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  • Jill Pioter

1-13-2022 Questions and Answers
1-13-2022 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: If you have a pantry in your Conference, are you allowed to change the shopping list? For example, in the past a family of 6+ could receive 10 canned goods and then it was reduced to eight; plus, other items were also reduced on the sheet?

A:  This is a local issue to be addressed by local leaders. However, the reality is that when you are providing food to individuals, you want the meals to be nutritious and well-balanced; and it doesn’t hurt to customize the manner in which food is given to families in need. Otherwise, it is a matter of resources, budgets and fairness.

Q: We have a neighbor in need of one of the Conferences that is being looked for by the police. I don’t know if the Conference knows where she is, but they do know the location of a storage facility that is owned by the person. Can the Conference disclose this information, either voluntarily or by a summons? I think not, but I wasn’t sure. Please advise.

A: This is different from a seal of confession. We do not proactively share information with other agencies. However, if there is a legal summons made requesting information, we comply because we obey the law. To voluntarily provide information to the police is a matter of conscience. It would really depend on the seriousness of the matter. You have to discern what withholding the information could mean in the long run. Is it likely that people will be hurt (physically, emotionally, or economically) by withholding the information? Decisions like this require a lot of prayer.

Spanish Translation

P: Si tiene una despensa en su Conferencia, ¿puede cambiar la lista de compras? Por ejemplo, en el pasado una familia de 6+ podía recibir 10 productos enlatados y ahora solo recibe ocho; además, las cantidades de otros artículos también se redujeron en la lista.

R:  Este es un problema local que deben abordar los líderes locales. Sin embargo, la realidad es que cuando su Conferencia proporciona alimentos a las personas, desea que las comidas sean nutritivas y bien balanceadas; y es bueno personalizar la forma en que se entregan los alimentos a las familias necesitadas. De lo contrario, es una cuestión de recursos, presupuestos y equidad.

P: La policía está buscando unos de nuestros vecinos que tienen necesidades. No sé si la Conferencia sabe dónde está, pero sí conoce la ubicación de una instalación de almacenamiento que es propiedad de la persona. ¿Puede la Conferencia divulgar esta información, ya sea voluntariamente o por citación? Creo que no, pero no estaba seguro. Por favor avise.

R: Esto es diferente de un sello de confesión. No compartimos información de manera proactiva con otras agencias. Sin embargo, si hay una citación legal solicitando información, cumplimos porque cumplimos la ley. Proporcionar voluntariamente información a la policía es una cuestión de conciencia. Realmente dependería de la gravedad del asunto. Tienes que discernir lo que podría significar retener la información a largo plazo. ¿Es probable que lastime a mucha gente (física, emocional o económicamente) al retener la información? Decisiones como esta requieren mucha oración.

  • Jill Pioter

Stores Board Looking for Volunteer Treasurer
Stores Board Looking for Volunteer Treasurer 1200 628 Jill Pioter

The National SVdP Stores Board of Directors is searching for a Volunteer Treasurer.

Role and Responsibilities of the Volunteer Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing the corporate funds and maintenance of full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books (official records) belonging to the corporation and the deposit of all monies and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories for the local bookkeeper at the National Store as designated by the Store Support Director. The Treasurer shall be a liaison between the bookkeeper and the COO/CFO for the National Council of the U.S., Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc.

Store Support Director shall approve all expenses and go over the monthly QuickBooks reports before going to the Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall be a member of the Board of Directors (BOD) and attend meetings on a bimonthly schedule. The Treasurer informs BOD members of the Store’s financial position and approval of the monthly reports by submitting a written statement at every meeting. The Treasurer approves a budget for the Store, which shall be approved annually.

The Treasurer should have supervisory accounting experience that can review the current accounting processes and procedures, implementing improvements where necessary and can serve as the “eyes and ears” for the BOD.

To apply, contact Jeff Beamguard at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org or Diane Smith Melloy at dianesmithmelloy@gmail.com.

