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Frederic's E-Gazette

An e-newsletter from the National Council of the  U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul ®

August 3, 2017


TableOfContents
Table of Contents:
To go directly to a certain article, simply click on the title
 
What's New in this Issue

Disclaimer:

 

(NOTE:  The links in some of the articles are intended to take you to websites for a specific story, page, function or program approved for your use by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  The Society does not accept responsibility for, or grant approval of, peripheral advertising or stories that may reside on those websites.)   

 
daveFrom your Servant Leader:

August 3, 2017

Three different "Our Faith in Action: Today's Society of St. Vincent de Paul" (OFIA) episodes aired last week on EWTN-TV. This means that over the next two weeks, expect some interesting questions at your Conference meetings!

The show was originally designed to "Bring the Society to Catholic homes" in our plans to attract more potential Society members. This is done by using OFIA as our own version of Catholic reality television, showing real Vincentians helping real people in real local communities.  Each episode has three examples, often in three different cities. None of the dialogue is scripted, and as they used to say on another famous show, "What you are about to see is a true story" of the Vincentian charism alive and well. Besides, we can't make up this stuff!

Another benefit of the show, though, is what our own members are getting out of it. You get a glimpse into what another Conference or Council is doing, and it may look a lot different than what you do locally. Just last week among those three episodes, we saw a free pharmacy, a menu planning enhancement to a food pantry, a young-adult Society/poverty immersion experience, a Vincentian farm that provides a food pantry's fresh produce, a micro-loan program to help people escape from predatory lending, some unique home visits such as provision of a chair lift for a young girl and her family, and some other examples of programs you may never have heard of in your Society experience.

And so this week and next, you may hear this question at your meeting: "Why aren't WE doing this work?"

Yours in Christ,


Dave


QuestionsAndAnswers
 

Q:  What should a Council do when they have excess funds? When does the consideration of hoarding come into play?
 
A:  Society funds are derived from various sources. Councils should be aware of what is expected of SVdP as custodians of funds given for the poor. The question of accumulation of funds is a sensitive issue. Some feel they should spend all they receive. Some feel they need to have funds set aside for special programs or situations. Operating an active Council with a reasonable bank account is not hoarding but may be prudent. A balance in the area of six month's expenditures may be prudent. Councils with more funds than this should look at ways to spend those funds appropriately: twinning with Councils/ Conferences in poorer areas, planning special works, etc. Hoarding comes into play when a decision is made to keep money in the bank rather than use it to help someone in need. We should always work with the goal spending down our funds to zero in order to help those in need - after all, that's what the funds were given to us for.
 
Q: What is the process for resolving problems at a Conference or Council?
 
A: This falls under the principle of subsidiarity. All issues or problems should be solved at the lowest level. A Conference member notifies the Conference president of the matter for response or resolution. If necessary, the Conference president notifies the next higher Council president of the matter for a response or resolution. The Council president, if necessary, notifies the regional vice-president for a response or resolution. Finally, if need be, the regional VP notifies the National Council president for a response or resolution.


   
Submit your questions to: 
Pam Hudson
National Director of Governance & Membership Services

 



gov  
The Need for Risk Management - Part II

We continue with the excerpts from an article in the "Smart Risk Management Manager's Training Workbook" dealing with the five core principles of risk management. The second of these principles - Observation - is covered this week.

Core Principle #2 - Observation

Smart risk managers are always on the lookout for risk and wrongdoing. Managers recognize that even the smallest hint of risk or wrongdoing can place everyone in danger. As a smart risk manager, you should:

* Constantly look for signs of risk or wrongdoing.
* Understand the importance of careful observation in hiring.
* Regularly inquire about your employees' well-being and job satisfaction.
* Recognize that even the smallest hint of risk or wrongdoing deserves immediate attention.
* Be aware of the risk of workplace wrongdoing, without being intimidated.
* Understand that wrongdoing can occur at any time, even in the best work environments.

Next week we will address Core Principle #3 - Communication.
 
To learn more about Governance, contact:
Pam Hudson
National Director of Governance and Membership Services
(314)576-3993 ext. 214
___________________________________________________________________

Attention NCMs and Other Servant Leadership whose Terms are ending!

