Our fundamental governance document, also our central spiritual document, is our Rule. All members should have a copy of the Rule, and all servant leaders should be deeply familiar with it. In addition to the Rule, we are governed by tradition. The Manual is perhaps the most important summary of our traditions.
While we are first and foremost a ministry and a vocation, the Society of St Vincent de Paul operates in a larger society, and has a responsibility to comply with legal and regulatory requirements that better enable us to serve the poor. This includes IRS regulations related to our 5019(c)(3) status and related reporting requirements, safeguarding requirements, accountability to our pastors, bishops, and donors, and regular, complete reporting.
St. Vincent de Paul and Bl. Frédéric both emphasized the importance of detailed accounts and reports on our works and funds – not at the expense of spirituality, but because our virtue of simplicity, and our devotion to justice.
Whether you are a regular member or a servant leader in your Conference or Council, you should be familiar with, and supportive of, the requirements for good governance.
“Could we not decide on a short prayer that all members would say on certain days, and require all of them to send reports to the central society once or more per year?”
Bl. Frédéric Ozanam
“In the evening there was a general meeting of all the conferences, with reports made by the six presidents: accounts of the works done in the provinces were given …” Bl. Frédéric Ozanam
“It takes a long time to form the girls and to furnish them with what they need personally as well as with all they must know in order to serve the poor.”
St. Louise de Marillac
“The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul also owes you thanks for the promptness with which you sent the last financial report.” Bl. Frédéric Ozanam
Governance Books
Governance: Council and Board:
The Rule:
The Manual:
Key Documents
Governance Resources on the Web Site
Video Training
Governance: Council and Board Seminar
This seven part seminar is based upon the “Governance: Council and Board book.