  • Jill Pioter

Conference Collaborations: Enhancing Our Network Of Charity
Conference Collaborations: Enhancing Our Network Of Charity 1200 628 Jill Pioter

In August of 1833, Leon Le Prevost, a member of the first Conference who later went on to establish the Religious Order of St. Vincent de Paul, wrote: In this moment there is a great movement of charity and of faith…” The same could be said of our time and our place in this world. Although we are often distracted by negative forces, influences, and movements, we must never lose sight of the hearts of our non-Vincentian brothers and sisters who like us long to help others. We witness that concern and compassion flow out of the actions of individuals, families, corporations, faith-based groups, and civic organizations as they respond to natural disasters and other large-scale tragedies.

From the very early days of the Society, our founders understood the need to work collaboratively with the government and other organizations in order to better assist the poor and suffering. In December of 1833, the first Conference accepted the role of “Commissioners of Charity” for the administrators of the La Bienfaisance neighborhood. While our present-day Councils often enter into collaborative agreements and relationships, our local Conferences tend to function primarily in cooperation with other Conferences and Councils, seldom reaching out to other groups in their local area.

If Conferences are isolated and do not interact and cooperate with other local faith-based groups and charitable organizations, we are overlooking resources including potential volunteers who can assist us in providing assistance to our neighbors in need.  By joining forces we not only increase our ability to help others but we also engage the community and provide others with the opportunity to be actively involved in helping those in need. Additionally, our outreach efforts help spread knowledge about the Society and our mission of charity and love.

On the Conference level, most collaborative relationships do not require a formal contract but more of a mutual understanding based on agreement in protocols and policies. Identifying groups in your area should be the starting point followed by outreach and relationship-building. Such relationships should start by sharing with the group’s leaders or members our history and mission, as well as letting them know how we currently serve those in need in our community.

The process must include a two-way conversation that provides us with an understanding of who they are and how they currently serve the community. Once that relationship is built, we can begin a conversation on how we can work together to benefit the needy, always keeping in mind that we can only function within the Rule of the Society. Just as we honor who they are and their procedures and guidelines, they must honor ours. For example, potential collaborative partners need to understand early on we cannot share funds with them or any project that our members are not involved in through person-to person contact with the poor.

When Frederic Ozanam helped to establish the Society, he envisioned a network of charity that would encompass the world. Vincentians are only part of that network. Our vocation calls us to reach out and serve beside other people of goodwill to help relieve poverty and injustice. By reaching out to them we can enhance the work of our Conferences and provide opportunities for them to join us in service to the least among us.

Such collaboration can make a huge difference. Ask yourself, “How can our Conference build relationships with other groups and churches?” With the help of others, we can do more and experience the love of Christ in those whom we serve and in those whom we serve beside.

  • Jill Pioter

Questions and Answers 1-6-2022
Questions and Answers 1-6-2022 150 150 Jill Pioter

Q: A few members of my Conference say that they will not help someone who lies to them. Pope Francis has said that someone who lies is desperate. I believe that we should assist someone in need even if they have lied to us. Yes, confront the lie but show mercy. Is there anything in the Rule or other Vincentian literature that addresses this situation?

A: People lie for various reasons: some out of desperation, some because it suits the way they live, some simply because it will gain something for them. Telling lies is sinful, which means that a liar is a sinner just like all of us. God is willing to forgive all sinners; should we not be willing to do as much?

In the Rule, Part I, Articles 1.8 it states, Vincentians serve the poor cheerfully, listening to them and respecting their wishes, helping them to feel and recover their own dignity, for we are all created in God’s image. In the poor, they see the suffering Christ. Members observe the utmost confidentiality in the provision of material and any other type of support. Article 1.9 reads, Vincentians endeavor to establish relationships based on trust and friendship. Conscious of their own frailty and weakness, their hearts beat with the heartbeat of the poor. They do not judge those they serve. Rather, they seek to understand them as they would a brother or sister.

When we interview someone who is asking for help, it is up to us to do due diligence to determine if the need is real and if we should help. Was the lie a determining factor if giving the assistance?  If the lie was not a determining factor in deciding what to do, then does it really make a difference on future help? Should we Vincentians have done more investigation before agreeing to assist?  Sometimes in our willingness to help people, we don’t do all we should to ensure the need is real.

Q: Is there anything in the Rule or Manual that would prevent an individual to serve as President of both his/her District Council and President of his/her individual Conference simultaneously? If so, could an individual hold different offices within the Council and Conference? i.e., Council President, Conference Treasurer?

