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  • Kristen Blacksher

6-12-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
6-12-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

June 12, 2025

Q: If a Vincentian moves to a new parish, can they remain with the Conference in their old parish or should they join the Conference in their new parish?

A: Members of the Society should affiliate themselves with their local parish Conference and Diocese. This will allow the member to continue to be considered a full-time active member. Thus, if the member moves to a new parish, so should their membership record be moved to a new Conference. However, there is nothing in The Rule that requires a Vincentian to be a parishioner of the parish where the Conference exists. There is also nothing in The Rule that would prevent a person from being a member in multiple Conferences. Also, it is possible for the pastor of a parish to make a restriction that only his parishioners be involved in ministry in his parish. If he so decides, we must honor that.

Q: Can a member of the Greek Orthodox Church be an officer and/or a spiritual advisor in our Conference?

A: When The Rule was approved internationally in 2003, each country was given the option of accepting the allowance of non-Catholics as officers as defined in Part 1 of The Rule. The United States decided that only Catholics may be officers of the Society. So, it is important to understand that only Catholics can be active members, and only active (full) members may be officers. It is also important to understand that only Catholics may be spiritual advisors. There are certain eastern rites that are in full communion with the Catholic Church. Members of eastern rite churches are welcome as active (full) members. However, the Greek Orthodox Church is not in communion with the Catholic Church; therefore, the individual you speak of cannot be an officer or a spiritual advisor. He/she can be an associate member.

12 de Junio

P: Si un Vicentino se cambia a una nueva parroquia, ¿puede permanecer en la Conferencia en su antigua parroquia o debe unirse a la Conferencia en su nueva parroquia?

R: Los miembros de la Sociedad deben afiliarse a su parroquia y diócesis local. Esto permitirá que el miembro continúe siendo considerado un Miembro Activo a tiempo completo. Por lo tanto, si el miembro se muda a una nueva parroquia, también debe trasladarse su registro de membresía a una nueva Conferencia. Sin embargo, no hay nada en la Regla que requiera que un Vicentino sea feligrés de la parroquia donde existe la Conferencia. Tampoco hay nada en La Regla que impida a una persona ser miembro de varias Conferencias. Además, es posible que el párroco de una parroquia haga una restricción para que solo sus feligreses participen en el ministerio en su parroquia. Si él así lo decide, debemos honrarlo.

P: ¿Puede un miembro de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega ser Oficial y/o Consejero Espiritual en nuestra Conferencia?

R: Cuando la Regla fue aprobada internacionalmente en 2003, a cada país se le dio la opción de aceptar la asignación de no Católicos como Oficiales, tal como se define en la Parte 1 de la Regla. Los Estados Unidos decidieron que sólo los Católicos podían ser Oficiales de la Sociedad. Por lo tanto, es importante entender que solo los Católicos pueden ser Miembros Activos, y solo los Miembros Activos (en pleno derecho) pueden ser Oficiales. También es importante entender que solo los Católicos pueden ser Consejeros Espirituales. Hay ciertos ritos orientales que están en plena comunión con la Iglesia Católica. Los miembros de las iglesias de rito oriental son bienvenidos como Miembros Activos (en pleno derecho). Sin embargo, la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega no está en comunión con la Iglesia Católica; Por lo tanto, la persona de la que usted habla no puede ser un Oficial o un Consejero Espiritual. Puede ser solamente Miembro Asociado.

  • Kristen Blacksher

6-5-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
6-5-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

June 5, 2025

Q: Are there any guidelines regarding reimbursement of Vincentians for attending national and regional meetings? Who is eligible, what is covered, what about spouses, and what about side events? (trips, golf, etc.)

A: If a member is designated as one who must attend a national or regional meeting, such as the National Council Member, then the Council to which the member belongs is expected to pay the expenses for the trip, hotel, normal meals, and meeting. This is only for the members (who are) expected to attend. It does not cover spouses, and it does not cover extraordinary expenses or side events unless the event is a necessary part of the gathering. If a Council or Conference chooses to sponsor anyone else to attend, or if someone wants to attend on their own, they may do so. The Council/Conference may set their own guidelines for what expenses are covered.

Q: If a Conference is going through some difficult times due to behaviors from an officer that are against the most basic and fundamental values of the Society, is it proper to involve the Spiritual Advisor? I believe we are obligated to involve our Spiritual Advisor, as I am concerned about the spiritual health of the members and the Conference. Is this proper?

