FREDERIC'S E-GAZETTE
An e-newsletter from the National Council
of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA®
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Q: What is the importance of sustainability when it comes to helping our neighbors in need? Should sustainability be questioned or sidelined during this period of financial uncertainty?
A: Although sustainability is what we hope to achieve with those we serve, it is not the goal of the Society and not questioned. It is our role to love those in need in the best way possible. Sometimes we help people now because it is the right thing to do, even if it means they will come back to us next week.
Q: I have a store committee that wants to fundraise in the community, so they can have a Christmas party for employees and volunteers. It does not sound right to me, but I want to make sure that I am not being too conservative, and I say no to something that is not against any Rule or standards. I need guidance.
A: As long as the community knows that the fundraising is for a Christmas party for employees and volunteers it is okay to do so, so long as funds are not collected for another purpose and then used for a Christmas party. We must be very careful with this because then it looks like SVdP is collecting money to serve ourselves (employees & volunteers). No fundraising is acceptable under false pretenses. As always, use your best judgement.
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NATIONAL COUNCIL STAFF UPDATES |
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SVdP National Council Welcomes Director of
Philanthropy II
The SVdP National Council Office is excited to welcome Maureen Herrmann to the team as the Director of Philanthropy II.
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Thanks to your generosity, the SVdP National Council raised more than double our goal of $20,000. We raised $44,812.76! That is more than we have raised in any previous year!
We cannot express how grateful we are! Your donations will help allow us to better support the work of your local SVdP Councils and Conferences as they help your neighbors in need in your communities.
If you didn’t have a chance to give yesterday, and are still interested in supporting the SVdP National Council as part of your #GivingTuesday efforts, you can still give by clicking here.
Thank you again and GOD BLESS!
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Mexico: Taking It to the Streets
The Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Conference in Yucatan, Mexico, helped an estimated 200 single mothers, widows and elderly people with their basic needs.
Thanks to their International Twin, Holy Family Conference in Orange, CA, they were able to put together bags filled with food and medicine to hand out to the needy in their community.
For more information on International Twinning, please contact Elizabeth Martinez at [email protected] or (314) 576-3993 ext. 225. |
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Artist Offers Portion of Proceeds from Sales to Assist SVdP Phoenix Dental Clinic
Master artist, Russ Cannizzaro, is using his art to help those in need of dental work this holiday season.
The SVdP Council in Phoenix’s Virginia G. Piper Dental Clinic assists neighbors in need who have untreated dental problems and cannot afford treatment.
Untreated dental problems can have devastating effects on one’s overall health and self-esteem. The clinic provides treatment and preventative care to children and adults without insurance. The goal of the clinic, in addition to offering free treatment, is to inspires healthier dental hygiene for individuals.
Click here to view some of the items available for purchase.
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DISASTER SERVICES UPDATES |
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SVdP Disaster Services is raising $75,000 to provide 10,000 toys and 5,000 backpacks with hygiene products, toys, socks, and school supplies to meet the basic needs of disaster survivors and families who have lost everything. They are also including toys to give children hope during the holiday season.
DSC asks for donations of $15 and to sponsor a child or adult to receive these much needed items. By supporting DSC's Giving Tuesday initiative, you will bring a sense of normalcy to those who have lost everything. Every dollar helps.
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FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY UDPATES |
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New Webinar: Seven Duties of a Conference President
Tuesday, December 15, 6 PM Central Time
Committed, trained leaders are key to advancing the Society's mission. This training, presented by Ray Sickinger, is based on the new Conference President manual, and will focus on the seven Duties of Conference President; and will highlight additional training to come.
New Webinar: Servant Leadership and Our Vocation
Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-8:00 PM Central Time
Part of the Effective Servant Leadership series, this webinar focuses on the core spirituality of Servant Leadership in the model given to us by Christ, and exemplified by Frèdèric and Vincent. With references both from the Gospels and from our long heritage of servant leadership, you will learn how deeply embedded servant leadership is in our traditions, and the many opportunities for all of us to seek out, and to serve as leaders. Presented by Tim Williams, National Formation Director.
In Case You Missed It
A recording of the last Effective Servant Leadership webinar, Effective Conference Meetings, is available for viewing. Watch Now!
Ozanam Orientation 2020
The 2016 Ozanam Orientation is no longer available! If you have not yet transitioned to the 2020 Ozanam Orientation, now is the time:
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All materials needed (English and Spanish) are available now in the Materials Store.
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With many Councils delivering the Ozanam Orientation online, all materials for participants are now available in a bundle (English and Spanish). Participants can order individually, or Councils can place orders with multiple shipping addresses.
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If you are still delaying Ozanam Orientation, remember you can present the 90-Minute Intro to both new and current members, who can delay Ozanam Orientation until it is available.
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And don’t forget, if you have a small Formation Team, you can also use the pre-recorded presentations. Read the guidelines for more information.
Formation Resources and Updates
Questions Regarding Spirituality and Formation?
Contact Tim Williams, National Formation Director
(314) 576-3993 ext. 207
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NATIONAL POVERTY PROGRAMS UPDATES |
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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.