A: It is not a problem from the Rule and Bylaws for a Council President to also carry the office of Conference President. Nonetheless, it is not recommended because of the responsibilities including voting that go with each position.

The following circumstances should be clearly addressed and determined by the Council before allowing one individual to serve in both elected roles:

  • When a Council President holds the position of Conference President as well, does he/she get two votes in the Council meeting – one as President of the Conference and one as President of the Council?
  • Who represents the Conference in the Council meeting?

These should be answered before he/she takes office.

Spanish Translation

P: Algunos miembros de mi Conferencia dicen que no ayudarán a alguien que les mienta. El Papa Francisco ha dicho que alguien que miente está desesperado. Creo que deberíamos ayudar a alguien que lo necesite incluso si nos ha mentido. Sí, confronta la mentira, pero muestra misericordia. ¿Hay algo en la Regla u otra literatura Vicentina que aborde esta situación?

R: La gente miente por varias razones: algunas por desesperación, algunas porque se adapta a su forma de vida, algunas simplemente porque les dará algo. Decir mentiras es un pecado, lo que significa que un mentiroso es un pecador como todos nosotros. Dios está dispuesto a perdonar a todos los pecadores; ¿no deberíamos estar dispuestos a hacer lo mismo?

En la Regla, Parte I, Artículos 1.8 dice, los Vicentinos sirven al pobre con alegría, prestándoles atención y respetando sus deseos, ayudándolos a sentir y recobrar su dignidad propia, ya que todos somos creados en la imagen de Dios. En el pobre, ellos ven al Cristo sufriente. Los miembros observan la más completa confidencialidad cuando proveen bienes materiales o cualquier otro tipo de ayuda. El artículo 1.9 dice, los Vicentinos tratan de establecer relaciones basadas en la confianza y la amistad. Conscientes de su propias flaquezas y debilidades, sus corazones laten en conjunto con el latido del pobre. Ellos no juzgan a los que sirven. Al contrario, tratan de entenderlos como si fuesen con un hermano o hermana.

Cuando entrevistamos a alguien que está pidiendo ayuda, depende de nosotros hacer la debida diligencia para determinar si la necesidad es real y si debemos ayudar. ¿Fue la mentira un factor determinante a la hora de dar la asistencia? Si la mentira no fue un factor determinante a la hora de decidir qué hacer, ¿realmente influye en la ayuda futura? ¿Deberíamos, nosotros Vicentinos, haber investigado más, antes de aceptar ayudar? A veces, en nuestra disposición a ayudar a las personas, no hacemos todo lo que deberíamos para asegurarnos de que la necesidad sea real.

P: ¿Hay algo en la Regla o en el Manual que impida que una persona sirva como Presidente de su Consejo de Distrito y Presidente de su Conferencia individual simultáneamente? Si es así, ¿podría una persona ocupar diferentes cargos dentro del Consejo y la Conferencia? es decir, Presidente del Consejo y Tesorero de la Conferencia?

R: No es un problema de la Regla y los Estatutos que un Presidente del Consejo también desempeñe el cargo de Presidente de la Conferencia. No obstante, no se recomienda debido a las responsabilidades, incluida la votación, que acompañan a cada puesto.

Las siguientes circunstancias deben ser tratadas claramente y determinadas por el Consejo antes de permitir que una persona sirva en ambos papeles electos:

  • Cuando un Presidente del Consejo ocupa también el puesto de Presidente de la Conferencia, ¿obtiene dos votos en la reunión del Consejo? ¿uno de Presidente de la Conferencia y uno como Presidente del Consejo?
  • ¿Quién representa a la Conferencia en la reunión del Consejo?

Estos deben ser respondidos antes de que él o ella asuma el cargo.

  • Jill Pioter

12-23-2021 Questions and Answers
12-23-2021 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: We currently have two individuals who have been working and volunteering in our Thrift Store for years. Is it against the law to have an individual as both an employee and volunteer?

A: Once a person is hired to do a job, he/she must be paid to do that job. They are not allowed to do that job for pay sometime and for no pay (volunteer) sometime; it is against labor laws. A person may volunteer to do work that is totally unrelated to the work he/she is paid to do.  For example, a store employee may work as a cashier and be paid for it. Then that person may volunteer to sort clothing, but may not do anything in the cashier’s job description.