A: One of the most important functions of a Spiritual Advisor is to help all of the members keep things in perspective (spiritually and in service). Yes, it would be important to include the Spiritual Advisor. Also, keep in mind that only the president is an elected position. All other officers are appointed by the president who may remove them from office if they are not fulfilling their roles properly and appoint someone else. The Rule, Part III, Statute 12 states: “All officers named by the president serve at the pleasure of the president.” This indicates the ability of the president to remove an officer and appoint someone in his/her place.

5 de Junio

P: ¿Existen directrices sobre el reembolso a los Vicentinos por asistir a las reuniones Nacionales y Regionales? ¿Quién es elegible, qué está cubierto, qué pasa con los cónyuges, qué pasa con los eventos paralelos (viajes, golf, etc.), etc.?

R: Si se designa a un Miembro como alguien que debe asistir a una reunión Nacional o Regional, como Miembro del Consejo Nacional, se espera que el Consejo al que pertenece, pague los gastos del viaje, el hotel, las comidas normales y la reunión. Esto es solo para los Miembros (que) se espera que asistan. No cubre a los cónyuges, y no cubre gastos extraordinarios o eventos paralelos a menos que el evento sea una parte necesaria de la reunión. Si un Consejo o Conferencia decide patrocinar a alguien más para que asista, o si alguien quiere asistir por su cuenta, puede hacerlo. El Consejo/Conferencia puede establecer sus propias directrices sobre los gastos que se cubren.

P: Si una Conferencia está pasando por momentos difíciles debido a comportamientos de un Oficial que van en contra de los valores más básicos y fundamentales de la Sociedad, ¿es apropiado involucrar al Consejero Espiritual? Creo que estamos obligados a involucrar a nuestro Consejero Espiritual, ya que estoy preocupado por la salud espiritual de los miembros y de la Conferencia. ¿Es correcto hacerlo?

R: Una de las funciones más importantes de un Consejero Espiritual es ayudar a todos los miembros a mantener las cosas en perspectiva (espiritualmente y en el servicio). Sí, sería importante incluir al Consejero Espiritual. Además, tenga en cuenta que solo el Presidente es electo. Todos los demás Oficiales son nombrados por el Presidente, quien puede destituirlos de su cargo si no cumplen adecuadamente sus funciones y nombrar a otra persona. La Regla, Parte III, Estatuto 12 establece: “Todos los Oficiales son nombrados por el Presidente y sirven a voluntad del Presidente”. Esto indica la capacidad del Presidente para destituir a un Oficial y nombrar a alguien en su lugar.

  • Kristen Blacksher

5-29-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
5-29-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

May 29, 2025

Q: I’m an active member of our St. Vincent de Paul Conference and working on recruiting new members. I read somewhere in SVdP documents that it’s best to keep active members to about 10 and associate members to about 20. We have eight active members but no associate members. Can you tell me where that document is located?

A: There is no known document at the National Council suggesting the ideal number of active or associate members. The absolute minimum number of members needed in a Conference is four, which are the officers; or five members if a spiritual advisor is appointed. The minimum six or seven members are suggested to really have an effective Conference. It depends on the number of activities and what the Conference is accomplishing in terms of the needs of the community that is being served.

Q: Is it allowed, or permitted, for an associate member to “go on a case with an active Vincentian?” Can an associate member take an active part in deciding what should or should not take place with a case once a case has been visited by an active Vincentian and this associate member?

A: If an associate member is allowed to go on home visits it means that the Conference has confidence in their judgment. It would be wrong to take an associate member along on a home visit just to fulfill the two Vincentians rule. Only active members can decide how to assist a neighbor visited.

29 de Mayo

P: Soy un miembro activo de nuestra Conferencia de San Vicente de Paúl y estoy trabajando en el reclutamiento de nuevos miembros. Leí en algún lugar de los documentos de SVdP que es mejor mantener los miembros activos en unos 10 y los miembros asociados en unos 20. Tenemos ocho miembros activos, pero no tenemos miembros asociados. ¿Puede decirme dónde se encuentra ese documento?

R: No se conoce ningún documento en el Consejo Nacional que sugiera el número ideal de miembros activos o asociados. El número mínimo absoluto de miembros necesarios en una Conferencia es de cuatro, que son los miembros de la Mesa Directiva; o cinco miembros si se nombra un Consejero Espiritual. Se sugiere un mínimo de seis o siete miembros para tener una Conferencia realmente efectiva. Depende del número de actividades y de lo que la Conferencia esté logrando en términos de las necesidades de la comunidad a la que se sirve.

