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  • Jill Pioter

07-13-2023 Questions and Answers
07-13-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: I have a question about volunteer of the year awards. Our rules talk about members living with simplicity and not looking for personal accolades or glory. How would volunteer of the year fit into that?

A: The Conference has to decide that an award would be appropriate. If deemed appropriate to do so, Conference members have to contribute or donate to purchase the award. It is still a Conference expense, however funds given to help the poor may not be used for this expense. In addition, not all awards and recognitions need to be purchased.

A traditional award given by Conferences and Councils is the “Top Hat Award.” Criteria for this award are determined by the local Council (or Conference), and the award itself may be as simple as designing and printing your own certificates.

Q: One of our members has suggested that for Home Visits we partner with graduate students in social work from a nearby university. So many of the neighbors we meet need multiple layers of assistance from different agencies. Is this allowed? The students would gain experience but would not be paid, and they would not be Vincentians. This seems out of keeping with our Vincentian spirit and with rules of confidentiality. 

A: Social workers are governed by a whole set of rules that (may not apply equally) for Vincentians. Therefore, in good SVdP governance guidance, this would not be a good partnership for Home Visits. It might be good for seeking advice as to resources available to help those who come to us.

Spanish Translation

P: Tengo una pregunta sobre los reconocimientos al voluntario del año. Nuestras reglas hablan de miembros que viven con simplicidad y no buscan elogios personales o gloria. ¿Cómo encajaría el voluntario del año en eso?

R: La Conferencia tiene que decidir que un reconocimiento sería apropiado.  Si se considera apropiado hacerlo, los miembros de la Conferencia deben contribuir o donar dinero para obtener el regalo.  Sigue siendo un gasto de la Conferencia, sin embargo, los fondos dados para servir a las personas en necesidad no pueden ser utilizados para este gasto. Además, no todos los premios y reconocimientos necesitan ser comprados.

Un premio tradicional otorgado por Conferencias y Consejos es el “Premio Sombrero de Copa”. Los criterios para este reconocimiento son determinados por el Consejo local (o Conferencia), y el reconocimiento en sí puede ser tan simple como diseñar e imprimir ustedes mismos sus certificados.

P: Uno de nuestros miembros ha sugerido que para las Visitas Domiciliarias nos asociemos con estudiantes graduados en trabajo social de una Universidad cercana. Muchos de nuestros prójimos que conocemos necesitan múltiples formas de asistencia de diferentes agencias. ¿Está permitido? Los estudiantes ganarían experiencia, pero no se les pagaría, y no serían Vicentinos. Esto parece no estar de acuerdo con nuestro espíritu Vicentino y con las reglas de confidencialidad.

R: Los trabajadores sociales se rigen por todo un conjunto de reglas que pueden no aplicarse por igual para los Vicentinos.  Por lo tanto, para el buen gobierno de SVdP, esta no sería una buena asociación para las Visitas Domiciliarias.  Podría ser bueno el buscar asesoramiento en cuanto a los recursos disponibles para servir a aquellos que vienen a nosotros.

  • Jill Pioter

10 Reasons To Love High-Performing Nonprofit Boards
10 Reasons To Love High-Performing Nonprofit Boards 1200 628 Jill Pioter

By: Alyce Lee Stansbury/Notes on Nonprofits

This description of nonprofits from the National Council of Nonprofits is one of my favorites: “Nonprofits are not just organizations; they are the face of our communities. They protect, feed, heal, shelter, educate, and nurture our bodies and spirits. Nonprofits give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals and noblest causes, and turn our beliefs into action.”