Q: The President has appointed an assistant pantry manager who is not Catholic. This manager has virtually become the main person in this operation which is, by far, the biggest activity of the Conference. Is it okay for an associate member to take such a position?

A: It is not a problem for an associate member to become a pantry manager. An associate member can do a lot in Conferences, but it does not give them extra authority for Conference policy decision making. Decision making is done by active Conference members only. He/she can make operational decisions. Also, keep in mind that associate members do not vote as do full members who must be Catholic.

Spanish Translation

P: Actualmente tenemos dos personas que han trabajado y se han ofrecido como voluntarias en nuestra tienda de segunda mano durante años. ¿Es contra la ley tener a un individuo como empleado y voluntario?

R: Una vez que se contrata a una persona para hacer un trabajo, se le debe pagar por hacer ese trabajo. No se les permite hacer ese trabajo por pago en algún momento y sin pago (voluntario) en algún momento; va en contra de las leyes laborales. Una persona puede ofrecerse como voluntario para realizar un trabajo que no está relacionado en absoluto con el trabajo por el que se le paga. Por ejemplo, un empleado de una tienda puede trabajar como cajero y recibir un pago por ello. Entonces esa persona puede ofrecerse voluntariamente para clasificar la ropa, pero no puede hacer nada en la descripción del trabajo del cajero.

P: El presidente ha designado a una persona que no católico para ser subdirector de la despensa. Este subdirector se ha convertido prácticamente en la persona principal de esta operación que es la actividad principal de la Conferencia. ¿Está bien que un miembro asociado asuma ese puesto?

R: No es un problema para un miembro asociado convertirse en gerente de despensa. Un miembro asociado puede hacer mucho en las Conferencias, pero no le da autoridad adicional para la toma de decisiones de política de la Conferencia. Solo los miembros activos pueden tomar las decisiones de la Conferencia. Un miembro asociado puede tomar decisiones operativas. Además, tenga en cuenta que los miembros asociados no votan al igual que los miembros activos, que deben ser católicos.

  • Jill Pioter

More On Council Structure
More On Council Structure 1200 628 Jill Pioter

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

Committee structure should mirror the National Council committee structure. Additional committees can be formed. The committees below are critical to Council success. Every Council should have a:

  • Governance Committee
  • Voice of the Poor Committee
  • Formation/Spirituality Committee
  • Growth and Revitalization Committee
  • Finance Committee

The above are not the only possibilities. Committees are advisory and a resource to help the Council/Board and/or management that doesn’t have time or expertise to research operational ideas.

When there is a difference of opinion between staff and Vincentians, the Vincentian’s access to a decision is to the Council/Board through a Council Liaison and the staff’s access to the Council/Board is through the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director. The Council/Board makes all final decisions in case of conflict.
It is preferable that the Committee Chair is not a Board member. This increases Vincentian participation. It is recommended that no Vincentian should be a member of multiple committees. If a group of Vincentians are all on a number of committees together it creates a “Board” behind the Board as they can control the committee’s recommendations to the Board.

TAX EXEMPTION

Each Diocesan Council should have its own 501(c)(3) Tax ID number (EIN) and file a 990 Tax Return form annually as required. The National Council recommends that this tax-exemption should cover all subsidiary District Councils and Conferences (however, there are a number of possible corporate structures where this would not work well). Where there is no Diocesan Council, the District Council(s) should do this. The owner of the Tax ID number must file an annual 990 which includes the data from all of the subsidiaries that use that Tax ID.

The Society requires that all funds be separate from the Church and priests and deacons cannot be signers on Vincentian accounts. Because of this, Councils and Conferences are NOT to use the Diocese’s (or Parish’s) Tax ID number. Using their number would require turning over control of funds and operations to the Diocese/Parish.

