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Vicentian Family in New Orleans, April 2008

This year's Vincentian Family Gathering was the largest held in the United States and focused on "Solidarity in Action...bringing hearts to love and hands to serve...by praying, listening, learning, understanding, sharing and gardening..." Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM (Rome, IT), delegate of the Superior General to the Vincentian Family, joined 215 members from all over the United States, Canada, England, Australia and Colombia, SA in this special gathering. Vincentian family members came from the following branches: Ladies of Charity (12), Congregation of the Mission (16), Daughters of Charity (72), Sisters of Charity (19), Society of St. Vincent de Paul (63), Trinitarian (1), Vincentian Young Adults (10), Vincentian Service Corp (12), Affiliates/Former DC/other (10).

The following is from VOP's Vin Reilly, SVDP New York.

To those who last saw the travails of New Orleans three years ago you may be impressed at how clean the vacant lots are now. The weeds are sprouting fine on vast stretches of what once had been vibrant residential neighborhoods. Katrina's scour has persisted all the way to Biloxi. Remarkably the casinos have all been rebuilt.

Our meetings were stimulating, the opening session went to 10PM Eastern time on structural change. The attendance was about 200, a record: mostly elderly nuns then about 60 SSVP, 15 Congregation of the Mission priests including Bishop Alfonso Cabezas of Columbia, S. America, 17 young adults and nine Ladies of Charity, 5 were from Utah! The closing featured our past President, now Deacon Gene Smith, pleading for all to join him in a fund raising ministry by pledging $1,000.00 each, which St. Louis would then divide by thirds and forward intact to: The Congregation of the Mission for their downtown New Orleans St. Joseph's parish homeless ministry, another third to the SSVP New Orleans Central Council's low income pharmacy, and the final third to the Daughters of Charity for their mobile homeless health care bus which also works at St. Jo's. (all of which we visited on the bus tour). Remarkably the Master of Ceremonies, Roger Playwin, our National SSVP Executive Director, was first to volunteer that he actually had $1,000.00 which he had gotten by mistake, at an expensive ATM machine which charged $4.95 for the single transaction, at Harrah's Casino next door to the Doubletree.

The heart of the day had been volunteering at various sites, mostly landscaping although there were reports of a Sister of Charity of New York who needs to be a carpenter. The town was celebrating French Quarter weekend with various & sundry mostly Dixieland bands saved by some zydeco performers on bandstands along the Mississippi riverfront walk extending from the Aquarium past the Quarter to the French flea market downriver. All the while snow was falling and melting upriver and the 200 foot deep Mississippi was at 17 plus feet in a bowl shaped city whose river walls flood at 18 feet. It was tempered by opening a diversion canal to Lake Ponchatrain, storing some of the brown waters above the town. A short ride up that way saw waters 2-3 feet below the highway surface. Pulling off on the steeply sloped shoulder would be risking all. God bless them and all who work to help them and may it stop raining upriver quick.

Note: Additional information is found at http://www.icatholic.org/indstory/2008/200819p10.html

Make Your Voice Count: Take Action Using the VOP Capwiz Advocacy Page!

The newest addition to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s national website is the Voice of the Poor Capwiz Advocacy Page. Capwiz is an online advocacy tool that allows members of the Society to act as voices of the poor and communicate directly to elected officials via email on poverty-related issues. Capwiz allows the national office to create “action alerts” and makes it easy for Vincentians to contact federal, state, and local elected officials.

THREE EASY STEPS:

1. Go to the SVDP National website at: http://www.svdpusa.org/

2. Along the top bar right under President Joe Flannigan’s photo, select "Voice of the Poor"

http://www.svdpusa.org/VoiceofthePoor/tabid/167/language/en-US/Default.aspx

3. Click on the big red "Capwiz" lettering and you are in!

Capwiz will let Vincentians know how senators and representatives voted on the congressional bills selected by Voice of the Poor. It will provide up-to-date information about current key legislation, allowing us to take action while we can still make a difference. Capwiz also makes it easier to contact the media on issues of importance and to send original and prepared messages to reporters, talk show hosts, and commentators.