Here are 10 sweet reasons to love high-performing nonprofit Boards:

  1. Take work seriously: They are led by volunteers who take Board service seriously, arrive at meetings on time, and come prepared to discuss important issues. They do not want to listen to reports about things that have already happened, which is a waste of everyone’s time.
  2. Strategic plan: Adopt a strategic plan and use it to guide the Board’s work including meeting agendas, committee structure, and fundraising.
  3. Self-assessment: Regularly evaluate their performance by conducting a Board self-assessment and make it a priority to learn more about effective nonprofit governance.
  4. Recruit with focus: Recruit new Board members with intention and focus, and adopt a list of Board member expectations that includes attendance, committee service, personal giving, strategic planning, participation in fundraising to share with prospective members.
  5. Executive Director evaluation: Conduct an annual evaluation of the Executive Director that includes a documented process for awarding raises or bonuses and investing in their professional growth.
  6. Build relationships: Understand an important part of their job is building and deepening relationships between the nonprofit and donors, sponsors, members, volunteers, elected officials and other key stakeholders.
  7. Donor stewardship: Take donor stewardship seriously and routinely write thank you notes, call donors to say thank you, and personally patronize the businesses who support the mission and fundraising events.
  8. Promote mission: Recognize the importance of advocacy and promote the mission in the community on a year-round basis. This includes introducing new people to the organization, connecting the ED to people within their sphere of influence, and seeking out opportunities to tell more people about the organization and its important work.
  9. Technology: Invest in technology and use data to inform decision-making in all areas including programs, fundraising, finances, facilities, and strategic planning.
  10. Term limits: Adopt and abide by term limits, recognize serving as Board chair requires the highest level of commitment, a unique skill set, and should be carefully selected rather than falling to someone who missed the meeting or has simply been here the longest. High- performing Boards understand you have the Board you cultivate.

Notes on Nonprofits is produced by Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, President of Stansbury Consulting, and includes resources, responses to reader questions, guest columns, and timeless topics. Please send your comments and questions to notesonnonprofits@gmail.com.

  • Jill Pioter

06-22-2023 Questions and Answers
06-22-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: Our parish Social Outreach Director received a $3,000 anonymous donation. The donor stipulated that it be used by the SVdP Conference to help the needy. The Outreach Director wants our Conference members to contact him individually for the amount of money needed after visiting a neighbor in need. Is this the proper way to handle a donation given to our Conference?

A: The money received should be given to the Conference treasurer to be deposited in the Conference bank account, and individual checks then be written for each purpose. The Outreach Director should not try to micro-manage the use of the funds.

Q: In the Rule, is there an age limit on nominees for local Council or Conference President?

A: The age limit was removed in the 1980s, when it was determined to be age discrimination. The new Rule, adopted in 2003, has no age limit for local Council and Conference Presidents.

Spanish Translation

P: Nuestro Director de Servicio Social de la parroquia recibió una donación anónima de $3000.00. El donante estipuló que fuera utilizado por la Conferencia SVdP para ayudar a los necesitados. El Director de Servicio Social quiere que los miembros de nuestra Conferencia se comuniquen con él individualmente para obtener la cantidad de dinero necesaria después de visitar a nuestro prójimo en necesidad. ¿Es esta la forma correcta de manejar una donación dada a nuestra Conferencia?

R: El dinero recibido debe ser entregado al tesorero de la Conferencia para ser depositado en la cuenta bancaria de la Conferencia, y luego se deben escribir cheques individuales para cada propósito.  El Director de Servicios Sociales de la parroquia no debe tratar de micro gestionar el uso de los fondos.

P: ¿Existe una limitación impuesta sobre la edad de los nominados a la elección de un Presidente del Consejo o Conferencia local en la Regla?

R: Solía haber una limitación de edad en la antigua Regla, pero se eliminó en la década de 1980.  Se determinó que era discriminación por edad y no debía figurar en la Regla.  En general, el nuevo artículo adoptado en 2003 no tiene ninguna limitación para los Presidentes locales de los Consejos y Conferencias.

 

  • Jill Pioter

06-15-2023 Questions and Answers
06-15-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: How important is it to get a receipt? We always have an electronic copy of the check from our bank but is that enough? Prior to COVID we would drop off checks to management companies or landlords in person and receive a receipt immediately. During COVID we generally would mail a check along with a letter with information about the help we were providing, requesting that they either email or send us a receipt, in the mail. Most send receipts but some do not.

A: Every effort should be made to get a receipt. If it is not possible, then a note from the Vincentians involved with the transaction saying that the receipt was not given should be used in place of the receipt. This should also be recorded in the case record.