P: ¿Está permitido, o está autorizado, que un miembro asociado “vaya a un caso” con un Vicentino activo”? ¿Puede un miembro asociado tomar parte activa en la decisión de lo que debe o no debe suceder en un caso una vez que ha sido visitado por un Vicentino activo y este miembro asociado?

R: Si a un miembro asociado se le permite ir a una Visita Domiciliaria, significa que la Conferencia tiene confianza en su juicio. Sería un error llevar a un miembro asociado a una Visita Domiciliaria solo para cumplir con la Regla de los dos Vicentinos. Solo los miembros activos pueden decidir cómo servir a un prójimo visitado.

  • Kristen Blacksher

5-22-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
5-22-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

May 22, 2025

Q: I am taking office as a new Conference president. I would like to have an audit done for our Conference. Is it proper for me to do so?

A: Yes. The Rule is explicit, Conferences are required to have an informal annual audit. It is especially recommended when a new president is taking office. This helps assure the Conference members that they are following proper procedures and all is well. If all is not well, then corrective action must be taken. Audit procedures can be found in Governance-in-a-Box: Conference Audit Manual and Worksheets. Also, the Rule, Part III, Statute 27 authorizes a Council president to call for an audit when he/she determines it is appropriate.

Q: Our Conference occasionally needs to order things online and we don’t want to use a debit card from our checking account. I am applying for a special credit card from our bank that is for non-profits. But in the application, they ask for “Proof of Legal Identity” by supplying one of the following documents: Articles of Incorporation, Trust Instrument, Secretary of State Filing, Certificate of Good Standing or Government-Issued Business License. I looked in the Governance in a Box and could not find any of these documents. Do you know if individual Conferences have these documents or are they all controlled from our National Offices? We use our Council’s Tax ID number, and we are included on their IRS Form 990. We do not have a separate Tax ID number.

A: If you are organized and have tax-exemption status under a Council, you should work with your Council to set up your debit card or credit card account. This matter should be based on who the legal entity is, or whose name the EIN# is listed under. If the Council is the legal entity and not the Conference, you must work with your Council to obtain the ‘proof of legal identity.’ None of the documents listed are owned or managed by National. If you are in an Isolated Conference or if the Conference otherwise has its own EIN, then those documents and licenses are controlled at the local level.

22 de Mayo

P: Asumiré el cargo como nuevo Presidente de la Conferencia. Me gustaría que se hiciera una auditoría de nuestra Conferencia. ¿Es correcto que yo lo haga?

R: Sí, La Regla es explícita, las Conferencias están obligadas a tener una auditoría anual informal. Es especialmente recomendable cuando un nuevo Presidente está asumiendo el cargo. Esto ayuda a asegurar a los miembros de la Conferencia que están siguiendo los procedimientos adecuados y que todo está bien. Si no todo está correcto, se deben tomar medidas correctivas. Los procedimientos de auditoría se pueden encontrar en Governance-in-a-Box: Conference Audit Manual and Worksheets. Además, la Regla, Parte III, Estatuto 27 autoriza al Presidente del Consejo a solicitar una auditoría cuando determine que es adecuado.

P: Nuestra Conferencia ocasionalmente necesita ordenar cosas en línea y no queremos usar una tarjeta de débito de nuestra cuenta corriente. Estoy solicitando una tarjeta de crédito especial de nuestro banco que es para organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Pero en la solicitud, piden “Prueba de Identidad Legal” proporcionando uno de los siguientes documentos: Artículos de Incorporación, Instrumento de Fideicomiso, Presentación del certificado de Existencia de Estado, Certificado de Buena Reputación o Licencia Comercial Emitida por el Gobierno. Busqué en Governance in a Box y no pude encontrar ninguno de estos documentos. ¿Sabe si cada una de las Conferencias tiene estos documentos o todos están controlados desde nuestras Oficinas Nacionales? Utilizamos el número de identificación fiscal de nuestro Consejo y estamos incluidos en su Formulario 990 del IRS. No tenemos un número de identificación fiscal separado.

R: Si usted está organizado y tiene un estado de exención de impuestos bajo un Consejo, debe trabajar con su Consejo para configurar su cuenta de tarjeta de débito o crédito. Este asunto debe basarse en quién es la entidad legal o bajo qué nombre figura el EIN#. Si el Consejo es la entidad legal y no la Conferencia, usted debe trabajar con su Consejo para obtener la ‘prueba de identidad legal’. Ninguno de los documentos enumerados es propiedad de la Oficina Nacional, ni está gestionado por la Oficina Nacional. Si se encuentra en una Conferencia Aislada o si la Conferencia tiene su propio EIN, entonces esos documentos y licencias se controlan a nivel local.