DOING BUSINESS AS …

It is important for the Council/Board to understand the considerations that come into play when a Council allows its constituent Councils and Conferences to use its Tax ID (EIN). This creates a legal relationship between the Council and its constituents. It establishes what is known as a “doing business as” relationship. For example, the Council is doing business as “xxx Conference.” This relationship results in at least the following conditions:

  • The Council becomes fully responsible for the finances and operations of its
    subsidiary.
  • If anything improper is done by the subsidiary, the Council, as the legal entity, accepts the responsibility and will suffer any of the consequences that come into play.
  • The subsidiary must provide to the Council a complete accounting of its finances and activity. This ensures the Council can submit a proper annual report to the Society aswell as an accurate 990 to IRS.
  • The advantage to the subsidiary is that it does not have to submit its own 990 to IRS.
  • The subsidiary cannot start any special programs or apply for grants without the approval/consent of the Council.
  • The Council must ensure that all current and new leadership at Council and subsidiary levels must be informed of this relationship.
  • The Council should also provide liability insurance coverage to its subsidiaries.
  • The annual audit of the Council should include its subsidiaries.

We are not able to provide a complete treatise on this legal relationship. There may be more issues to be considered.

COUNCIL BYLAWS

Every Council and Conference is expected to have a set of bylaws. Bylaws should be up to date, meet state law and be within the guideline Rule of the Society. When the new Rule was established in 2003-05, the structure of the Society that was in the old Rule was removed and placed in bylaws. Therefore, the nationally approved structure of the Society is defined in 10 documents published by the National Council. Those documents are model bylaws representing various approved structures for Councils and Conferences.

*As an addendum to the above information drawn from Vincentian Life: Council, the 10 model bylaws are:

  • Document 1.      BYLAWS for Conferences without a Board of Directors
  • Document 2.      BYLAWS for Conferences with a Separate Board of Directors
  • Document 3.      BYLAWS for District Councils with a Separate Board of Directors
  • Document 4.      BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils with a Separate Board of Directors
  • Document 5.      BYLAWS for the National Council
  • Document 6.      BYLAWS for District Councils with an Integrated Board of Directors
  • Document 7.      BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils with an Integrated Board of Directors
  • Document 8.      BYLAWS for District Councils without a Board of Directors
  • Document 9.      BYLAWS for Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils without a Board of Directors
  • Document 10.    BYLAWS for Conferences with an Integrated Board of Directors

 

  • Jill Pioter

12-16-2021 Questions and Answers
12-16-2021 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q:  The LDS church has contacted our Conference offering volunteers to help with our service. I know there are major doctrine differences, so would like to know how SVdP responds to such a request.

A:  Members of the LDS church (as well as others) can be Associate Members, meaning they can participate in the works and possibly attend meetings (without a vote), but they cannot be officers. If your Conference has special works, such as a pantry or a store, they can assist as volunteers. If your Conference has special seasonal programs such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, they can help then as well.

Q:  We have a Conference president approaching the end of her second term and trying to plan her succession. No current member of this active Conference seems willing to step up to succeed her. If that does not change, what should happen with the Conference?

A:  There are two choices, either elect someone from within or close the Conference. It is up to the Conference members to step forward and provide leadership for their Conference. A District Council president can temporarily appoint someone to be Conference president if no president is nominated before the current president term ends; but an election has to take place as soon as possible and within a reasonable time. The current president must NOT stay in office beyond their elected first/second terms.

Spanish Translation

P: La iglesia SUD se ha puesto en contacto con nuestra Conferencia ofreciendo voluntarios para ayudar con nuestro servicio. Sé que existen diferencias importantes de doctrina, entonces me gustaría saber cómo responde SVdP a tal solicitud.

R:  Los miembros de la iglesia SUD (así como otros) pueden ser Miembros Asociados, lo que significa que pueden participar en las obras y posiblemente asistir a las reuniones (sin voto), pero no pueden ser funcionarios. Si su Conferencia tiene trabajos especiales, como una despensa o una tienda, pueden ayudar como voluntarios. Si su Conferencia tiene programas especiales de temporada como Acción de Gracias o Navidad, ellos también pueden ayudar.

P: Tenemos un presidente de la Conferencia acercándose al final de su segundo mandato y tratando de planificar su sucesión. Ningún miembro actual de esta  Conferencia activa parece estar dispuesto a dar un paso al frente para sucederle. Si eso no cambia, ¿qué debería pasar con la Conferencia?

R: Hay dos opciones, elegir a alguien de dentro o cerrar la Conferencia. Depende de los miembros de la Conferencia dar un paso adelante y proporcionar liderazgo para su Conferencia. Un presidente del Consejo de Distrito puede nombrar temporalmente a alguien para que sea presidente de la Conferencia si no se nombra ningún presidente antes de que finalice el mandato actual; pero las elecciones deben tener lugar lo más pronto posible y en un plazo razonable. El presidente actual NO debe permanecer en el cargo más allá de su primer/segundo mandato electo.

