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A Time for Thanks 1080 1080 Jill Pioter

A Time for Thanks

At this special time of the year when our thoughts turn to giving thanks, it is appropriate to reflect on the many reasons Vincentians have to be grateful. Perhaps the two most important are the ongoing guidance of Divine Providence, which has been wondrously at work on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de…

11-22-23 Questions & Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

11-22-23 Questions & Answers

Q:  If a Conference receives a large donation to be distributed to the poor and needy in the area where the Conference is located, and members decide to distribute the funds in increments of 25% per year over a 4 year period, would this be in keeping with the use of money as stated in…

How to Run a Good Meeting 1200 628 Jill Pioter

How to Run a Good Meeting

Among the group leadership skills that come into play for Conference and Council Presidents is knowing how to run a good meeting.  Here are a few tips for use whether you are a new or veteran President: Never hold a meeting without an agenda; send a tentative agenda in advance to everyone who is expected…

Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores, Part 3 1500 1125 Jill Pioter

Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores, Part 3

A Discussion by Dave Barringer National Chief Executive Officer PART THREE Knowing What Actually Works (catch up on Part One and Part Two) How Do We Know What Works? Which pricing strategies and tools work best for your store? Here is what you must do to get to this answer. Know the store’s mission. Some thrift stores…

11-16-23 Questions & Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

11-16-23 Questions & Answers

Q: Some Conference members give their personal phone numbers to our neighbors and purchase Christmas gifts with their personal funds and deliver with a member of their family ,unbeknownst to the Conference. Is this practice okay?  A: The National Council does not encourage nor endorse the practice of members giving out their personal phone number.…

Conflict in Conference Meetings 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Conflict in Conference Meetings

Conference meetings are intended to be “mutually fulfilling” gatherings where members joyfully share their experiences, grow in faith and make plans to serve others. Sometimes, however, members do not always agree on how to go about these activities and the meetings are far from mutually fulfilling. Managing meeting conflict is almost never at the top…

11-09-23 Questions & Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

11-09-23 Questions & Answers

Q: We purchased two tires and a vehicle tow for a recently homeless family. Should the value of these items be listed under “other” under “in kind” services and goods? A: If Conference funds were spent to purchase tires and vehicle tow, report the amount spent under “Those We Serve.” “In Kind” services (legal, medical,…

Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores, Part 2 1512 2016 Jill Pioter

Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores, Part 2

A Discussion by Dave Barringer National Chief Executive Officer PART TWO Different Pricing Concepts to Explore (catch up on Part One here) There are many ways to determine a pricing strategy, each with advantages and disadvantages for our thrift business. Here are the most common that may be worth your time and experimentation to try at…

11-2-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

11-2-2023 Questions and Answers

Q: I know that Conferences are expected to follow federal, state, and local laws but I can’t find in the Rule where it states that. A: It is not stated in the Rule. It is located in the Nationally Approved Bylaws for Conferences in Article 2. You will also find this in the Manual on Page…

10-26-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

10-26-2023 Questions and Answers

Q: At a recent multi-Conference gathering, someone suggested that if a neighbor requests assistance more than once, the neighbor will be asked to perform “community service” in order to be served beyond the initial time. Is this in keeping with either the spirit or the letter of the Vincentian Rule? A: The works of the…

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