The National Governance Committee believes there are benefits to be gained by being a Vincentian leader. Consider these:
- Leaders have a unique opportunity to grow in their own spirituality.
- Leaders are in a unique position to provide help to those in need.
- It is through leadership that our efforts are organized.
- In order to be effective our efforts must be organized.
- Leadership provides the opportunity for a member to learn firsthand what it means to be a Servant Leader.
An appreciation for Servant Leadership is important as is an overall understanding of the Society and its leadership. These can be gained in various ways, such as:
- Attending Invitation for Renewal
- Participating in an Ozanam Orientation formation program
- Attending a Governance Training presentation
- Discussions at new Council President or new Executive Director workshops
- Incorporating them into the agendas for Regional or Council meetings
- Developing outlines for use at (Arch)Diocesan and District Council meetings
- Promotions at Regional meetings
- Utilizing the Vincentian Pathway program
- Utilizing SVdP’s Leadership Training Materials (Consider becoming a part of the Leadership Taskforce)
- Considering numerous leadership courses offered through DePaul University
A part of Succession Planning should involve beginning the election process for Council and Conference presidents at a much earlier date than we’ve done in the past. This can be addressed by either amending bylaws or setting up a procedure to begin the nomination process about one year before a sitting president’s term expires and holding the election about six months before the newly elected president’s term begins.
A prayerful approach to the succession-planning process is strongly encouraged in keeping with the paramount importance of spirituality in the Society.