  • Kristen Blacksher

5-15-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
5-15-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

May 15, 2025

Q: I am a member of a Conference, and I have heard that fifth Sunday second collection of the church should be for St. Vincent de Paul. However, it became apparent that our church is not following that. I would appreciate it if you could send me in writing when and how it was voted in by the USCCB.

A: The fifth Sunday collection is considered traditional, but it is not a formal collection throughout the Church. Any collection held on behalf of the Society is at the option of the pastor. You will find many instances throughout the country where there is NO fifth Sunday collection for the Society.

Q: Can one person deliver food to another organization by himself, or do we need to send two?

A: The two-person rule must be followed. This is SVdP food still being given away and must be handled properly with accountability of our resources.

15 de Mayo

P: Soy miembro de una Conferencia, y he oído que la segunda colecta del quinto domingo de la iglesia debería ser para San Vicente de Paúl. Sin embargo, se hizo evidente que nuestra iglesia no está siguiendo eso. Le agradecería que me enviara por escrito cuándo y cómo fue votado por la USCCB.

R: La colecta del quinto domingo se considera tradicional, pero no es una colecta formal en toda la Iglesia. Cualquier colecta que se haga en nombre de la Sociedad es a elección del párroco. Encontrará muchos casos en todo el país donde NO hay una colecta del quinto domingo para la Sociedad.

P: ¿Puede una persona entregar alimentos a otra organización por sí misma, o necesitamos enviar a dos personas?

R: Se debe seguir la regla de las dos personas. Estos son los alimentos de SVdP que se donan y debe ser manejados adecuadamente con la responsabilidad de nuestros recursos.

  • Kristen Blacksher

5-8-25 Weekly Questions & Answers
5-8-25 Weekly Questions & Answers 1200 628 Kristen Blacksher

May 8, 2025

Q: I am struggling with a decision made by our Conference.  I disagree with it.  How do I deal with this?

A: The decisions of a Conference or Council are made by the Conference or Council as a whole either through consensus or by a vote.  Once the decision is made, all members must abide by the decision whether they agree with it or not.

Q: What is the Society’s stand on comingled funds and parish collections?

A: In the Minimum Standards for Conferences that were approved by the National Council, number 11 states: The Conference maintains a bank account separate from the parish, under the control of the conference Treasurer. (Rule, Part III, Statutes 12 and 24, U.S. Manual, Pages 26 and 30) There shall be no comingling of funds.  The Society is in control of and responsible for all funds donated to it – the collection of those funds and the distribution of those funds.  A parish may hold a collection on behalf of the Society, but it must then turn over those funds to the Society in a reasonable time.  Sometimes the parish will count the collection and turn over the funds to the Society.  Sometimes the parish will put the collection in a bag and hand it to the Society for their counting.  In either case, the funds are given to the Society in a timely manner.  Each Conference, as part of their obligation to good stewardship, will provide to the parish at least an annual summary of its collections and expenditures.  No details are to be provided because of our emphasis on confidentiality.

8 de Mayo

P: Estoy batallando con una decisión tomada por nuestra Conferencia.  No estoy de acuerdo con la decisión.  ¿Cómo me enfrento a esto?

R: Las decisiones de una Conferencia o Consejo son tomadas por la Conferencia o el Consejo en su conjunto, ya sea por consenso o por votación.  Una vez tomada la decisión, todos los miembros deben acatar la decisión, estén o no de acuerdo con ella.

P: ¿Cuál es la posición de la Sociedad en cuanto a los fondos mezclados y las colectas parroquiales?

R: En las Guías Mínimas para las Conferencias que fueron aprobadas por el Consejo Nacional, el número 11 establece: La Conferencia mantiene una cuenta bancaria separada de la parroquia, bajo el control del Tesorero de la Conferencia. (Regla, Parte III, Estatutos 12 y 24, Manual de los Estados Unidos, páginas 26 y 30) No habrá mezcla de fondos.  La Sociedad tiene el control y es responsable de todos los fondos que se le donan: la recolección de esos fondos y la distribución de esos fondos.  Una parroquia puede realizar una colecta en nombre de la Sociedad, pero luego debe entregar esos fondos a la Sociedad en un tiempo razonable.  En ocasiones, la parroquia cuenta la colecta y entrega los fondos a la Sociedad.  En otras ocasiones, la parroquia pone la colecta en una bolsa y la entrega a la Sociedad para que la cuente.  En cualquier caso, los fondos se entregan a la Sociedad de manera oportuna.  Cada Conferencia, como parte de su obligación de buena administración, proporcionará a la parroquia por lo menos un informe anual de sus colectas y gastos.  No se proporcionarán detalles debido a nuestro énfasis en la confidencialidad.