If you would like to invite your friends to join our Capwiz Action Alert list, click on “Voice of the Poor” in the horizontal navigation bar at the top of our homepage, then click on the Capwiz link at the top of the Voice of the Poor page, scroll down to the bottom of the Capwiz page and click on “Tell A Friend.” Fill out the form, click "Send Now," and your friend will receive an email invitation to join our Action Alert email list.

Faithful Citizenship: Promoting Life and Dignity, Justice and Peace

February 24-27, 2008 – Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington, DC

Members of the Society’s Voice of the Poor joined an estimated 700 participants representing 19 Catholic organizations at the Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, D.C. There was time for celebration and prayer along with briefings and workshops on poverty and social justice issues both at home and abroad during the conference, now in its fifteenth year. Hill Visits around the issues of Affordable Housing, concerns over cuts to poverty programs in the Federal 2009 budget, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and peace in the Middle East. The Capitol Hill message and Hill Notes are available on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/csmgindex3z.shtml

During the Washington, DC gathering, National Voice of the Poor held a meeting facilitated by national chair, Deborah Payne. The meeting began with prayer and a spiritual reflection on the Rule of the Society led by Rev. Pedro Villarroya, CM.

An estimated 60 Vincentians attended the meeting representing the Society from the East and West, North and South. There were representatives from 17 States and the District of Columbia: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin.

National President Joseph Flannigan explained that the strength Vincentians bring to the table is knowing and sharing the situation of real people. “Your value is that you are in the parishes,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of collaborating with like-minded people and establishing a network.

"Who is going to represent the poor? Who is going to speak for Mary, John, Phyllis, and all those we serve in our home visits," asked Ron Meyer (Arizona) in a presentation that emphasizes why Voice of the Poor is critical to the Vincentian mission. "The Voice of the Poor does," he stated.

Paul Heidemann (Florida) expressed the need for both charity and justice in Vincentian work. Barb Slaven (Omaha) shared answers to difficult questions about Voice of the Poor. Rita Canestra (Milwaukee) led the sharing sessions for VOP.

National Executive Director, Roger Playwin, showed the CD on poverty made for the Society by students at DePaul University and now available from the national office and shared that Catholic Charities USA is helping SVDP to establish an interactive internet Action Alert webpage known as CapWiz. This will provide a means for Vincentians to take action on important issues coming before Congress.

Lucy Howell, Voice of the Poor Western Region Chair, distributed a Basic VOP Workshop outline as a training tool for regional meetings. As the State Captain for Arizona at the Catholic Social Gathering, she is a helpful resource in helping Vincentians making their Hill Visits.

Guided by the Holy Spirit may the light of hope in each heart burn bright! May Vincentian voices of truth about the situation of their friends, the Poor, pour forth. May Vincentians seek to be a Voice of the Poor in their Conferences, Councils, region, country and the world!

Follow Up Note to CSG:

A story run in The Georgia Bulletin, the Catholic Newspaper of the Atlanta Archdiocese (March 6, 2008) includes mention of SVDP Executive Director, John Berry, Atlanta Council, as part of the Georgia delegation that went to visit legislators on the Hill during the Catholic Social Gathering along with Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. http://www.georgiabulletin.org/local/2008/03/06/csmw/ Quoting Archbishop Gregory in the Georgia Bulletin on his presentation to the entire group of delegates the day before the Hill visits:

“When we approach the steps of the Capitol, we will bear witness in all we say and do,” Archbishop Gregory said. “Whether we meet with our congressmen or their legislative assistants, we are ambassadors, sharing the love of Christ because we are a community of faith. We are not another lobby, but a community that serves the poor and vulnerable every day. We are not an interest group, nor are we advocating our own narrow interests, but speaking for the voiceless and standing up for the common good. We go not to serve our own needs, but to serve the ‘least of these’ who we believe to be Jesus in their persons.”