A servant leadership thank you & farewell continental breakfast is being hosted at the National Assembly in Tampa on Friday, September 1 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. You are valuable to us! If your servant leadership term is ending soon, join us for breakfast to discuss the many opportunities available for you and your Vincentian servant leadership knowledge, with the National Council. There is still servant leadership work in the Vincentian vineyard to be done! We need your expertise! Can we count on you?

To reserve your place email:   phudson@svdpusa.org for the room location.  Let us know that we can count on you to join us!

"Our Lord will counsel you what to do." -St. Vincent de Paul
_____________________________________

¿Va a concluir su término de servicio como líder?  ¡Únase a nosotros el viernes en Tampa para el desayuno!

¡ATENCIÓN NCMS Y OTROS LÍDERES CUYOS TÉRMINOS VAN A CONCLUIR!

Un desayuno continental de despedida y de agradecimiento por su servicio de liderazgo va a ser ofrecido en la Asamblea Nacional en Tampa el viernes, 1 de septiembre a las 7:30 am - 8:30am.  ¡Ustedes son valiosos para nosotros!  Si su término de servicio como líder está por terminar pronto, únase a nosotros en el desayuno para discutir las muchas oportunidades disponibles para usted y su conocimiento del servicio de liderazgo vicentino con el Consejo Nacional.  ¡Todavía hay trabajo de liderazgo que hacer en la viña vicentina! ¡Necesitamos su experiencia!  ¿Podemos contar con usted?
 
Para reservar su lugar envíe un correo electrónico a: phudson@svdpusa.org para la localización del salón.  ¡Déjenos saber que podemos contar con que se unan a nosotros! 

_________________________________________________________

Have you paid your Annual Solidarity Contributions?
 
We have now entered into our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016-17. If remittance has not been made for your current solidarity contributions owed, please do so immediately. 
 
The name 'Society of St. Vincent de Paul' is trademark protected for those who are practicing good governance, which includes remittance of annual contributions assessed. National Council solidarity contributions make up a significant portion of the national budgeted income and is an essential annual membership requirement. Click here for a listing of the Benefits of Solidarity. No SVdP entity can be exempt from annual solidarity dues contribution. Let us know if there is anything we can do to assist. 

For payment advice or to discuss payment arrangement contact:
Pam Hudson                                                                                  
Director of Governance and Membership Services
314-576-3993 ext. 214

SVdP National Assembly in Tampa, Fla.
August 8 Hotel Registration Deadline 
Fast-Approaching


The discounted hotel rate at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel for this year's SVdP National Assembly will be expiring soon!
 
The group rate is only $139 per night and includes guest room Internet.
 
This room rate availability expires August 8, 2017.
 
Rooms always sell out! Don't wait to book your room!
 
Click HERE  to make your room reservation TODAY! Or call at 813-221-4900. Be sure to mention St. Vincent de Paul to receive the group rate.
 
If you have any trouble making your reservations, or getting the correct group rate, please contact: Christi Watts at christi.watts@inlinemeetings.com.
 
Additional offers and savings for the program:
 
Air Travel:
 
SVdP has partnered with Southwest Airlines.
 
This year we have a discount with Southwest Airlines.  Please use this link to get your discounted rate and to book now.
 
By flying Southwest Airlines, as a Society of St. Vincent de Paul traveler, you will also receive the following benefits:
  • 50% bonus Rapid Reward Points for your travel to and from the convention with your Rapid Rewards account number added to your reservation. To enroll in the Rapid Rewards program, visit https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/overview;  no baggage fees (first two bags).
Airport Transportation:
  • SuperShuttle is available from the airport, $12 each way, to book transportation go to their website: https://www.supershuttle.com/.
  • Estimated taxi fare is $25 each way.
  • Uber is also available.
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel:
  • Click HERE for a map and additional information for the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
We can't wait to see everyone in Tampa August 30 - September 2! Sign up today!

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For those sending more than three attendees from the same Conference/Council and registering after the early registration deadline (July 15), we have a special discount code for $20 off per person. 
For more information, contact Michele Schurk.

  
Don't forget to book your room!

Questions? Contact:
Michele Schurk
Events Coordinator
314-576-3993 ext. 223

VincentianFormation
Vincentian Formation
Feast of the Transfiguration

On Sunday, August 6 the Church will celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration. 