Q: The Rule and Manual talk about a festival meeting, and that you can receive a plenary indulgence for it. How do you define a festival meeting, and could a Morning of Reflection be considered as such?

A: The Rule is explicit about what are considered festival meetings. According to the Rule, Part III, Statute 9, Vincentians celebrate “Festival Meetings,” by attending Mass together. Members meet on one or more of the following: Ozanam Sunday (the last Sunday of April, in honor of the April 23 birthday of Frederic Ozanam), the Feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam (September 9), the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul (Sept. 27), the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), a Conference Mass celebrated once a year, and another feast day of local custom. A Conference Day of Recollection by itself cannot be considered a Festival Meeting unless it is held in conjunction with a Mass that all members attend on one of the above days.

Spanish Translation

P: ¿Qué tan importante es obtener un recibo? Siempre tenemos una copia electrónica del cheque de nuestro banco, pero ¿es suficiente? Antes del Covid, dejábamos cheques a compañías de administración o propietarios en persona y recibíamos un recibo de inmediato. Durante el Covid, generalmente enviábamos un cheque junto con una carta con la información sobre la ayuda que estábamos brindando, solicitando que nos enviaran un correo electrónico o un recibo por correo. La mayoría envía recibos, pero algunos no.

R: Se debe hacer todo lo posible para obtener un recibo.  Si no es posible, entonces se debe poner una nota de los Vicentinos involucrados en el caso, diciendo que el recibo no fue entregado, y en lugar del recibo usaran copia electrónica del cheque.  Esto también debe registrarse en el expediente del caso.

P: En la Regla y el Manual habla de una reunión festiva, y de que se puede recibir una indulgencia plenaria por ello.  ¿Cómo se define una reunión festiva, y se podría considerarse una Mañana de Reflexión como tal?

R: El Manual es explícito sobre lo que se consideran reuniones festivas. De acuerdo con la Regla original y la tradición de la Sociedad, los Vicentinos celebran “Reuniones Festivas”, cuando se reúnen para la Santa Misa y una reunión. Los miembros se reúnen en uno o más de los siguientes: Domingo de Ozanam (el último domingo de abril, en honor al cumpleaños del Beato Federico Ozanam el 23 de abril, la Festividad del Beato Federico Ozanam (9 de septiembre), la Festividad de San Vicente de Paúl (27 de septiembre), la Festividad de la Inmaculada Concepción (8 de diciembre), una Misa de Conferencia celebrada una vez al año, y otra fiesta de costumbre local. Un Día de Retiro de la Conferencia por sí solo no puede considerarse una Reunión Festiva a menos que se celebre junto con una Misa a la que todos los miembros asistan en uno de los días anteriores.

 

  • Jill Pioter

06-08-2023 Questions and Answers
06-08-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: One of our Vincentians has asked if our Conference can spend funds to improve the poor boxes in our parish church. We receive the contents of the boxes each week. They’ve gotten a little shabby, and our pastor has been working on improving the church’s environment with new pews, new stations, etc. 

A: Since the funds from the poor box are given to SVdP, the Conference may purchase replacements for the poor boxes and treat it as operating expenses. However, the Conference may not contribute funds directly to the parish to purchase the replacement poor box, as this is against the Rule.

Q: Is it permissible to handle requests for assistance from repeat callers via a telephone call? Our Vincentians will typically make Home Visits to a neighbor in need. Sometimes a follow-up telephone call is made to the neighbor in respect to their assistance request for which the Home Visit was made. Sometimes weeks or months after this request is resolved, the neighbor in need may call back and make another request for assistance. May our Vincentians handle these calls via a telephone call instead of another Home Visit?

A: Most of the calls received should be handled through a Home Visit, but a determination can be made individually, case by case. If several months have passed since the last Home Visit, Vincentians should reacquaint themselves with the neighbor’s situation and not assume it to be the same. Therefore, it may be necessary to reevaluate their circumstances. The telephone call may be appropriate for follow-up on an existing request, but not for new requests.

