FREDERIC'S E-GAZETTE
An e-newsletter from the National Council
of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA®
January 14, 2021
A LETTER FROM YOUR SERVANT LEADERS
We do not need (or even want!) to be reminded of the unusual year we have faced in 2020: A pandemic, economic crisis, and societal turmoil from racial injustices. Yet amidst it all, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has offered a steady hand to our most vulnerable neighbors, providing food, rent assistance, utility payments, the list goes on and on. Thankfully, in the worst of time, the Society shines. With nearly 100,000 Vincentians in the United States alone, we are ready and willing to step in.

Among those we are serving, our sisters and brothers returning home from incarceration are facing many barriers and obstacles, often without family or resources to fall back on. Up to one third of our Home Visit contacts have a formerly incarcerated individual in their household. Sadly, years of systemic racism have profoundly impacted the struggles, evidenced in the disproportionate numbers of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples bearing the brunt of inequities in the criminal justice system. Addressing this myriad of concerns through the Society calls us as Vincentians to form a “network of Reentry,” to borrow a phrase from Frederic Ozanam: “I would like to embrace the whole world in a network of charity.”

St. Vincent de Paul has already responded with the typical creativity that we are known for. Immersion and Back2Work were designed to work in tandem to address the special needs of those returning from incarceration, “returning citizens.” Utilizing the strength of our many Conferences, our community partnerships, ability to access resources, we walk with each neighbor on their journey home. Right now, we have these programs in four different Councils across the country.

Now, in a hopefully “post-COVID-19” world, we are challenged to be even better organized and consistent in our approach. A “network of Reentry” has already been conceived in the National Reentry Task Force (NRTF). We have an opportunity to grow our Task Force to form a new vision, to provide invigorated and integrated services to returning citizens everywhere. By providing mentoring, job training, education, advocacy, restorative justice and more, we can help bring healing to our sisters and brothers and communities.

Please take a moment to prayerfully discern: Are you being called to this Reentry ministry? Consider how you can help us in this shared mission. Who in your Council or Region is already serving the formerly incarcerated? Who has a passion for restorative justice? Can you help us bring a new vision to the National Reentry Task Force?

To offer your assistance, please contact me at [email protected] or (262) 347-7822, or the Co-Chair, Steve Havemann at [email protected], (515) 282-8328 ext. 120. As the Society of St. Vincent de Paul we are uniquely qualified, indeed gifted, to help meet the many challenges our returning citizens are facing. Together, we can begin to participate in the building up of the Kingdom of God within our truly Vincentian charism, embracing a “network of Reentry.”
In Christ's faith,
Marian Lamoureux
Chair
National Reentry Task Force
COUNCIL GENERAL INTERNATIONAL SVdP NEWS
National President, Ralph Middlecamp, Receives Special International Appointment
President Ralph Middlecamp has been appointed as the new International Vice President for Solidarity and Special Projects to the Council General International of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In his new role, he'll oversee the Society's international efforts around Twinning, CIAD, and Special Projects.

Click here to read the full press release.
SVdP MIDYEAR MEETING UPDATE
Out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s health, our 2021 Midyear Business Meeting, March 3 - 6 will be a virtual program. Registration opening soon! This year’s agenda will include a Spiritual Retreat, Workshops, Board of Directors and Business Meetings, Disaster Services Training, as well as a special event presentation and Virtual Vendor Showcase. 
 
The annual Midyear Meeting is a Governance and training event designed for National Council Members (the Presidents of the Diocesan Council or “top” District Council per Diocese), Executive Directors and other current or prospective Council leaders. However the Midyear, especially a virtual one, is open to all interested Vincentians! Check out the agenda when available and attend the sessions and workshops where you have interest. 
  
Voting at the National Business Meeting, to be held virtually on Saturday March 6 from 10 AM – 12:30 PM Central is restricted to National Council Members, but again anyone may attend the Zoom call.
SVdP NATIONAL COUNCIL OFFICE ADDRESS CHANGE
Please note change of address for the National Council Office (street address only):
66 Progress Parkway
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3076
SVdP NATIONAL COUNCIL COVID UPDATE
HR 311: Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act
Before Christmas, Congress provided approximately $900 billion in additional help to people, communities, and organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The President signed the bill into law shortly thereafter. Among other things, the new bill includes:
  • A second round of Economic Impact Payments (cash assistance)
  • An extension of unemployment benefits
  • Rent and utility assistance
  • An extension of the eviction moratorium
  • Additional nutrition assistance
 
The new law also extends the Paycheck Protection Program, a charitable giving incentive, unemployment reimbursement, and other assistance to nonprofit organizations.


CALENDAR OF UPCOMING WEBINARS AND EVENTS
Upcoming Events
January 19, 6 - 7 PM CENTRAL
January 20, 6 PM CENTRAL
January 21, 2 PM CENTRAL
January 25, 12 PM CENTRAL
January 26, 6 - 7 PM CENTRAL
January 28, 12 - 1:20 PM CENTRAL
February 6 - 9
February 16, 6 - 7 PM CENTRAL
February 23, 6 - 7 PM CENTRAL

To view the complete calendar, click here.
NATIONAL COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
National Council Hiring Associate Director of Poverty Programs/ Director of Immersion Program
The National Council is hiring an Associate Director of Poverty Programs / Director of Immersion Program to lead the Society’s criminal justice work and support Systemic Change programming. The position will coordinate and develop Immersion and Back2Work, as well as support other Systemic Change programming.
 