  • Kristen Blacksher

Feature: Annual Reporting is an Essential Membership Requirement
Feature: Annual Reporting is an Essential Membership Requirement 800 800 Kristen Blacksher

SVdP Annual Reporting is an Essential Membership Requirement

By Pam Hudson Johnson, National Director of Membership Services

Annual reporting is an essential requirement for all Councils and Conferences.

On May 1st at 11:59pm, the final deadline for online Annual Reports data entry closes (that is midnight tonight!). All Councils and Conferences must submit an annual report.

Why Annual Reporting is So Important:

Accountability and Compliance: The annual reports help maintain proper record-keeping and compliance with the requirements of our tax-exempt status.

Solidarity and Income Calculation: The current formula is based on income shown in the annual reports.  If a Council or Conference does not submit an annual report, it causes significant delays in the solidarity process.

Budgeting and Operations: Delays in reports cause delays in the budgeting process and affect the operations of the National Council.

Conference Annual Reports are due by November 30; District Council Reports by December 31; and (Arch)Diocesan Council Reports by January 31. Any reports not entered before midnight must be submitted in paper form.

Each year our national consolidated annual report publication is shared with our members nationally and internationally, U.S. Bishops, donors and contributors, elected officials and many more of the great works the Society is doing in the U.S. to serve our neighbors in need. This is our way of telling our story, and the good work we are doing to serve our neighbors in need to alleviate poverty in our communities. Find a copy of the 2022-2023 National annual report here.

To better understand the reporting structure, based on our formal structure, please see details below:

  1. For those dioceses which have an Archdiocesan or Diocesan Council: This is based on the formal structure of the Society – not on your legal name. Some Councils have improperly called themselves a Diocesan Council even though they are really a District Council. An Archdiocesan Council or a Diocesan Council has District Councils reporting to it. An Archdiocesan Council or a Diocesan Council has NO Conferences reporting directly to it.

An Archdiocesan Council or a Diocesan Council will provide multiple reports as appropriate. At a minimum, it will provide the (Arch)Diocesan Council Data, the Consolidated Districts Report and the Consolidated Conferences Report. In addition, if the (Arch)Diocesan Council operates any stores, it will provide a single store report for each store. If the (Arch)Diocesan Council operates any Special Works, it will provide a single Special Work Report for each separate Special Work.

  1. For all District Councils: This applies to every District Council regardless of whether they belong to an Archdiocesan Council or a Diocesan Council or are simply a standalone District Council. A District Council has Conferences reporting directly to it.

A District Council will provide multiple reports as appropriate. At a minimum, it will provide the District Council Data and the Consolidated Conferences Report. In addition, if the District Council operates any stores, it will provide a single store report for each store. If the District Council operates any Special Works, it will provide a single Special Work Report for each separate Special Work.

  1. For all Conferences: At a minimum, a Conference will provide the Annual Conference Report. In addition, if the Conference operates any stores, it will provide a single store report for each store. If the Conference operates any Special Works, it will provide a single Special Work Report for each separate Special Work.

Things to Know and Common Misconceptions:

-Some regions have believed new Councils and Conferences do not need to submit reports in their first year, but this is incorrect. All Councils and Conferences must submit an annual report each year.

-All Vincentians are accountable for the work they do and they are required, at all levels, to do proper record keeping. Remember that the key to good reporting is keeping good records throughout the reporting year [i.e., monthly and quarterly reporting].

-The National Council does not require quarterly report filings. Conference quarterly reports are provided by the national office as a courtesy for completion by Conferences at the request of their District Councils.

If you have any questions regarding annual reporting, contact Pam Hudson Johnson, National Director of Membership Services at phudson@svdpusa.org  or (314) 576-3993 extension 214. We are One Society!

  • Kristen Blacksher

Feature: Membership Services & Aggregation
Feature: Membership Services & Aggregation 2560 1920 Kristen Blacksher

Aggregation: Your Official Enrollment into the Vincentian Family

By Pam Hudson Johnson, National Director of Membership Services

SVdP’s Rule and practices require that Conferences and Councils take the necessary steps to become membered into the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This process of becoming membered as a Conference is known as aggregation. The process of membership as a Council is known as institution.

The National Council strongly urges Conferences and Councils to review your official status. If you find that you have not been formally accepted into the Society internationally, please take immediate steps to rectify that oversight.