Spanish Translation

P: Uno de nuestros Vicentinos ha preguntado si nuestra Conferencia puede gastar fondos para mejorar las cajas para los pobres en nuestra iglesia parroquial. Recibimos el contenido de las cajas cada semana. Se han puesto un poco en mal estado, y nuestro pastor ha estado trabajando para mejorar el ambiente de la iglesia con nuevas bancas, nuevas estaciones, etc.

R: Dado que los fondos de la caja para los pobres se entregan a SVdP, la Conferencia puede comprar reemplazos de esas cajas para los pobres y tratarlos como gastos operativos.  Sin embargo, la Conferencia no puede contribuir con fondos directamente a la parroquia para que ellos compren la caja de reemplazo, ya que esto va en contra de la Regla.

P: ¿Está permitido manejar las solicitudes de asistencia de las personas que llaman repetidamente a través de una llamada telefónica? Nuestros Vicentinos generalmente harán una Visita Domiciliaria a nuestros prójimos en necesidad. A veces se hace una llamada telefónica de seguimiento a la persona con respecto a su solicitud de asistencia para la cual se realizó la Visita Domiciliaria. A veces, semanas o meses después de que se resolvió esta solicitud, la persona en necesidad puede volver a llamar y hacer otra solicitud de asistencia. ¿Pueden nuestros Vicentinos manejar este caso a través de una llamada telefónica en lugar de otra Visita Domiciliaria?

R: La mayoría de las llamadas recibidas deben manejarse a través de una Visita Domiciliaria, pero se puede hacer una determinación individualmente; caso por caso.  Si han pasado varios meses desde la última Visita Domiciliaria, los Vicentinos deben volver a familiarizarse con la situación del prójimo y no asumir que es la misma situación.  Por lo tanto, puede ser necesario reevaluar sus circunstancias.  La llamada telefónica puede ser apropiada para el seguimiento de una solicitud existente, pero no para nuevas solicitudes.

  • Jill Pioter

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Bylaws — What They Are and Why They Matter
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Bylaws — What They Are and Why They Matter 1200 628 Jill Pioter

The original Bylaws presentation was developed and presented by John Berry, SVdP National President-Elect. This article was written by Mike Syslo.

The Boring Stuff

What are Bylaws: Bylaws are a nonprofit’s operating manual. Bylaws (or Bylaws and Articles of Organization) are the main governing document for a nonprofit organization. They are the main official documents of an organization, nonprofit or for-profit. One of the important things to remember about Bylaws is that the operations of your organization must be in line with what you say they are in the Bylaws and Articles.

The purpose of the Bylaws is to guide the nonprofit Board’s actions and decisions. They are helpful in preventing or resolving conflicts and disagreements. They can protect the organization from potential problems by clearly outlining rules on authority levels, rights and expectations.

If the Board of Directors fails to follow the Bylaws, it can be held liable for breaching its duty to the organization.  Breach of duty can cause a significant liability for the Board of Directors.  Breach of duty can also result in the organization losing its nonprofit, tax-exempt status. The loss of nonprofit status would mean a loss of tax deductibility for donors and the need for the organization to pay taxes on their income.

“Bylaws determine how an organization is structured.   For example, most Bylaws specify whether an organization has members, define the duties of officers and Board members, and identify standing Board committees. An important function of Bylaws (if this matter is not covered in the Articles) is to specify how Board members are selected.” (BoardSource)

What About the Rule?

All groups require rules for effective operation. Our Rule is drawn from the lives and experience of all Vincentians throughout the world. It describes the elements that are needed to maintain the unity of the Society.  There is no group or organization that exists without some set of rules.

In 1835, two years after its founding, the Society formulated its Rule, a series of Articles based upon the practical experiences of the first Vincentians. The Rule of the Society has continued as the guide and blueprint for the Society for the past 188 years. This, alone, is a tribute to its efficacy and to the Holy Spirit who inspired it.  The Rule has gone through a few modifications over those many years, but the essential spirit of the Society that is reflected in the Articles and Statutes is the same as in the first Rule.