The successful candidate will have program management and development experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, a commitment to working collaboratively, and a firm understanding of the mission and values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This position is grant-funded currently for three years and will be contingent on continued support thereafter.
 
Click here to read the full job description. People who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.
 
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: A member volunteering at our food pantry recently said that we could not talk politics although volunteers discuss many topics. This only happens when there are no visitors at the food shelf. In my opinion, this is suppression of free speech. Is there a rule that says discussing politics or any other during Conference work forbidden?
 
A: There is nothing in the Rule against free speech. We can discuss issues, but not candidates. Nonprofits can campaign for or against legislation. We must keep in mind that any discussion related to candidates for political office must be outside any SVdP activity. Otherwise, it may be determined that such discussion by Vincentians is in the name of the Society, which is improper. It is a long-standing tradition going back to our founders that we are not to discuss politics within the Society except as how we may advocate for those we serve.
 
As Blessed Frédéric Ozanam said at his last address to the General Assembly of the Society in December 1848, just after a very contentious French election, “As we enter our Conferences, we leave political passions at the door: we are assembled, not to fight each other, not to tear each other apart, but to get along, to see each other’s good side … When every morning twenty newspapers are busy stirring up our anger, it is good that at least once a week we can calm it down by talking about the poor.”
 
Q: A non-SVdP agency in our community helps with utilities, rent, food, and other assistance. They are very helpful to our Conference. We have extra funds in our account and would like to give them a donation. Is this permissible?
 
A: The Rule is very specific. The resources of the Society must be used by our members for their works of charity and not given to other organizations -- no matter how good the cause. We do not do checkbook charity -- we are to be involved in person-to-person works. Our donors chose to give to us for our own services, not to send those resources to others. Collaboration with outside resources, however, and attempts not to duplicate services, are encouraged. To honor donors’ intentions, the IRS does not authorize donated funds to be a pass-through from one nonprofit to another nonprofit.


Click here to visit the SVdP Thrift Store website for stores-related Q&As: http://www.svdpusa-thriftstore.org/

Submit your questions to Pam Hudson Johnson at [email protected]   
INTERNATIONAL TWINNING
Colombia: Technology Training
The Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Conference in Medellin, Colombia, expresses their sincerest gratitude to their Twinning partner, the Archdiocesan Council of Indianapolis, for supporting their computer training classroom. Over the years, thousands of people have received classes ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced IT solutions.

For more information on International Twinning, please contact Elizabeth Martinez at [email protected] or (314) 576-3993 ext. 225.
DISASTER SERVICES UPDATES
Disaster Services Volunteer Training
CEO Elizabeth Disco-Shearer will host a volunteer training opportunity on January 28 from 12:00 to 1:20 PM CENTRAL on PII Training.

Click the link to register at: http://ow.ly/dr4i50D6Wnd
FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY UDPATES
New Leadership Webinar: 7 Duties of a Council President
Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 6:00 PM CENTRAL - Register Now
 
This webinar, designed for Council Presidents (and potential future Council Presidents) draws from the Council President Handbook. Ray Sickinger, Chair of the National Leadership Task Force, will share insights into the President’s seven essential goals.

Recent Webinar Recordings
You can always find links to recordings of past Formation and Leadership Task Force webinars on the Formation Page. Here are the two most recent recordings:

Formators: Ozanam Orientation Resources
  • All materials needed (English and Spanish) are available now in the Materials Store.
  • Participants bundle (English and Spanish) may be ordered individually, or Councils can place orders with multiple shipping addresses.
  • If you have a small Formation Team, you can also use the pre-recorded presentations. Read the guidelines for more information.

Formation Resources Quick Reference

Contemplation: A bite from a different apple
St. Vincent likened virtue to an apple on a tree, which “even though I see it very clearly and find it very beautiful, I’m not holding it for all that. I’m not enjoying it…. reason helps us to see virtue clearly, but it doesn't give it to us.” Read more.

Questions Regarding Spirituality and Formation?
Contact Tim Williams, National Formation Director
(314) 576-3993 ext. 207
NATIONAL POVERTY PROGRAMS UPDATES
Getting Ahead Practitioner Call: 2021 Open Forum - NOTE NEW DATE
Monday, January 25, 2021 12:00 PM CENTRAL - Register Here

The Getting Ahead program kicks off the new year with small group breakouts and a general conversation where all can share what worked and what didn’t in the past year, discuss future plans and dreams, and consider responses to anticipated challenges.

Third Thursday Webinar:
Systemic Change and Mentoring
Thursday, January 21, 2:00 PM CENTRAL - Register Here

Vincentians across the country are operating Systemic Change programs to address root causes of poverty in their communities. Although the focus of programming differs--employment, microlending, reentry, Getting Ahead--mentoring is a core component throughout. This webinar will explore the importance of mentoring and how it fits into different types of programming.