Photo: SVdP Georgia’s Wall of Aggregation

How do I know that my Conference has been Aggregated?

When you are formally recognized as an official SVdP entity in solidarity and adherence to the Rule, your Conference will receive a Letter of Aggregation, or your Council will receive a Letter of Institution.

New Conferences are eligible to apply for aggregation after one year operation, filing an annual report and contributing to solidarity. Councils do not have a waiting period and can apply for institution immediately after formation.

The National Council office is pleased to announce the recent arrival of 26 Letters of Aggregation and 6 Letters of Institution all dated December 15, 2024 from the International Council. Applications from around the world are processed and there is a 6-9 month delay in receiving the certificates.

History of Aggregation

From the very beginning, Society members wanted to retain the closeness of brotherhood, and as such, they were hesitant about subdividing and forming numerous Conferences. When they realized the need for additional Conferences, they wanted to preserve a sense of common unity and solidarity with one another. To preserve this unity and solidarity, official enrollment in the Vincentian family has always remained a function of the Council General itself. The Council General established the application process and announces new affiliations.

In the Manual page 27 and throughout the Rule (Sec 1.3.8; Sec 2.6 & Sec 3 Statute 6) you will find an official definition and explanation of the process of aggregation for Conferences and institution for (Arch) Diocesan Councils and Districts.

Benefits of Aggregation

Once your Conference is aggregated or your Council is instituted, you will be eligible for participation in national programs such as Friends of the Poor® and Systemic Change grants and Certificates of Appreciation.

Is your Conference aggregated, and Council instituted? To learn more, contact Membership Services at membership@svdpusa.org.

  • admin

Councils And Their Conferences
Councils And Their Conferences 1198 1198 admin

Councils And Their Conferences

(Excerpted From Vincentian Life: Council)

This document is about Councils; yet, the starting point of this document is Conferences. Why is that? As you will see below, Councils don’t exist without Conferences and the Council’s primary role is to support the Conferences.

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNCIL

This is an important principle to keep in mind: Conferences that do not want to participate with the Council have not been convinced they receive anything of value from the Council and its activities.  Councils should never be formed simply for the sake of forming a Council.  Councils have a particular purpose and the Conferences must understand what that is.

In the Rule that was in effect prior to 2003, there was a statement that was a clear definition of the purpose of any Council.  This statement was in Part II of the Rule, Article 15:

  • Councils are responsible for animating and coordinating the work of SVdP units within their respective jurisdictions.
  • They serve the Conferences.  All Councils are first and foremost at the service of the Conferences with a view to furthering charitable activities.  Because every Council gathers information about human needs and services from a variety of sources – the community at large, as well as the Conferences – it keeps Conferences in touch with changing social problems and new programs for helping people.
  • … each year, each Council obtains and compiles a consolidated annual report of all the Conferences and Councils attached to it.  The Council’s report is then forwarded with any comments to the next higher Council for the preparation of the annual report of the (National) Council of the United States.
  • Councils encourage initiatives and strive to bring about the establishment of Conferences, Councils and new works, and the revival of dormant or defunct Conferences.
  • A Council reviews and evaluates applications for aggregationand institution that are submitted by its affiliated SVdP groups.  If approved at District and Diocesan Council levels, the application is forwarded to the National Council for transmittal to the Council General (International).
  • Councils organize, to the fullest possible extent, training and formation sessions for members and potential members on spiritual themes, the Vincentian vocation, and problems of social action and justice.
  • To coordinate Vincentian work, Councils keep in regular contact with their Conferences and Councils and inform them of the activities of the Society.
  • The Council represents its constituent units in contacts with religious and public authorities.
  • Each Council determines the expected contribution (solidarity) from attached Conferences and Councils in order to meet its necessary expenses and assist needy Conference and Council groupings attached to it.
  • Special works of the Society conducted by the Councils must rely on the Conferences for support, personnel and funds.

In the current Rule, these responsibilities have not changed.  They are also spelled out but not in so compact a form.

The fact of the matter is that all Conferences should be aware of what the Council is doing for them.  Conferences should be receiving benefits from the Council that clearly provide value to them.  It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that Conferences understand this clearly.  Ultimately, it is the Conference members themselves who make up the Councils and who make the decisions in support of the Conferences.

STRONG CONFERENCES

Strong Conferences make a strong Council!  It is the Council’s responsibility to assist and guide Conferences in fulfilling the mission of the Society.  The best way to do this is to ensure that Conference leadership and members understand what the Society is all about, what the role of the Conference is and what is expected of members.