Bylaws and the Rule: The Relationship 

Bylaws are significant written rules by which an organization is governed. They determine how the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is structured and, along with state law, determine the rights of participants in the structure.

Membership in the National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. requires that every organizational unit (Conference and Council) have Bylaws.  Prior to 2003, the Rule included both the philosophy of the Society and its structure and responsibilities.  Since 2003, philosophy has been in the Rule and the structure and responsibilities have been in the Bylaws.  Having the original format of the Rule split into two separate documents has caused the need for all Conferences and Councils to adopt a set of Bylaws and operate in accord with both Rule and Bylaws.

Conferences and Councils must maintain their Bylaws (including any and all amended articles) in updated and amended form. The Conference or Council must keep a copy of their Bylaws together with the Rule document (The Manual 1.3).  In addition, the next higher Council should have a copy of the Bylaws.  For example, a District Council should have a copy of the Bylaws of each of its Conferences.  The Diocesan Council should have a copy of the Bylaws of each of its District Councils.

The Rule is the paramount authority of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Should any bylaw, rule or regulation adopted by a Conference or Council conflict with the Rule and statutes of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as now promulgated or hereafter adopted by the Council General International or the National Council of the United States, such bylaw, rule or regulation shall be void and of no effect (The Manual 1.3).  This needs to be very clear in everybody’s mind.  You cannot put anything into the Bylaws that in any way conflicts with the Rule or Nationally Approved Bylaws.  If a conflict exists, the Bylaws will be rejected by the next higher Council; and you may not proceed with them.

BUT – Bylaws have been created to be used by SVdP entities across the country and as such do not include language that may be required by your state and local law (see listing of multiple versions of Bylaws on page three).  It is strongly advised that legal advice be sought from a local attorney concerning matters such as the following:  non-discrimination policy language, tax-exemption requirements, and any other areas of the Bylaws in which modification of the language is necessary in order to be in alignment with applicable state and local law.  As of this date, we have not found anything of substance in the Nationally Approved Bylaws that conflict with state and local law.

Since the Bylaws have been developed to be in conformity with the Rule of the Society, Bylaws should be modified only to address alignment to state and local law (Bylaws Introduction, SVdP USA).

Where Did Our Bylaws Come From? 

In 2003, the Council General International approved an updated version of the Rule of the Society.  Each separate Superior/National Council was invited to draft their own Part III of the Rule to define the items of the Rule that are unique to each country.  This new version of Part III of the Rule for the United States was different from the former Rule in that details of structure and governance were removed.  Those details were then placed in Bylaws which varied with each type of SVdP structure within the United States.  Placing the structure and governance concerns of the Society into a separate document has forced Conferences and Councils to adopt an appropriate set of Bylaws for their use.

The Bylaws documents were approved by the National Council Members at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 2005 Annual Meeting and have been revised as needed (last in 2021) so that good governance policies are in place and are in compliance with:

  • The Rule of the Society,
  • The Charter of the Society (a.k.a. Articles of Incorporation),
  • Bylaws of the National Council while leaving flexibility for compliance with national and state laws that govern charities.

How Many Kinds of Bylaws Are There for Councils and Conferences?

Because of the possible structures that exist for unincorporated and incorporated Conferences and Councils, multiple versions had to be created.  There is one set of Bylaws for the National Council and three sets of Bylaws to choose from for each Conference, District Council and Diocesan Council.

  • BYLAWS for Conferences without a Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for Conferences with a Separate Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for District Councils with a Separate Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils with a Separate Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for the National Council
  • BYLAWS for District Councils with an Integrated Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils with an Integrated Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for District Councils without a Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils without a Board of Directors
  • BYLAWS for Conferences with an Integrated Board of Directors

Why Do We Need These?  Let’s Just Follow the Rule.

Because Bylaws may be cumbersome, they are frequently neglected or even disregarded as a tool for governance.  They are, however, essential to maintaining order and propriety within the organization.

SVdP governing entities must pay careful attention to Bylaws. They can take on added importance during governance disputes centering on the way an organization is carrying out its mission.  These disputes can take many forms:

  • A non-conforming entity needs dissolution.
  • A Board member who is voted out of office seeks reinstatement.
  • A dissident group within the organization attempts to gain control or a faction mounts a legal challenge to a Board decision.

