylong program, there will be two opportunities to visit the National Store in Avondale, AZ. Transportation will be provided, but reservations are required due to space limitations.

Workshops are planned for Thursday afternoon. Topics include merchandising and store layouts, making a simple budget, how to increase customer count, how to measure productivity, Point of Sale (POS) and training new employees.

We encourage you to talk to your store managers and leadership about attending the National Assembly. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with and meet others around the country to share best practices.

—-

If you have questions or have a topic for a future Stores Corner article, please email our Director of Stores Support-Jeff Beamguard at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

 

  • Pam Hudson

06-27-24 Weekly Questions & Answers
06-27-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Q: How long do we have to keep our Conference records?

A: Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is seven (7) years. On page 32 of the Manual, there is a complete list by type of record of the numbers of years you are required to maintain them. Official records are maintained by both the Secretary and the Treasurer. All officers should be aware of the retention schedule.

Q: Is it a breach of confidentiality to provide all Conference Members with a working list of current case numbers with full names of people we serve and the date the case was opened?

A: Confidentiality is highly emphasized within the Society. Reports may be used to reflect information about (our friends in need as long as that information is protected and not allowed to be seen by those who are not Vincentians. If you cannot ensure this, then don’t use that method. This concept holds true for Conference minutes, lists of active people served, treasurer reports, etc.

P: ¿Cuánto tiempo tenemos que conservar los registros de la Conferencia?

R: En términos generales, una buena regla general es siete (7) años. En la página 32 del Manual, hay una lista completa sobre el tipo de registro y los números de años que se requiere para mantenerlos. Los registros oficiales son guardados tanto por el Secretario como por el Tesorero. Todos los oficiales deben estar al tanto del cronograma de retención.

P: ¿Es una violación de la confidencialidad proporcionar a todos los miembros de la Conferencia una lista de trabajo sobre los números de casos actuales con los nombres completos de las personas a las que servimos y la fecha en que se abrió el caso?

R: La confidencialidad se enfatiza mucho dentro de la Sociedad. Los informes pueden ser utilizados para reflejar información acerca de nuestros prójimos en necesidad, siempre y cuando esa información esté protegida y no se permita que sea vista por aquellos que no son Vicentinos. Si no puede garantizar esto, no use ese método. Este concepto es válido para las actas de la Conferencia, las listas de personas activas a las que se sirve, los informes de los tesoreros, etc.

  • Pam Hudson

A Duty To Delegate: Guidance For Vincentian Leaders
A Duty To Delegate: Guidance For Vincentian Leaders 1198 1198 Pam Hudson

Webster defines the verb “delegate” as “to entrust to another.”  It seems simple enough but isn’t always so when human nature intrudes.

Delegating is a core principle of sound management and our Rule expects Vincentian leaders to practice it.  Yet we frequently hear stories of Conferences and Councils unable to function effectively because presidents want to do everything their way and don’t delegate even basic responsibilities.  We also hear about leaders stepping down because they were “burned out” from placing undue and unwise burdens on themselves. Sadly, fulfilling our mission is often short-circuited by such misguided ideas of how to lead and manage those who share a vocation of service to God and His beloved poor.

Strong collaborative leadership is essential to making our Society a more effective source of help to the needy.  It brings fresh ideas into the operation of Conferences and Councils and moves us forward by promoting our Rule, forming members, and advancing goals and objectives.

Our Rule (3:11) tells us that “Following Christ’s example, the presidents at all levels of the Society endeavor to be servant leaders.  They provide an encouraging atmosphere in which the talents, capacities and spiritual charism of the members are identified, developed and put to the service of the poor and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.”  Such a focus on personal development also can provide a significant boost to a Conference’s or Council’s succession planning efforts.

There is abundant evidence that without effective leadership our service to the poor suffers and the viability of individual Conferences and Councils becomes a concern.  It is a time-tested truth that leadership is as important to the service of the poor as any other role in our Society.

Among the concerns expressed for not stepping into leadership by running for Conference or Council president is that it is too time-consuming.  That can be the case if leaders do not depend on others to assist them.  As a first among equals and as a servant leader, presidents should help others grow into leadership roles by appointing officers, board members and committee chairs – and using them – so it becomes a team effort.  Delegating duties to officers and making use of committees shares a Conference’s workload and enables others to become vital parts of the leadership team.  Presidents do not need to attend all committee meetings.  Committee chairs report back to them and to the membership.  Committees also provide an opportunity to identify and develop capable candidates to move into leadership positions.

Some key points to ponder:

  • Leaders are not expected to act alone – leadership is inherently a collaborative effort.
  • Our Rule recognizes that family and job responsibilities come first.
  • Leadership is not a personal mission but a team mission and God’s mission.
  • There is a need to build a leadership team – officers and committee heads.
  • The basic idea is to spread the work around – let others report to the president.
  • Leaders need to put their trust in God and not lose sight of the spirituality of our mission.
  • Leaders must use the God-given talents of others.

Our mission calls us to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the poor and needy in the tradition of our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.  Serving as the president of a Council or Conference provides an ideal platform from which to enhance one’s own spiritual life.  A great privilege of leadership is the priceless opportunity to nurture the spirituality of fellow Vincentians while inspiring them to be ambassadors of the mission of St. Vincent de Paul in our communities by bringing the love and mercy of Christ to His suffering children.

Since our founding, Vincentians have been bolstered by an unwavering trust in the providence of God who has demonstrated during the past 191 years that He attaches a high priority to the success of our Society.  We have, after all, said “yes” to His call.  He wants us to succeed, whatever role we play in His plan for our personal ministry of love and compassion.