Getting Ahead Facilitator Training
The 2020 Getting Ahead program concluded with an in-depth look at GA virtual programming in the Coronavirus era. You can access the recording of the conversation Here.
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--look for more information in the e-Gazette then.
Voice of the Poor
Last month, President Ralph Middlecamp joined Vincentian Voice of the Poor members Marian Lamoureux and Bobby Kinkela to reflect on the Vincentian themes in Pope Francis’ new encyclical Fratelli Tutti.
Join Marian and Bobby to continue this conversation as they lead breakout sessions on applying the encyclical’s themes in our ministry.
"Fratelli Tutti: Paths of Dialogue"
Voice of the Poor Third Thursday Webinar
Thursday, December 17 at 2:00 PM CT / 3:00 PM ET
If you missed "A Vincentian Look at Fratelli Tutti: Call to Fraternity and Social Friendship", you can access the recording and download the slides at our Voice of the Poor webinar library.
Questions Regarding National Poverty Programs?
Contact Tom Mulloy, National Director of Poverty Programs
(314) 576-3993 ext. 215
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National Partner: Motel 6
Motel 6 has been providing clean, comfortable rooms since 1962! As a SVdP National Partner all conferences have the benefit of utilizing the SVdP National preferred Corporate Plus@6 discount account number CP CPCSYEZ9 to receive a 12% discount when making reservations at any of our Motel6 and Studio 6 brands nationally. If interested in additional information on our brand partnership or in establishing a Corporate Plus@6 direct billing account for your individual conference client housing needs, please contact CPCSYEZ9 12% Doreen Musso, National Sales Account Executive at [email protected]. Please use the attached flyer to promote in your conferences.
Tuesday Advancement Calls: 2:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM CENTRAL
SVdP Fundraisers and Executive Directors are invited to join SVdP National Council Chief Advancement Officer, Kitty Lohrum, each Tuesday via Zoom to discuss fundraising strategies and solutions. Upcoming topics include database use, stewardship, developing a planned giving communication plan, and our popular Dear Vinny series, where the group talks through solutions to a real-life fundraising situation. Contact Kitty Lohrum to learn more!
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GOVERNANCE AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES |
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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.
For Annual Report Questions or Assistance Contact: Pam Hudson Johnson, Director of Governance and Membership Services [email protected].
The Meaning of Good Governance
Good governance. What does it mean anyway?
Governance means:
- Responsible use of assets and funds.
- Ensuring the group/organization is fulfilling its mission.
- Openly communicating with others and listening to others at all levels of the organization.
- Accurate recordkeeping for the benefit of the organization and those we serve.
- Maintaining good legal standing through compliance with IRS section 501(c)(3) requirements.
- Serving as a good role model: In the Vincentian world this also includes embracing servant leadership.
Governance does NOT mean:
- The leader cannot share responsibilities.
- Micromanaging.
- Numbers are more important than people.
- Opinions of others do not matter.
- Turning the organization/group into something distant from its mission.
Basically, good governance means good leadership. It means taking good care of the Society; it means taking good care of those we serve. It means taking care of each other, encouraging the spiritual growth of all members and friendship among members, and person-to-person service. It means serving with integrity, accountability and in a trustworthy manner. Taking advantage of ongoing learning opportunities and identifying helpful collaborations can help Vincentian leaders govern and lead with great effectiveness and joy.
St. Vincent de Paul once said, "There is great charity – but it is badly organized." Let us be inspired by St. Vincent's good governance and leadership and allow the generosity of others to be put to good use.
Questions Regarding Governance and Membership Services?
Contact Pam Hudson Johnson, Director of Governance & Membership Services
(314) 576-3993 ext. 214
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Working to Protect Neighbors in Need in Massachusetts
The SVdP District Council of Attleboro is working to protect neighbors in need during the ongoing pandemic. They recently shared a Zoom presentation on the state of eviction moratoriums in Massachusetts. For ideas on how their work might be applicable in your own community, you can watch the presentation by clicking here.
To view information about all SVdP COVID-19 projects, click here. |
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2020Annual Report Deadlines
Online annual report data entry will close on April 30, 2021. No exceptions.
Thrift Store & Special Works Annual Reports: The owner (Conference or Council) of the store or special work has to do these reports first since the owner needs the store and special work information for their (Conference or Council) report.
Conference Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 9/30
Due Date: November 30
District Council Annual Reports Due online for Fiscal Year ending 9/30
Due Date: December 31
(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
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ATTENTION: COUNCIL PRESIDENTS & EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS |
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Some of Your Members Aren't Getting the E-Gazette!
If you or another member of your Conference is not receiving the E-Gazette, email [email protected]
Have You Opted Out?
Were you getting this newsletter but no longer are?
When an email address has been removed by the owner, or the email address holder designates "Do Not Mail," the email address cannot be re-added by the National Council office. The email address holder must sign up to resume receiving Frederic's E-Gazette at http://bit.ly/1GKXYJ6
Is your Conference or Council doing something that you think should appear in the E-Gazette or on SVdPUSA social media?
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