In these difficult situations, carefully-crafted Bylaws, and adherence to them, can help ensure the fairness of governance decisions and provide protection against legal challenges.

Bylaws determine how SVdP is structured. Bylaws specify whether an organization has members, define the duties of officers and Board members, and identify standing Board committees.

An important function of Bylaws (if this matter is not covered in the Articles of Incorporation) is to specify how Board members are selected.  This, along with the specification of the maximum number of Board members, determines how workable as a team the governing body is.

Bylaws, along with state law, determine the rights of participants in the structure, such as the rights of members to be notified of meetings, the rights of Board members or officers whom others may want to remove from office and the rights of Board members to indemnification.

Bylaws determine many procedures by which rights can be exercised.   For example, Bylaws may require a certain form of notice for meetings, or they may specify whether Board meetings can be held by telephone or whether elections can be conducted by mail.  Other procedures defined in Bylaws pertain to the election/selection of officers.

The Fun Stuff – Some Real Situations

  1. The Board of the Diocesan Council, in putting together its slate of officers for the next year has asked Christi to serve as Vice President. Christi has been on the Board for the last three years and they all think she’d be a good fit for the VP job. Christi started volunteering with SVdP when her Church, United Methodist, partnered with the Council on their Food Pantry.
    • Bylaws issue or Rule issue?

This is both a Bylaws issue and a Rule issue.  Christi is non-Catholic and cannot serve as an officer.  The President of the Diocesan Council appoints the officers after consultation with the District Presidents – not the Board.

  1. Christopher was just elected as President of the Council. He has never gotten along with Gracie, the ED; so right after he is installed as President, he fires her and puts Jake in the job.
    • Bylaws issue or Rule issue?

This is a Bylaws issue.  It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors (not the President) to hire and fire the ED/CEO.

  1. The new President of the St. Frederic Ozanam Conference presents his new officers to the Conference at his first meeting. Tom raises an objection to the new Treasurer and Secretary and says he will not support them. Others in the room agree.
    • Bylaws issue or Rule issue?
    • Bonus issue!

This is a Bylaws issue, a Rule issue and an Aggregation issue.  The President appoints the officers after consultation with the Conference.  “Consultation with” does not mean “approval by.”  The President may decide that the objections are not sufficient for a change in choice.  The Conference must work as a team and refusing to support the officers is not an option.    Also, it may have been overlooked, but Frederic Ozanam has not yet been canonized – he is Blessed Frederic.  In addition, unless the parish in which the Conference resides is named for Frederic Ozanam, Conferences are prohibited from having his name.  The same holds true for “St. Vincent de Paul.”

  1. At the regular second meeting of the month, Katie, a member of the St. Mary’s Conference and a member of the parish staff, tells the Conference members that the Church’s A/C system has broken and it’s going to cost the parish $60,000 for a replacement system. The Conference President suggests that the Conference use $10,000 from its bank account to ‘help the parish defray the cost’.
    • Bylaws issue or Rule issue?

This is a Rule issue.  Conferences and Councils are prohibited from giving donations to (and this includes raising funds for) outside organizations no matter how worthy the cause may be.  The parish is an outside organization.  The funds of the Society must be used for the purposes of the Society.

In Summary

Because your Conference or Council uses the National Council’s trademarked name “Society of St. Vincent de Paul” with the express permission of and a limited license issued by the National Council, the Bylaws adopted by your Conference or Council must be formally approved.

Conferences must have their Bylaws approved by their District Council.  The District Council Bylaws must be approved by the Archdiocesan/Diocesan Council.  Archdiocesan/Diocesan Council Bylaws must be approved by the National Vice President for the Region.

  • Jill Pioter

06-01-2023 Questions and Answers
06-01-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: Why is the maximum term for Council/Conference Presidents two three-year terms or six consecutive years total?  How and who decided on that number of years? If, for example, a Conference President is doing a good job and wants to have the position for another term beyond the two served, especially if all members agree and no one wants the position, why is that currently not an option?