He continued, “We believe human rights come from God and do not depend on where you came from, how you got here, or when you arrived.”

He encouraged the delegates to remember they have “a right and a duty” to speak on behalf of those in need.

“We may not know the ins and outs of Washington, who’s up and who’s down, the details of every amendment,” said the archbishop, “but we do know this: the lives of unborn children need protection; poor children need justice; families need affordable health care; immigrants need to be treated as sisters and brothers, not enemies; the hungry of the world need food; those living and dying with HIV/AIDS need compassionate care; the people of the Holy Land need a just peace; and the unending war in Iraq requires a responsible transition.”

Coalition of Imokalee Workers (CIW) were featured at the Catholic Social Gathering. CIW is a community-based worker organization whose members are largely Latino, Haitian, and Mayan Indian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida. The website is found at http://www.ciw-online.org/ and a description of the tomato workers' campaign is at http://www.ciw-online.org/images/BK_Campaign_Analysis.pdf

Letter to US Presidential Candidates Seeks Answers

January 2008 -- In a letter sent to US Presidential candidates including Senators Hilary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama, President Joseph Flannigan, National Council of the United States says:

I write to you as president of the largest direct service charitable organization in the United States, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With over 100,000 members in almost every state, volunteers called to be Vincentians offer “… a hand up” to those who come to us as a last resort for emergency assistance. Last year Vincentians donated five million hours of time to aid 17 million neighbors in distress, offering services valued at more than $400 million.

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, volunteers relying on church donations, can only do so much to help those who are left behind. We recognize that a key to changing lives for the better is to raise the visibility of the 13% of our population made poor by a combination of circumstances. The majority of people who come to us for assistance are working but simply do not earn enough to sustain themselves.

We believe it is the responsibility of candidates for our nation’s highest office to speak out for those who are unable to do so for themselves. If Society of St. Vincent de Paul members were able to speak directly to presidential candidates, we would ask the following questions for those we serve:

Just Wage

How would your administration address the gap between wages earned and cost of living, particularly in urban areas?

Homelessness

Homelessness continues to be a distressing reality across the United States. How would your administration address this problem?

Affordable Housing

What would your administration do to increase the supply of affordable housing in this country?

Health Insurance for Children

What is your position on SCHIP (healthcare for low-income children)?

Immigration

Aside from strengthening our borders, what specific proposals do you support in addressing the immigration and labor needs in this country?

Food Stamps

With only six out of 10 of those eligible for Food Stamps participating, even fewer amongst the working poor, how do you propose to make nutrition assistance more accessible to America’s Poor.[1]

Restorative Justice

What would your administration do to address the skyrocketing cost of incarceration and high rate of recidivism in this country?

Reducing Poverty in the USA[2]

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has joined with Catholic Charities USA to call for a reduction in poverty in the U.S. by 50% by 2020. Will you commit to making this a reality? How?

Affordable Health Care

How will you work to develop a viable national health care network, particularly, primary health care, for every person regardless of ability to pay? [3]

Addressing Extreme Global Poverty[4]

If you were President of the United States, what would your administration do to meet the Millennium Challenge Goals[5] to assist the most poverty-stricken countries in our world?

To increase public awareness about the nature and extent of poverty in our country the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has produced and is mass-distributing the enclosed 4.5-minute video, Poverty in America. Please take a moment from your very busy schedule and watch this short, incisive video. We would also request that you let us know how you intend to address the problems of the poor during your presidential campaign—and, if elected, during your tenure as President of the United States, by providing responses to the questions posed above.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is committed to ending poverty in America, one person at a time. Won’t you help us? Now is the time to “lay a bold hand on the core of poverty” in the United States. Let us as a Nation bind up the broken hearted and proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to those bound by the chains of ignorance, low wage jobs, lack of affordable health care, lack of opportunities, without hope of restorative justice, lack of comprehensive immigration reform. May we work together as a nation so that those in the chains of poverty will see the light again!