  • Pam Hudson

06-20-24 Weekly Questions & Answers
06-20-24 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Pam Hudson

Q:  If a Conference currently included in the 501c3 group ruling enters into a collaborative effort with another nonprofit to operate a soup kitchen, is there any impact to exclude them from the group ruling?  Also, if that effort is exclusively a Conference effort, is there any impact on the council as part of the group ruling?

A: The answer to both questions is “no.”  If the Conference is using the Council’s EIN, the Conference should seek permission from the Council before establishing or joining a collaborative. The only real impact on the Council would be if they submit a consolidated 990 to IRS which includes all the Conferences.  If so, just be sure to report to the Council everything that is appropriate.  The Conference should not join into a collaborative with a for-profit organization.

 Q: Is it appropriate and ethical to donate a significant amount of money to a local Conference directing where that donation should go? e.g. a mortgage payment, a used car, tuition, etc. and then write that off your taxes as a charitable donation to SVDP?

 A: It is appropriate for Conferences to accept restricted donations that are identified for general things like food, rent, utilities, etc.  It is also permissible to accept donations to help a specific individual if the individual/family was approved for help by the Conference and if the donation was based on a request from the Conference to help that individual/family. It is legal to claim the donation to SVdP as a charitable write off.

It is NOT proper for a Conference to accept an unsolicited donation from a donor who wants the funds to go specifically to an individual/family for a purpose they designate.

 P: Si una Conferencia actualmente es incluida en el decreto del grupo 501c3; y esa Conferencia entra en un acuerdo de colaboración con otra organización sin fines de lucro para operar un comedor de beneficencia, ¿hay algún impacto para excluirlos del decreto del grupo?  Además, si ese acuerdo es exclusivamente un esfuerzo de la Conferencia, ¿hay algún impacto en el Consejo como parte de la decisión del grupo?

R: La respuesta a ambas preguntas es “no”.  Si la Conferencia está utilizando el EIN del Consejo, la Conferencia debe solicitar permiso al Consejo antes de establecer o unirse en una colaboración. El único impacto real en el Consejo sería si presentaran un 990 consolidado al IRS que incluya todas las Conferencias.  Si es así, asegúrese de informar al Consejo de todo lo que sea conveniente.  La Conferencia no debe unirse a una colaboración con otra organización con fines de lucro.

 P: ¿Es correcto y ético donar una cantidad significativa de dinero a una Conferencia local que indica a dónde debe ir esa donación? por ejemplo, el pago de una hipoteca, un automóvil usado, la matrícula, etc. y luego deducir eso de sus impuestos como una donación benéfica a SVDP?

 R: Es correcto que las Conferenci as acepten donaciones restringidas que se identifiquen para cosas generales como alimentos, alquiler, servicios públicos, etc.  También está permitido aceptar donaciones para ayudar a una persona específica si la persona/familia fue aprobada para recibir ayuda por la Conferencia y si la donación se basó en una solicitud de la Conferencia para ayudar a esa persona/familia.  NO es correcto que una Conferencia acepte una donación no solicitada de un donante que quiere que los fondos vayan específicamente a un individuo/familia para un propósito que ellos designen.

  • Pam Hudson

What Makes a Good Board Member?
What Makes a Good Board Member? 1198 1198 Pam Hudson

It’s important to know what is involved in being a good Board member. BoardSource, considered the premier voice of nonprofit governance, notes that “While all effective Board members understand and meet their basic responsibilities, truly exceptional Board members do more. They go beyond the basics and pay attention to how they approach Board service. These six characteristics build on straightforward Board duties and focus on key traits of exceptional Board members.”

Click here to read the BoardSource article which explains each characteristic.

  • Pam Hudson

Invitation For Renewal July 10-14, 2024
Invitation For Renewal July 10-14, 2024 940 788 Pam Hudson

Space is still available for Invitation for Renewal #41, taking place July 10 – 14. Registration Fee is $425, and includes registration fee, meals and overnight accommodations. To register, go to:  https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/invitation-for-renewal-41. Can’t attend in July, future dates are available, go to:  https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/invitation-for-renewal.

What is Invitation for Renewal?  It is a leadership formation program for current and emerging Vincentian Leaders. It is intended to help the Society return to its roots to better understand its mission and values. It Develops and strengthens leaders to move the Society forward in ways that are true to both our spiritual foundation and the needs of those who are poor today.

  • Pam Hudson

2024 National Assembly Registration Is Now Open!
2024 National Assembly Registration Is Now Open! 624 515 Pam Hudson

Registration is now open for the 2024 Phoenix National Assembly, taking place August 14 – 17 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Both Pre and Post Meeting activities are available, plan to arrive early or stay late. Join us for our Keynote Presenters, Donna Beegle, Ph.D., Steve Zabilski & Shannon Clancy, and two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner, Nicholas Kristof. Spiritual Retreat with Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., and the Installation of our new National Council CEO.

Don’t miss the opportunity to share in the Vision SVdP experience as well as an amazing array of workshops, regional meetings and the Host City Event, “State 48 Arizona Nights BBQ.” Hope you’ll be there with us as we learn how to “Adapt to a Changing World.” For More Information: Click here: https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/2024-phoenix-national-assembly-agenda

Early Registration Fee is $490 per person, and includes registration fees and all group meals. If you have any questions, please contact Michele Schurk at mschurk@svdpusa.org.

National Assembly Registeration: https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/2024-phoenix-national-assembly

National Assembly Agenda: https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/2024-phoenix-national-assembly-agenda

National Assembly Workshops & Bios: https://meetingssvdpusa.regfox.com/national-assembly-workshops-descriptions-bios

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