A: It’s very simple, it is in the Rule of the Society. At the end of six years, that Vincentian must step down and the Conference must elect another Vincentian as President. The current President must be out of office for at least three years before he/she may be elected again. This requirement helps us assure continued servant leadership through sharing of responsibilities over time.

Q: When our Conference Home Visitors come across a neighbor in need that has put the utility bill in one of their children’s names, should we pay it? Putting the account in a child’s name is basically fraud, but for some families this may be the only way to have electric and gas service. Do we ignore this “crime” and keep the lights and heat on?

A: This is a local decision, but if the request to pay is made by the parent, and both the parents and the child live there, why not pay it?  Don’t do billing work for the utility company.

Spanish Translation

P: ¿Por qué el mandato máximo de los Presidentes del Consejo/Conferencia es de dos periodos de tres años o seis años consecutivos en total?  ¿Cómo y quién decidió ese número de años?  Si, por ejemplo, un Presidente de Conferencia está haciendo un buen trabajo y quiere tener el cargo por otro período más de los dos servidos, especialmente si todos los miembros están de acuerdo y nadie quiere el puesto, ¿por qué actualmente no es una opción?

R: Es muy simple, está en la Regla de la Sociedad.  Al cabo de seis años, ese Vicentino debe renunciar y la presidencia, y la Conferencia debe elegir a otro Vicentino como Presidente.  El Presidente actual debe estar fuera del cargo durante al menos tres años antes de que pueda ser elegido nuevamente. Este requisito nos ayuda a asegurar el liderazgo continuo de servicio a través del intercambio de responsabilidades a lo largo del tiempo.

P: Cuando los Visitadores de nuestra Conferencia se encuentran con un prójimo en necesidad que ha puesto la factura de servicios públicos a nombre de uno de los niños, ¿deberíamos pagarla? Poner la cuenta a nombre de un niño es básicamente un fraude, pero para algunas familias esta puede ser la única manera de tener servicio de electricidad y gas. ¿Ignoramos este “crimen” y mantenemos las luces y la calefacción encendida?

R: Esta es una decisión local; pero, si la solicitud de pago es hecha por el padre, y tanto los padres como el niño viven allí, ¿por qué no pagarla?  No estamos haciendo un servicio para la compañía de servicios públicos.

  • Jill Pioter

05-25-2023 Questions and Answers
05-25-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: A police officer with young children died from an illness and his funeral was held at our parish. His obituary read “Due to the family’s unexpected loss, the family requests assistance in covering funeral costs and the education and future for their children. Donations may be made directly to the family,” at a website provided. Can our Conference provide the assistance requested in the obituary?

A: A Conference is not permitted to simply respond to an advertised request for help. If the family comes to the Conference requesting help, we can respond.

Q:  Is it permissible for a Vincentian and a non-Vincentian volunteer (spouse, friend, etc.) to conduct a Home Visit, or do both visitors need to be Vincentians?

A: If a volunteer accompanies an active member on a Home Visit, they are considered to be an associate member and therefore allowed to go on a Home Visit. It is not an issue with liability insurance because they are acting on behalf of the Society as an associate member. This is also one way we get new members into the Society — by inviting others to come along and help out. This is an opportunity to show ‘charity at work.’ The Vincentian inviting the volunteer must be comfortable with the individual and that they will act appropriately.

Spanish Translation

P: Un oficial de policía con niños pequeños murió de una enfermedad y su funeral se llevó a cabo en nuestra parroquia.  Su obituario decía: “Debido a la pérdida inesperada de la familia, la familia solicita asistencia para cubrir los costos del funeral y la educación y el futuro de sus hijos. Las donaciones pueden hacerse directamente a la familia”, en un sitio web proporcionado.  ¿Puede nuestra Conferencia proporcionar la asistencia solicitada en el obituario?

R: No se permite que una Conferencia responda simplemente a una solicitud de ayuda anunciada.  Si la familia viene a la Conferencia solicitando ayuda, podemos responder.