  • Jill Pioter

A Christmas Note to All Thrift Stores and Employees
A Christmas Note to All Thrift Stores and Employees 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Merry Christmas to all in our Thrift Stores and employees a little early!

We hope you are all thriving and enjoying the Holiday season so far. It is a great time of year for us to take care of our neighbors in need and ensure their Holiday is meaningful. Our Stores Committee would like to Thank ALL of you for all you do every day for SVdP! Thanks!

We have a few ideas for you to think about implementing in your stores during December to help grow your sales and take care of your customers.

Here they are:

  • Review your store hours- Maybe open your stores on Sunday a couple weeks before Christmas.
  • Does your store look like Christmas? Is there a BIG tree as you enter your store? Are there lights up- Christmas music playing. Festive!
  • Maybe pick a Saturday to offer coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies.
  • Is your store full of product priced for the holiday? This could include sweaters, coats/jackets, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, and stocking stuffers. (Don’t forget ugly Christmas sweaters!) Cookware, dish sets, and gifts. Price items for $1-$2 for kids to buy for their parents.
  • Stores usually receive A LOT of Christmas decorations from last year. Price them right and move them quickly. Trees usually come in groves. Price them right and put them out on the floor! Don’t leave Holiday items in your backroom.
  • Please be sure your store is warm, inviting, well-lit, and clean for Holiday customers. Make sure staff are engaging with customers.
  • SVdP is a home where many shop with limited resources and need us to have our best foot forward! We are Macys to our customers!

These are just a few ideas to make our holiday season brighter for our neighbors in need. We know you all have dozens of ideas suggestions that make your stores special during the holidays! Thanks for all you do!

If you have ideas to share, contact Jeff Beamguard at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org or John Walters at waltjibt@aol.com

In closing- Please Cherish the Holiday time with friends and family. This time is precious and sometimes can be short.

Thanks for all you do and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Stores Committee.

 

  • Jill Pioter

Focusing on Council Structure
Focusing on Council Structure 1200 628 Jill Pioter

COUNCIL/BOARD STRUCTURES

Council and Board structure should be as recommended in Society Bylaws. Generally speaking, the following structures are typical within the Society. This allows for a wide variety of possibilities.

  • Diocesan Councils that have control over the corporate structure within the Diocese
  • District Councils within a Diocesan Council structure where the Diocesan Council has strong control
  • Diocesan Councils that have only little control over the Society within the Diocese
  • District Councils within a Diocesan Council structure where the Diocesan Council has little control
  • District Councils with no Diocesan Council that have control over the corporate structure of the Conferences within its area of coverage
  • District Councils with no Diocesan Council that have only little control over the Society with its area of coverage
  • Councils within the above structures have no formal Board of Directors
  • Councils within the above structures have an integrated Board of Directors
  • Councils within the above structures have a separate Board of Directors
  • Councils within the above structures have no special works of any kind
  • Councils within the above structures have stores and/or special works that they coordinate
  • Some Councils have good working relationships with their Bishop and some do not
  • Many Councils within the various above structures also have Chief Executive Officer/Executive Directors and other staff, both paid and unpaid.

COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Council and Board members need training on their responsibilities and personal liabilities on an annual basis. It is recommended that Council leadership check with an attorney in their state to be sure their Council meets state legal requirements. Better yet, they should seek a local attorney to address the Council leadership/Board on its legal responsibilities. Council/ Board leadership changes annually, so this type of training should be scheduled annually. It is good to have regular reminders of fiduciary responsibilities.

Insurance issues should be included as an annual review and training as well. Many who are in Council/Board leadership are not familiar with these issues; however, they are important and need to be understood by leadership.

COUNCIL/BOARD – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIP

When a Council has an Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director (or Chief Executive Officer) or other paid staff, the Council/Board sets the policy and the paid professional employees carry out the day to day work. The Council/Board decides what is to be done, the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director decides how and by whom it is to be done. The Council does not make management decisions. The Council/Board makes policy decisions that define results expected and parameters that cannot be violated. They then match the performance of the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director to the results the Council/ Board expected. For more information related to Council/Board – staff relationships, read “Governance: Council and Board” published by the National Council.