______________________________________________________
Now Available:
Vincentian Leadership Council President 2017 (revised)
 
This manual is an important resource for the president of the (Arch)Diocesan and District Council. It addresses the key elements of forming Vincentian leaders to carry out the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Leaders must study this manual frequently and Councils will conduct training using this manual as the guide.

_______________ ___________________________________________

SPECIAL SALE
Ends September 27!
  Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism

All Modules of Serving in Hope (English and Spanish)
$1.00 each

"Vincentians are called to journey together towards holiness, because true holiness is perfect union with Christ and the perfection of love, which is central to their vocation and the source of their own faith and fidelity." (Rule 2.2)

Is your Conference:
  • Desiring to grow in spirituality?
  • Wanting to live our Vincentian vocation?
  • Hoping to walk the journey towards holiness?
  • Searching for Vincentian spirituality?
  • Attracting new members?
Then SERVING IN HOPE is your answer!

Serving in Hope is a spiritual formation program developed by the National Office for the Conference level. As Vincentians we are called to "Serve in Hope" because we are called to bring the love of God to those who are poor and suffering, and therefore we must become rooted in the spirituality that is the heart and soul of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

       
To Order: Online at  www.svdpusa.org      
(Click on SVdP Members, scroll down and click on Order Materials)                        
or                                                                                                                           
Email order to: materials@svdpusa.org

For further information contact: 
Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC
National Formation Director

MCD
 Start-up Kits in Spanish Now Available

Start-up kits are now available in Spanish through the National Council office. 


For more information or to place an order, contact:
Kathy Jackson
National Extension Coordinator
314-576-3993 Ext. 224
______________________________________________________
Connect with the Multicultural African American Task-force  on Facebook!
 
You can keep up with everything going on with the SVdP National Multicultural African American Task-force by following them on their new Facebook page.
 

dsd
Disaster Services Division Update
Vincentians assist at McHenry MARC after 
severe Flooding   

Vincentians gathered as a Rapid Response Team to assist at the McHenry, Illinois Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) last week where severe flooding has taken place. They participated by seeing flood survivors and filling out in-take forms, passing out grocery and gas cards, providing damage assessments, and representing the Society within the community of McHenry, Illinois.

More about the flooding here:

_____________________________________________________

More SVdPDSD News

Elizabeth Disco-Shearer, CEO of SVDPDSD, and Brooke Newton, deputy director, represented Disaster Services at the annual FEMA and the National VOAD's Partnership Day at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. last week. They met with FEMA officials, The American Red Cross, and several other faith-based community leaders active in disaster response such as INCA, The Salvation Army, United Methodists, Scientologists active in Disaster, Tzu Chi and Save the Children. It was a great networking and educational opportunity for the organization. 



For more information about the SVdPDSD or how to donate to the House in a Box ®  Program, contact:

Elizabeth Disco-Shearer
COO
SVdPUSA Disaster Services Division


Brooke Newton
Deputy Director
SVdPUSA Disaster Services Division 



storesNational Stores Committee
National Assembly, Tampa
August 30 Workshop Agenda
 
As you ponder registering for the National Assembly in Tampa, Fla., we would like to call your notice to the day of workshops sponsored by the National Stores Committee.
 
The National Stores Committee sponsors a day of workshops specifically for the attendees that are associated with running thrift stores. 


If you have any questions regarding stores, contact:
Ray DuPont
National Stores Committee Chairperson

DevelopmentNews
SVdPUSA is pleased to announce three new National Partners to better serve you!

New National Partner: American-made Socks at Low Prices

The National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul is pleased to announce that C&M Mills is officially a national partner. C&M Mills manufactures and sells socks in the USA. In addition, C&M Mills is the primary distribution point for items from the internationally known Gildan Apparel Company, a manufacturer of t-shirts and undergarments, including slightly imperfect underwear.


__________________________________________________________

New National Partner: Easy-to-use and Affordable SVdP Client Tracking Software: ServWare



ServWare is Vincentian-developed client tracking software, customized for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Councils, District Councils and Conferences. "We developed this software from first-hand knowledge of the needs of our local Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference in Dayton, Ohio," said Mark Stine, co-founder. Mark's wife Catherine recognized the need for tracking software, as so many Vincentians have observed, while serving with her local Conference. They knew it had to be low cost, be easy to learn, use 21st century technology and be customizable to meet any Vincentian needs. 