We eagerly await your response.

[1] Source: FRAC. State of the States 2007 report, p 7, www.frac.org

[2] Information on the campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/campaign.cfm )

[3] People cannot adequately survive if they are sick and suffering. Providing proper health care should work in conjunction with any government poverty reduction program.

[4] The US government promised to increase U.S. aid to eradicate extreme global poverty to 0.7% of our Gross National Product. We currently give less than 0.2%.

[5] In September 2000, a set of international development goals, in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, was affirmed by 189 nations, including the United States, at the UN Millennium Summit. These Millennium Development Goals (MDG) focus energy and resources of nations of the world on a common strategy to address the issues of poverty, hunger and health. Targets for the year 2015 have been set.

US Catholic. Catholics Without Borders, February 2008.

This interview article on immigration features Bishop Jaime Soto who is described as a "voice of reason trying to rally the Catholic community to actively support our immigrant brothers and sisters in need as well as to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform."

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Celebrates 175 Years

Ozanam Sunday is April 20, 2008. This is a special time to remember Founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and the first Conference of the Society.

On the evening of 23 April 1833, Frederic Ozanam’s twentieth birthday, six students from the Sorbonne: Augustine Le Tallandier, Francois Lallier, Felix Clave, Jules Devaux, Paul Lamache, Frederic Ozanam-and their mentor, Emmanuel Bailly, met in the offices of the Catholic Tribune. The previous week they had been confronted by a fellow student in these words: “We agree that at one time your Church was a great Church and was a source of good. But what is your Church doing now? What is she doing for the poor?” Ozanam had accepted the challenge, and he said to his friends: “We must do what is agreeable to God. Therefore, we must do what our Lord Jesus Christ did preaching the gospel! Let us go to the poor!” On that night the Conference of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, was born. Frederic Ozanam was the primary founder, inspiration, and soul of the Conference.

These young men sought out Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, for her assistance and suggestions in ministering to God’s poor. Sr. Rosalie taught them how to minister to the suffering with gentleness and kindness and to respect their God-given dignity. It was she who mentored them in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.

During the first five years, membership increased to more than two thousand in fifteen centers throughout France. Although the Society was still composed principally of students, by 1838 others had joined the Society. Several of these were men in high places. Most of the expansion of the Society took place when students would return home from school and encourage others to join them in establishing local Conferences of the Society. The Society took fire from the spark within its membership.

Members of the Society refer to their individual groups as Conferences and to themselves as Vincentians. From the beginning the key to their ministry to the poor and needy was home visitation. Members would always go in pairs to the homes of the poor after the exhortation of Jesus who sent his Apostles and disciples two by two to continue the mission.

No form of charity was foreign to the Society. Not only did Frederic and the others take care of the physical and material needs of others (food, shelter, clothing, firewood), they also involved themselves with tutoring, even setting up libraries for members of the military. During the bloody skirmishes, Vincentians attended to the wounded and the dying. In every work, members of the Society were solicitous to the spiritual and moral welfare of others.

Frederic, during his lifetime, witnessed the establishment of the Society in Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, the United States, Holland, Greece, Turkey, Jerusalem, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico and Canada. Today, the Society is the largest organization of lay Catholics, consisting of 690,000 members serving in 142 Countries world-wide. In the United States, there are 115,000 members serving in 4,600 Conferences, mostly based in Catholic Parishes.

Source: National Office, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Kieran Kneaves, DC (Liturgy and commitment ceremony information is available to Councils and Conferences by contacting the National Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis)

October 27, 2007 - Point7Now, San Francisco

Vincentians from the San Francisco Bay Area were invited to join the San Francisco Archdiocese at this second annual conference on global poverty. There were over 500 participants at the event. Details at: http://www.sflifeandjustice.org

October 26-27, 2007 - Society of Catholic Social Scientists

St. John's University, School of Law, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, Queens, New York.

