Thank you for sharing your time and talents with fellow Conference and Council members as well as those in need. As with all involvement in the Society, we hope your work as a Vincentian servant leader will lead you to greater faith, an increased desire to serve and stronger friendships.
Do you feel some anxiety about taking on a Vincentian leadership role? Let’s take a look at a few common myths behind that anxiety.
Myth #1: You need to know everything now.
No Vincentian has taken a leadership role already knowing everything; to be honest, no current Vincentian leader knows everything now. What most Vincentian leaders do learn is where to look to find information, where the resources are and who in the Society has experiences and wisdom to share.
Truth #1: You will learn and grow during your time as a Vincentian leader.
Myth #2: You are now in charge of everything.
A Vincentian leader is a servant leader who understands the role of God’s providence. Your ultimate role is to harness the gifts and spirit of your members and direct them to growth in holiness and increased love for one another, and in ways of service to others. To do this you will need to allow God to direct you.
Truth #2: God is in charge of everything. You are called to discern where God is leading and to follow through – and help your members do the same.
Myth #3: You are all alone in figuring things out.
This myth could not be further from the truth. The Society is truly a global network of charity. Fellow Vincentians in more than 150 countries are serving those in need, as you are, and desire to do so with love and in an effective manner. As you attend regional and national gatherings, or reach out to other Vincentian leaders, you will find that many people are more than willing to share their knowledge. You will only feel all alone if you do not participate in such interactions and relationships.
Truth #3: Most Vincentian leaders love to talk about their experiences and help each other.
Reach out to other Vincentians – even if they are not from your area – for advice and support. We will share useful information relevant to your new responsibilities in these Frederic’s e-Gazette articles throughout the year. Thank you for being willing to serve through leadership, and may you be blessed through your witness of following God’s lead in your Conference’s/Council’s service while encouraging others to do the same.
We remind you of the valuable resources on the National website and urge you to review the Governance Page (https://members.ssvpusa.org/governance/) where the Governance Training DVD and the other material the National Governance Committee has prepared can be found. Then make plans to use these tools. Your Conference and Council will be better off if you do so.