When Conferences get into trouble (begin to decline or get into some other difficulty), it is far better to be proactive rather than reactive.  It is recommended that each Council form a Conference Resources and Concerns Committee to:

  • Promote understanding and compliance with the Rule, Bylawsand Manual;
  • Develop resources that will help Conferencesto understand and fulfill their roles in the Society;
  • Provide trainingmaterials for Conference leadership;
  • Monitor Conference activityand act to assist Conferences who are in trouble;
  • Promote and assist in establishing new Conferences;
  • Assist in revitalizing existing Conferences, where needed; and
  • Mediate Conference concerns where needed.

A well-formed Conference Resources and Concerns Committee can monitor Conference activities and offer many aids to make a Conference more effective.

MONITOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The following special conditions should be monitored regularly and addressed as necessary:

  1. Conference President’s term of office is limited to two consecutive three-year terms.  After the two terms, the President must be out of office for at least three years before being elected once again.  Technically, as soon as the six years expires, the President is no longer in office and the Conference operates under the leadership of the first Vice President until the election of a new President.  In the case of violation of this rule, the Council must ensure that an election is held to replace the outgoing President as soon as possible.
  2. Each Conference is to have at least four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Each office must be held by a separate person.  No one person may hold multiple officer positions.  In addition, Statute 12 of Part III of the Rule indicates that a President must not appoint his/her spouse or other closely related individual to an officer position.
  3. Service area comes into conflict often within the Society.  The District Council should ensure that Conferences provide service only to those people living within the boundaries established for the Conference.  These boundaries should be established as a formal agreement between the Conferences in the Council.  In some cases, the boundaries will simply be the parish boundaries.  In other cases the boundaries may be more extensive, as long as they are agreed upon by the Council. This way, people seeking service cannot simply go from Conference to Conference seeking help.  The Conference covering the area where that person or family lives is the one that makes the decision as to help or not help.

 VOICE/VOTE IN THE COUNCIL

Conferences should have a voice in every major decision.  No Voice, no Vote, no Vincentian will be at the meeting or activity.  It is important that every Conference is represented at the District Council and that the Conference President (or his/her designated representative) is there to speak for them.

Most Council bylaws have a clause that will remove a Conference President from Council membership/voice/vote if the President misses a certain number of meetings.  This removal is a tragedy for the Council, the Conference and the people we serve.

UP TO DATE

Conferences should be aware of all conditions and circumstances both local and global that will impact them or the Council.  Conferences should be especially aware of any major situation that threatens the well-being of the Council.  Therefore, it is an obligation of the Council to keep the Conferences well-informed and in a timely manner.

The Council should strive to develop a fabric of communication.  One that goes up and down the normal channels but also goes sideways from Conference to Conference and from Vincentian to Vincentian.  A strong fabric of communication will strengthen the Council and avoid the problems of it relying on a few people to make it run.  If those few leave the Council for any reason it can take weeks or months to learn all that needs to be known on how the Council operates.  A fabric of communications creates an informal communications network that helps keep the members informed.

HELP IN COUNCIL EFFORTS

Conferences should be involved on a regular and frequent basis in the operation of the Council.  This can be accomplished by involving them as Council Members, as volunteers, as committee members, on special projects, on fundraising, in special works, in general membership meetings and in every other way that may be appropriate.

FORMATION/TRAINING

The Council should provide formation and training to all members of the Council especially new Vincentians.  The National Formation and Spirituality Committee has developed formation/training programs that are available across the country.  The National website (https://members.ssvpusa.org/)  has many documents, presentations, etc. available that should be used to form and train Vincentians.

By a resolution of the National Council, all new members of the Society have to attend an Ozanam Orientation within their first year as a member.  Also, any member, who is elected to or appointed to be an officer at any level in the Society, must have attended an Ozanam Orientation or must attend one within the first year as an officer. It is highly recommended that all members of the Society attend the Ozanam Orientation at least once.  Attending the Ozanam Orientation every three to four years as a refresher is recommended for all members.

This places a burden on the Council.  The Council must provide the Ozanam Orientation formation program within the Council area as often as is necessary to fulfill the requirements for training prescribed by the National Council.  If the District Council lacks the resources to provide the Ozanam Orientation on an as needed basis, it should seek assistance from the next higher Council to provide this training.