2021 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering
“Make justice your aim": Rebuilding Together
February 6-9, 2021, Virtual Gathering
 
The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) brings together people from around the country working to combat hunger, poverty, and injustice at home and around the world. This year, we will pray, learn, and advocate together on the disparities revealed by COVID-19 and re-imagine new models of justice and solidarity.
 
Check out special opportunities and events for young leaders in Catholic social ministry and learn more about the Diversity Outreach Initiative as well.
 
Registration is only $50! Register Now for the 2021 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering by clicking here.

Poverty Awareness Training
If your Conference or Council is making plans for 2021, why not include a refresher on poverty awareness?
 
Dr. Donna Beegle, nationally-recognized expert on understanding, fighting, and overcoming poverty, produced If Not Me, Then Who? Empowering Our Neighbors especially for Vincentians. In this 7-video series, Dr. Beegle busts poverty myths, shares a deeper understanding of the lived reality faced by poor and vulnerable families, and gives us the tools and resources we need to accompany them to stability.
 
You can access Dr. Beegle's entire curriculum on our Systemic Change website!
 
Getting Ahead Facilitator Training
The 2020 Getting Ahead program concluded with an in-depth look at GA virtual programming in the Coronavirus era.
 
In 2021, Getting Ahead Facilitator Trainings will take place on:
  • Wednesday, April 21 & 28 5:30 - 8:30 PM CT
  • Wednesday, July 21 & 28 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM CT
  • Wednesday, October 13 & 20 5:30 - 8:30 PM CT
 
Registration for the April session will open in late February.

Questions Regarding National Poverty Programs?
Contact Tom Mulloy, National Director of Poverty Programs
(314) 576-3993 ext. 215
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Want to Become a National Partner?
Know a vendor that you think would make a great addition to our elite group of National Partners? Contact Michele Schurk at [email protected]. Our new National Partner website is under construction and will be available soon. To see the benefits of becoming a National Partner, click HERE.
GOVERNANCE AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
More from Vincentian Life: Council
Last week we began a series of excerpts from Vincentian Life: Council. They are intended to complement the resources developed by the National Governance Committee posted at Governance-in-a-Box on the National Council website.
 
We continue with more information from the first section of this important manual which is titled "Conferences" because the Council's primary role is to support the Conferences. Click here to read this week's excerpt.

Back by Popular Demand!
Join us on the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6 PM CT / 7 PM ET for Best Practices and Lessons Learned: a webinar series focusing on Growth & Revitalization

Upcoming Sessions (Registration is for January-April series)
 3rd Tuesdays are for members interested in growing Conferences.
Click here to Register

4th Tuesday will focus on Conference revitalization.          
Click here to Register.
 
  • January 19: Growing Conferences – Getting on the Right Track for Solidarity and Annual Reporting
  • January 26: Conference Revitalization – Refreshers and Common Mistakes with Solidarity and Annual Reports
  • February 16: Growing Conferences – Multicultural Diversity Committee Presentation
  • February 23: Conference Revitalization – Multicultural Diversity Committee Presentation
  • March 16: Growing Conferences – Starting Conferences during COVID
  • March 23: Conference Revitalization – The Importance of Communication when Revitalizing
  • April 20: Growing Conferences – Starting in a Diocese with no SVdP Presence
  • April 27: Conference Revitalization – Forming the District Council in a Diocese with no SVdP Presence
 

The Growth & Revitalization Committee hopes that this webinar series will be an opportunity to share ideas and best practices in a progressive and beneficial experience for all attendees. For more information, contact Julie Witzel at [email protected] or (314) 576-3993. 

An Important Announcement Regarding Annual Reports
In consideration of the creative ways Vincentians are providing services and assistance during the pandemic, we have revised the In-Kind Person-to-Person line items on the Annual Report. We have also revised the Receipts/Income for those SVdP entities that received PPP government loans that will ultimately evolve into grant monies.


Online annual report data entry will close on April 30, 2021. No exceptions.

Questions Regarding Governance and Membership Services?
Contact Pam Hudson Johnson, Director of Governance & Membership Services
(314) 576-3993 ext. 214
MEMBER RESOURCES
2020 Annual Report Deadlines
Online annual report data entry will close on April 30, 2021. No exceptions.

Thrift Store & Special Works Annual Reports: The Council or Conference that owns the store or special work should do these reports first, since they will need this information for their Conference or Council report.

  • (Arch)Diocesan Council Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 9/30 Due Date: January 31
  • Conference Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 12/31 Due Date: January 31
  • District Council Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 12/31 Due Date: February 28
  • (Arch)Diocesan Council Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 12/31 Due Date: March 31

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 Johnson at [email protected] and we will add the name to the Vincentian Prayer List on our website. Thank you and God Bless.

Looking to Support SVdP Programs?
Click here to access the online donation portal, and use the dropdown menu to choose from a variety of national SVdP programs to support.

If you would like to donate by check, please send it to:
SVdP National Council
66 Progress Parkway
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
*In the memo field please write the program you are supporting
IN THE NEWS
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