______________________________________________________________
New National Partner: Vincentian-approved Point-of-Sale Systems Specifically for Thrift Stores

Secure Retail POS is designed especially for thrift stores. It provides thrift stores management and inventory control. Secure Retail POS:
  • Offers accurate reports in a timely fashion
  • Reduces shrinkage, improves efficiency
  • Manages specials
  • Eliminates errors
  • Provides pricing strategy
  • Offers hang tags and sticky labels
"It makes everything so easy," said Paul Kleypas, stores director, SVdP Austin. "Training was simple. The system is made for thrift stores. It makes for tighter inventory control and fewer errors, among other benefits."


_____________________________________________________________________

SVdP National Partnership Program

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's National Partnership Program can save Councils and Conferences money while improving efficiency. Learn more!

National partners provide national buying power to local 
Councils and Conferences.

For more information on Development, contact:

Steve Martinez
314-576-3993 ext. 213



Gerri Sample
314-576-3993 ext. 211

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systch
 
Getting Ahead Facilitator Training
 
Our Rule calls us "to help the poor to help themselves whenever possible, and to be aware that they can forge and change their own destinies and that of their local community."
 
Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World attacks poverty holistically, empowering individuals to build their own personal plans for economic security and create  Systemic Change. It is currently being used by Conferences and Councils of all sizes, across the country.
 
Join Jeanne Harper, member of the National Board of Directors and Vice President of the North Central Region, for our next  Getting Ahead Facilitator Training Webinar:
 
Part I: Thursday, September 14           10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
Part II: Thursday, September 21          10:30 a..m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
 
 
* Please Note: Registration will close two weeks prior to the webinar, in order that participants have sufficient time to prepare. Late requests cannot be accepted.*
 
For questions about Systemic Change, the Getting Ahead program, or other poverty-related issues, contact: 
Tom Mulloy,
National Director of Poverty Programs 

_______________________________________________________________
Systemic Change August 9 Practitioner Call
Where We've Come, Where We're Going
 
Special Guest: President Sheila Gilbert!
 
Throughout her tenure  as National President, Sheila Gilbert has led the Systemic Change Call to Action. Her leadership has built a strong foundation for the Society's Systemic Change work.

Join Sheila as she reflects on Systemic Change during her time as president, and leads a conversation about what the future has in store for the Society and the people we serve.
 
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
3:00 p.m. Eastern/12:00 p.m. Pacific
1-877-885-3221
Participant Code: 7412076  

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VofP

Voice of the Poor Immigration Webinar  

If you missed all the important information and resources in last month's webinar on The New and Continuing Immigration Challenges In a "Welcome the Stranger" Vincentian Year, you can listen to an archive recording and download the slides on the Voice of the Poor website.
 
Stay tuned for more information and resources that you can use to be a Voice of the Poor in your communities!

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youth
  
Call for Information!

Do you know about a successful Young Vincentian group? 
We want to hear about it!
 
 
For any questions regarding SVdP Youth, contact:
Suzanne Markiewicz
Youth Committee Chairperson
(724) 454-5430

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grandparentsday
SVdP Grandparent's Day
Share your Vincentian Legacy

National Grandparent's Day celebrates 40 years on September 9, 2018!
 
Thank you to all the Vincentians who have
expressed interest in hosting a Grandparent's Day gathering for your adult grandchildren!
 
Thanks for sharing your planning ideas, we're here to help as needed! Please contact Julie Witzel!

For help planning a Grandparent's Day at your Council, contact:
Julie Witzel

ext 

__________________________________________________________
Extension is on the Move!
 
If your Conference or Council is hosting an "Invitation to Serve" within the next six months, we want to hear about it!
 
Contact:
Kathy Jackson
National Extension Coordinator
314-576-3993 ext. 224
 
______________________________________________________________________
 
SVdP Extension Web Portal
 
 

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EWTN 
SVdP Television Special Available Online!

The SVdP television special "Our Faith in Action: Today's Society of St. Vincent de Paul" is now available online for all Councils and Conferences to use to help tell our story.  This program provides an excellent overview of who we are and what we do.