P: ¿Es permisible que un voluntario Vicentino y un voluntario no Vicentino (cónyuge, amigo, etc.) realicen una Visita Domiciliaria, o ambos visitantes deben ser Vicentinos?

R: Si un voluntario acompaña a un miembro activo en una Visita Domiciliaria, se le considera un miembro asociado y, por lo tanto, se le permite realizar una Visita Domiciliaria. No es un problema con el seguro de responsabilidad civil porque están actuando en nombre de la Sociedad como miembro asociado. Esta es también una forma en que conseguimos nuevos miembros a la Sociedad: invitando a otros a venir y servir. Esta es una oportunidad para mostrar “caridad en el trabajo.”  El Vicentino que invita al voluntario debe sentirse cómodo y actuará adecuadamente con la persona.

  • Jill Pioter

05-18-2023 Questions and Answers
05-18-2023 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: Can the “advisors” on a Council advisory committee vote on advisory committee issues?

A:  Yes, the committee members can vote on matters concerning the committee. Committees are advisory. Any matters/recommendations presented to the Board of Directors must be approved by the voting-eligible Board members before the recommendation becomes policy and can be passed on to the Vincentians in the Council at large.

Q: Are Conferences allowed to pay a stipend say of $100 to a volunteer (who is not a Vincentian) that does a lot of volunteer work in their food pantry?

A: We are required by law to pay at least a minimum wage to people who work for us. If this is done often or on a regular basis, then that person needs to be an employee or under contract. If under contract, we need to issue a IRS Form 1099 if the total exceeds $600 in a calendar year. Stipends are usually only paid for a temporary, short-term job.

SPANISH TRANSLATION

P: ¿Pueden los “asesores” de un comité asesor del Consejo votar sobre asuntos del Comité asesor?

R: Sí, los miembros del comité pueden votar sobre asuntos relacionados con el comité. Los comités son consultivos.  Cualquier asunto / recomendación presentada a la Mesa Directiva debe ser aprobada por los miembros elegibles para votar antes de que la recomendación se convierta en política y pueda transmitirse a los miembros Vicentinos del Consejo en general.

P: ¿Se les permite a las Conferencias hacer un pago, digamos, de $ 100 a un voluntario (que no es Vicentino) que hace mucho trabajo voluntario en su almacén de alimentos?

R: Estamos obligados por ley a pagar al menos un salario mínimo a las personas que trabajan para nosotros.  Si esto se hace a menudo o de forma regular, entonces esa persona debe ser un empleado o bajo contrato.  Si está bajo contrato, necesitamos emitir un Formulario 1099 del IRS si el total excede los $600 en un año calendario.  Los pagos generalmente solo se pagan por un trabajo temporal a corto plazo.

  • Jill Pioter

05-11-2023 Questions and Answers
05-11-2023 Questions and Answers 150 150 Jill Pioter

Q:  Can a former President of a parish Conference that closed become president of an active Conference whose president’s second 3-year term has ended?

A:  They can, as long as the members of that Conference accept him/her as a member, of their Conference. S/He has to be an active member which means attending meetings and performing Conference works.

Q: Where can you find information on the installation of Conference officers?

A: The procedures/prayers for the installation of Conference officers can be found beginning on page 58 of Vincentian Celebrations – Rituals and Ceremonies.

Spanish Translation

P: ¿Puede un ex Presidente de una Conferencia parroquial que ha sido cerrada, convertirse en Presidente de una Conferencia activa cuyo segundo mandato de 3 años del Presidente ha terminado?

R: Pueden, siempre y cuando los miembros de esa Conferencia lo acepten como miembro de su Conferencia. Tiene que ser un miembro activo, lo que significa asistir a las reuniones y realizar trabajos de la Conferencia.  Obviamente es católico si fue Presidente de la Conferencia.

P: ¿Dónde puede encontrar información sobre la instalación de Oficiales de Conferencias?

R: Los procedimientos/oraciones para la instalación de los Oficiales de la Conferencia se pueden encontrar a partir de la página 58 de Celebraciones Vicentinas – Rituales y Ceremonias.

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