The Council/Board has final responsibility for hiring and oversight of a professional manager usually known as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director. No one person, President, Executive Committee or small group should manage the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director; although the Council President normally is the spokesperson on behalf of the Council/Board.

  • Only one person (typically the President) acts as a communication conduit to the Council.
  • The spokesperson should not give any significant policy directives to the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director. That should be done by the Council/Board.
  • The Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director should be selected for her/his ability to manage the business of the Society with our Vincentian missions and principles in mind.

DISTRICT COUNCIL SIZE

When the number of Conferences in a District Council exceeds 10 or 12 a new District Council should be formed. The recommendation in The Rule is that no District Council should have more than twelve Conferences.

  • A District Council requires three Conferences before it can be instituted. The international standard is five Conferences; but the Council General International approved the U.S. to have three as the minimum.
  • When Councils become too big, the Conferences lose their voice and stop participating.
  • Once you pass the magic point in time to establish another District Council it becomes increasingly more difficult because of problems of splitting assets, special works and leadership.

As indicated in #3, problems of splitting assets, special works and leadership may be difficult as the Council grows past the recommended maximum. This holds true in a number of areas in the country where the number of Conferences in the District Council are in the 20s, 30s, and more. This is something that should be looked at early in the Council growth process.

  • Jill Pioter

12-9-2021 Questions and Answers
12-9-2021 Questions and Answers 1200 628 Jill Pioter

Q: Our Council gets funds donated to us from a couple of grocery chains. The funds are then passed on to the Conferences in the form of gift cards which they either give to people or use to purchase food for their pantry. How should the Conference report these funds on the annual report?

A: The financial report is only for actual money that is deposited in the Conference accounts. Gift cards cannot be deposited and must be included under in-kind.

If your food pantry is designated as an official Special Work for which you send in a report at the end of the year, then the money donated to the food pantry should be entered on line 3A. If the food pantry is not an official special work, then the money donated for food should go into Restricted Funds. But again, this never includes gift cards because they are in-kind donations.

Q: Some of our Conferences receive donations in the form of gift cards to supermarkets and places like Target which they then distribute to friends in need during Christmas. These gift cards have cash value. Should the Conference treat them as such and report them on line 5E: Other-Misc. Receipts?

A: The gifts cards received as donations would be treated as in-kind. When they are distributed, they have a specific value for the purpose for which you give them (food, clothing, etc.). They are not cash so they would not be treated as 5E. They cannot be deposited to your account and show up in the balancing of your accounts.

Spanish Translation

P: Nuestro Consejo recibe fondos que nos donan un par de empresas de supermercados. Luego, los fondos se transfieren a las Conferencias en forma de tarjetas de regalo que se entregan a las personas o se utilizan para comprar alimentos para su despensa. ¿Cómo debería informar la Conferencia sobre estos fondos en el informe anual?

R: El informe financiero es solo para el dinero real que se deposita en las cuentas de la Conferencia. Las tarjetas de regalo no se pueden depositar y deben incluirse en especie.

Si su despensa de alimentos está designada como Obra Especial oficial para la cual envía un informe al final del año, entonces el dinero donado a la despensa debe ingresarse en la línea 3A. Si la despensa no es una obra especial oficial, entonces el dinero donado para alimentos debe ir a Fondos Restringidos. Pero fíjese, esto nunca incluye tarjetas de regalo porque son donaciones en especie.

P: Algunas de nuestras Conferencias reciben donaciones en forma de tarjetas de regalo para supermercados y lugares como Target, que luego distribuyen a amigos con necesidades durante la Navidad. Estas tarjetas de regalo tienen valor en efectivo. ¿Debería la Conferencia tratarlos como efectivo e informarlos en la línea 5E: Otro-Misc. Ingresos?

R: Las tarjetas de regalo recibidas como donaciones se tratarán como en especie. Cuando se distribuyen, tienen un valor específico por el propósito para el que se les da (comida, ropa, etc.). No son dinero en efectivo, por lo que no serían tratados como 5E. No se pueden depositar en su cuenta y aparecer en el saldo de sus cuentas.

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