Three SVDP Vincentian presentations were scheduled at this 15th Annual Meeting. Pat O'Dea of the Rockville Centre Diocesan Council shares that there will be a presentation centering on the position papers developed by the Voice of the Poor Committee and adopted by the National Council. Vincentian Ray Sickinger presented a paper titled, "Service, Democracy, and the Common Good in 19th Century France: The Example of Frédéric Ozanam." Plus Rockville Centre Vincentians gave a presentation on conference work entitled, "Embracing All Works of Charity: Blessed Frederic Ozanam's Legacy." This year's theme: “Just and Moral Society: From Ideal to Reality”

Opening Session News (10/25/07): http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/pr_aca_071025d.stj

“Man has the right to live.

He has the right to the means necessary for the proper development of life,

particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest

and, finally, the necessary social services.”

— Pope John XXIII

Fall 2007 - Bella, the Movie!

During the SVDP midyear meeting in St. Louis, attendees had the opportunity to view the move, Bella. In September, the Most Reverend George H Niederauer, Archbishop of San Francisco, hosted an exclusive screening of Bella. Parish leaders and Catholic groups were invited to the pre-screening at a local movie theater in San Francisco. From Archbishop Niederauer’s invitation letter:

The recent meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops featured the showing of a movie that presents Catholic values positively and in a way that resonates with viewers. “Bella” has won accolades in the Hollywood community and it won the Toronto Film Festival’s highest honor – “The People’s Choice Award”....“Bella” is the story of a celebrity (soccer player) who discovers what is really important in life through an unforeseen set of incidents. He is ‘thrown from his horse’ and experiences an epiphany in his own life and witnesses positive changes in the lives of those around him.

Starring Mexican star Eduardo Verastegui and Emmy award winner Tammy Blanchard, the movie is about how one person can change your life forever. It is a story about life, relationships and our capacity for love in the face of the unexpected. Bella received the top prize at Toronto’s International Film Festival in 2006 winning the People’s Choice Award."

Objective: Encourage movie attendance and help to send a message to Hollywood that positive messages about positive actions and values -- stories of goodness -- are needed. To do this, the movie needs to garner attendance – its all about consumer interest, box office numbers... http://www.Bellathemovie.com/ (click on “The Film: and then “videos” for previews)

August 27- September 1, 2007 – SVDP National Meeting, Austin, TX

Members of the Society from across the United States attended the SVDP National meeting in Austin. The Voice of the Poor Committee met and there were an estimated 50 in attendance. The interest in VOP is heartening and also an indication that there is interest in speaking out on the needs of the Poor and that Conferences and Councils are seeking information. During the gathering, National President Joseph Flannigan signed an agreement with the Society in Mexico represented by Vincentian Alberto Gonzales (Consejo, Mexico). A variety of workshops was provided including a special workshop on systemic change as well as a presentation on the campaign initiated by Catholic Charities, "Poverty in America: A Threat to the Common Good." During the National Business meeting the National Council made up of Trustees from across the country approved the Society's Position Paper on Homelessness as well as the 2007 Legislative Agenda.

July 2007 - Society Theme: "Starting Over"

“Our story is the story of the Poor, and it’s a story of triumph over adversity,” says Joe Flannigan, national president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “Vincentians are uniquely qualified to tell this tale, because we visit the Poor in their own homes and become their friends, hearing their stories from their own mouths. The public needs to know that the poor are still with us....They need to know the nature and extent of the problems faced by the Poor. They need to know about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and how we help the Poor. They need to know these things, so they can help too.”

The Society’s 110,000+ U.S. members donated nearly 6 million hours of their personal time in 2006, aiding more than 20 million of their neighbors in distress and offering services valued at nearly $500 million. “As the facts and figures in this Consolidated Annual Report confirm, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is committed to ending poverty in America, one person at a time,” says Roger Playwin, the Society’s national executive director. “We have the will, we know the way, and we invite everyone in America to join us in this great undertaking.”