CONFERENCE/COUNCIL VISITATION

Conference visitation by a District Council (District Council visitation by a Diocesan Council) is an extremely important responsibility of the Council.  The Officers and Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director should each attend one Conference (Council in case of Diocesan Council) meeting each month to facilitate communications and solidarity with them.  That means that five meetings a month could be attended if the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director each participate.  In many District Councils, this would mean that each Conference is visited at least twice a year.  For Diocesan Councils, coverage depends on the frequency of District meetings.  A staff person should come along on some of the visits to explain what that department or special work does and how they can assist the Conference/Council.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

A planned program for youth involvement is very important.  Many aids are available for recruitment, involvement and understanding how we can utilize one of our greatest assets.  There are so many aids now available, such as brochures, outlines of how to start a youth conference, Power Point recruitment and many more.   There are Regional Youth chairs you can contact that are eager to offer ideas and assistance.  With no intent to overuse an old cliché, “youth are our future.”

DIVERSITY

The United States is a melting pot of race, creed, language, and culture.  It is important that our Conferences reflect the diversity of our local community within its membership.  Councils should emphasize awareness of community demographics and assist Conferences to build their membership based on who comprises their community.  Councils should also strive to develop diverse leadership both within the Conferences and Councils themselves.

 

Helping Others Serve the Poor
Helping Others Serve the Poor 1198 1198 admin

Helping Others Serve the Poor

Excerpted from Vincentian Life: Conference

When someone considers reaching out to help the poor and calls the parish office for a contact person or organization, the name given is usually someone involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Conference.  Why?  It is because they are active, visible and available.  They are the ones to contact who will channel the desire to serve or volunteer in the right direction.  For it is by our visibility within the parish community, not our anonymity, that we help others come to serve the poor.

AT THE CONFERENCE LEVEL

BEING ACTIVE

Active Members of the Society are actively involved in the works of the Conference, and at least knowledgeable if not involved in the work of the District and Diocesan Councils.  We’ve all heard the phrase, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”  That busy person may not be able to help, but he or she usually will know where to send someone to get help.

BEING VISIBLE

Each of us, regardless of the talents God has given us, can be a leader.  We lead by example.  Even the most introverted among us can lead by doing – doing the Conference food and clothing drives, bundle Sundays, Christmas programs and all the other activities that the parish Conference is involved with.

Through the parish bulletin let your fellow parishioners know what you are doing and how you are serving the poor.  This gives others’ ideas on how they can help.  Monthly news items in the parish bulletin about Conference activities are recommended.  Monthly news items, consistently appearing over several years, begin to make a lasting impression.

Give the people in your parish a name (a person to contact) or a telephone number (office or Conference number – not a member’s personal number) and repeat that often.  If you have a good thing going (and we do), tell the world.  People like to join an organization that is active, with lots of things happening.

You also need to make known the needs of the Society as well as the Conference, along with the opportunity to help the poor.  We have a message of hope for the poor.  We also have a way to help, for those who aren’t poor.

BEING AVAILABLE

To be available is to make a great gift – the gift of your time.  The work of the Society is, according to the Rule, subordinate to your commitments within your family and job.  So, your “available” time comes out of your recreation or “fun” time, and that’s the sacrifice.

Many Conference members are available to the poor but aren’t willing to talk about what they do for others.  Some of us aren’t instinctively saleswomen and salesmen, but we must all become communicators.  There are people in the parish and outside world who want to know what, why, where and how of what we do.  We need to tell them.  Everything we do requires volunteers to make it work and enthusiasm to make it happen.  Once others hear about these things, they too can be a part of it.

AT THE UPPER COUNCIL LEVEL

The work of the Society often meshes with the objectives of other groups, even commercial organizations.  Mutually beneficial activities can be scheduled that serve the needs of these groups and the poor at the same time.  Even activities which appear self-serving (e.g., the professional athlete showing up to serve in a charity dining room) can have many beneficial effects.  The poor can thrill to see the star, and the athlete can have his heart touched by what he sees and begin to take a deeper interest in the poor and the work of the Society.

Other community groups, such as those dealing with domestic violence, can find their efforts flower when they join with the Society to serve those who are suffering.  In a synergistic effect, Vincentians are able to do their work better and more productively while the other groups can extend their assistance into more troubled homes.

Contacts with CEOs or large business interests are probably out of the reach of the average Conference.  However, if that CEO or business executive is a member of your parish community or a personal friend, who knows what can be achieved?

Who knows what initial contact got Eddie Basha (owner of a food store chain), Bill Keane (popular cartoonist), Joe Garagiola (baseball player and commentator) or Mohammed Ali (champion boxer) involved with the Society?  Perhaps it was simply a Vincentian enthusiastically talking about our work with someone they knew only as a friend or neighbor.

Leadership by example.  Active.  Visible.  Available.   You can do all four.

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