Click here to watch and download the video from Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/195329687

Click here to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPWp8Hvloss

If you have any questions, please contact:

Gary Stevens
Director of Marketing and Communications
314-576-3993 ext. 209



Michelle Boyer
Communications Administrative Associate
314-576-3993 ext. 201
mboyer@svdpusa.org
 


SVdP400400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism

2017 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism.

Click the links below to view a new video about members serving their brothers and sisters in need.
 
 

 
symposium

Vincentian Symposium in Rome 
October 12 - 15

This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of our Vincentian charism. On this occasion, the Vincentian Family organizes an International Symposium in Rome from October 12 to 15, 2017 where all members of the Vincentian Family are invited. This event is open to all.
 
Please find attached the information provided by the Vincentian Family:
Download the invitation
 
Please visit the website designed for the occasion: http://famvin400.info



For more information, contact:
Gene Smith

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inthenews 
International News
The Famvin Homeless Alliance, a new Initiative of the Vincentian Family Worldwide
FRANCE:

June 28, 2017 marked the official announcement of the Famvin Homeless Alliance, an initiative of the Worldwide Vincentian Family to reduce, and wherever possible, eliminate homelessness in its multiple forms. This ceremony took place at the European Parliament, by invitation of its president, Antonio Tajani, who wished to honor the work of the followers of St. Vincent de Paul with the people living in poverty, especially with the homeless.
 
In the context of the 400th anniversary of the charism, the Vincentian Family chose to focus particularly on the famous passage of Matthew 25: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." In harmony with the global definition of homeless developed by the Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH), the attitude and actions of welcoming the homeless include action with and in favor of people living in the streets, refugees and internally displaced people, slumdwellers... The urgency of this issue is evident: The most recent UN reports on this topic suggests that, of the 7 billion people on this planet, more than 1.2 billion fall within this IGH three-tiered definition of global homelessness. It is one of the great social ills of our time.

Read more.
National News 
Ministries join to help Poor

ROCHESTER, NY:
Photo: John Haeger / The Catholic Courier

Pete Schaad stopped his car in front of Akilah Barksdale's house on Conkey Avenue July 18, donned his wooden St. Vincent de Paul cross and said a prayer: "May we see Christ in the poor and hope they see Christ in us."
 
Schaad heads up the St. Vincent de Paul Society's St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish Conference, which focuses on providing furniture to families in need in northeast Rochester. He visited Barksdale to give her information on how her family could receive donated furniture items from the ministry.
 
Barksdale explained that she had been living in the two-story house since the spring. She had furnished the home as best she could with a sofa and loveseat, a mattress and box spring, a makeshift cot-style bed for her 10-year-old son and a couple of dressers. Her 4-year-old daughter was sleeping in a portable bed.

Read More

MORE NATIONAL SVdP NEWS
____________________________________________________________

 Calendar of Events

Deadline for Frederic's E-Gazette articles submission: Every Wednesday by 12 noon for article to be included in current week's edition

Invitation for Renewal
St. Louis, MO (Pallottine Renewal Center)
August 9 - 13

National Assembly
Tampa, FL
August 29-September 2
Invitation for Renewal
St. Louis, MO (Pallottine Renewal Center)
December 6-10

Dates for 2018:

Board Meeting
St. Louis, MO
January 21



Catholic Social Ministry Gathering
February 3 - 6
Washington DC

Midyear Meeting 
April 11 - 14
St. Louis, MO

Board Meeting
June
St. Louis, MO

Invitation for Renewal
July 11 - 15
St. Louis, MO

National Assembly
August 27 - September 2
San Diego, CA

Invitation for Renewal
November 14 - 18
St. Louis, MO

vinprayerlist
Vincentian Prayer List


Are you or another Vincentian you know in need of prayers from fellow SVdP members? Send the prayer intention to Pam Hudson at phudson@svdpusa.org and we will add the name to the prayer list on the SVdP website. Thank you and God Bless.
 

SocialMedia
SVdP Social Media



 
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Is your Conference or Council doing something that you think should appear in the E-Gazette or on SVdPUSA social media?  Send your good news to me! 
 

Michelle Boyer

Communications and Administrative Associate

Email: mboyer@svdpusa.org

(314) 576-3993 ext. 201