The largest lay Catholic organization in the world, operating in 142 countries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is best known for its thrift stores and food pantries, and for the personal visits of its members to the homes of the poor and needy. Established in France in 1833 by a college student named Frederic Ozanam, the Society began its existence in the United States 12 years later, in 1845, in St. Louis.

The theme of the Society’s 2006 Annual Report, “Starting Over,” focuses is on recovery and renewal, both physical and spiritual. The Society’s commitment to renewal was evidenced with the approval of a new Rule for its members in 2006 which for the first time included a section on working for social justice . That section of the Rule can be found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/info/Rule%20part%207%20vertical.pdf Updated and approve bylaws of the Society were also completed in 2006.

May 2007 – National President Speaks on Reauthorization of the 2007 Farm Bill From Field to Table

In a letter to members of Congress National President Joseph Flannigan spoke for ensuring the welfare of individuals and families from field to table including: growers, farm workers, the general public, and America’s most vulnerable. He urged support of the following provisions in the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill:

1. Protect growers and their families, farm workers and their families, and local farming communities.

+Funding to test the safety of fields after pesticide applications to prevent pesticide exposure and provide medical treatment for those subjected to overexposure,

+Funding longitudinal studies of growers, farm workers and their children, and local farming communities,

+Expanding the pesticide-recordkeeping program of the 1990 Farm Bill by requiring agricultural pesticide users to keep records of all pesticides they use.

+Modifying labeling requirements for toxic pesticides in agriculture to include information disclosure on long-term health effects. Including long-term health effects information on labels of pesticides so that growers and their employees are properly informed about the long-term health affects of pesticides being used.

+Funding research to develop new, inexpensive medical tests to enable clinicians to diagnose overexposure to pesticides.

2. Protect the well-being of the American public.

+Funding safer alternatives to agricultural pesticides which have been associated with causing cancer, birth defects, adverse reproductive effects or severe neurological disorders in animal studies or epidemiological research.

3. Protect the nutritional well-being of America’s most vulnerable.

+Maintaining Food Stamp eligibility and extending eligibility to more single adults and more working families.

+Allowing families to participate without forfeiting the opportunity to save.

+Providing adequate funding for Food Stamps and other nutrition programs that serve the needy. In the 1996 welfare debate, Food Stamps lost $28 billion over six years according to the Congressional Budget Office and only 1/3 of that funding has been restored. Yet the number of needy in the USA continues to increase.

+Basing monthly benefits on an updated measure of what families need. Provide families with access to quality food options and a variety of foods

+Providing adequate outreach and educational efforts (e.g., based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics).

+Food Stamps need to be easily accessible to those who qualify. Reduce the complexity and stigma in the application process. Promote outreach efforts at national, state and local levels. Provide education regarding eligibility, along with simple registration procedures to use Food Stamps, must be encouraged.

Providing proper checks and balances will go a long way towards assuring the safe conditions of workers and communities, as well as the safety and security of our country’s food production. Those most in need must be protected and provided with the ability to access quality food options. The welfare of children, single mothers, the elderly, those with special needs living in poverty demands this. Please support these provisions in the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

May 2007 – National President Asks Congress for Earned Income Tax Credit for Low-Income Americans

In a letter to all US Senators and the House of Representatives, National President Joseph Flannigan urged members of Congress to improve and expand refundable tax credits for low-income Americans including support of Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families and Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income childless workers.

With 37 million Americans living in poverty in our country and 16 million living in deep poverty (US Census Bureau), we cannot forget those workers who struggle day-to-day for basic survival. The cost of shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and health care continue to escalate. Please provide a hand up for the millions of working poor in our country who have received little benefit from recent tax cuts despite hard work.

Please expand and improve the refundable Child Tax Credit for low-income families so that America’s poor are given the opportunity to claim the benefit. Rising thresholds to quality for the tax credit, based on inflation, harms the least by increasing the tax burden on the poor because their earnings are too low to qualify. Those in greatest need for Child Tax Credit assistance are left out. The millions of low-wage families with children should be able to quality for at least a portion of the Child Tax Credit.

Please expand and improve the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for childless low-income workers. Adults without children are the only group of working tax filers who begin to owe federal income taxes before incomes reach the poverty line. Increasing the EITC for this group will provide relief for millions of Americans who work in low-wage jobs.

As Congress considers tax legislation this year, please include the nation’s lowest-income households on your list of priorities and substantially improve and expand the refundability of the Child Tax Credit and the EITC for childless adults. The working poor need hope. They need our government’s support. They should be allowed the opportunity to claim tax credit.

May 2007 – Circle of Solidarity: Vincentian Family Gathers

The Vincentian Family Gathering, the third in a series, was held in Burlingame, California. The gathering drew attendees from across the country representing the following family groups: Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Daughters of Charity Affiliates, Companions of St. Vincent, Vincentian Volunteers, Ladies of Charity, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sisters of Charity, Vincentian Marion Youth, Vincentian Service Corps. Details and keynote presentations are available on the FamVin website. Following are links provided by Father John Freund, CM.

+ Magic Back - 3rd Annual Vincentian Family Gathering: http://famvin.org/en/archive/magic-back-3rd-annual-vincentian-family-gathering

+ Keynote Presentation Elicits Standing Ovation at Vincentian Meeting in USA (Father Manny Ginete, CM) http://famvin.org/en/archive/keynote-presentation-elicits-standing-ovation-at-vincentian-meeting-in-usa

+ Text of Fr. Ginete's Presentation http://famvin.org/en/archive/text-of-fr-ginetes-presentation (His text is available for download in Word format. http://www.famvin.org/Ginete%202007%20SF%20VF%20%20Final.doc )

+ Vincentian Family Letter (English and Spanish) and Study Guide on Systemic Change (English and Spanish)

+ Systemic Change and the Vincentian Family - Patricia de Nava http://famvin.org/en/archive/systemic-change-and-the-vincentian-family-patricia-de-nava

April 2007 – SVDP Midyear Meeting, St. Louis

Among the highlights for the Midyear meeting: Mass at the Old Cathedral, home of the first Conference of the Society in the USA in 1845 and seeing a copy of the first minutes; meeting Vincentians from around the country; tailgate lunch served by local Vincentians (showing a HOPE trailer and bus that is used to serve those in need); meeting of the Voice of the Poor (VOP) and learning about all the good activities in regions; approval of the VOP "Position Paper on Predatory Lending" by the National Council. Approved position papers may be found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/position_papers.htm

How Can We Be Beggars to the Rich in the Name of the Poor

VOP members were reminded of the words of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and our call to action, during the spiritual reflection led by Rev. Pedro Villarroya, CM.

Only one means of salvation remains to us, that is, that Christians in the name of love, interpose between the two camps of rich and poor passing like beneficent deserters from one to the other communicating mutual charity to all, until this charity paralyzing and stifling the egotism of both parties and everyday lessening the antipathies, shall bid the two camps arise and breakdown the barriers of prejudice, and cast aside their weapons of anger and march forth to meet each other not to fight but to mingle together in one embrace, so that they may form but one fold under one pastor.

Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Father Pedro noted that Blessed Frederic warned of the need for economic justice. Blessed Frederic's early warnings in France in the mid 1800s went unheeded. The communist manifesto was born leading to decades of fear, pain and suffering. In the world today, are we ready to control the enemies of poverty and money or ignore the situations that can lead to violence, asked Father Pedro. He noted, when you are poor you have nothing to lose.

St. Vincent knew how to reach the rich, and to speak without offending. St. Vincent was able to make the rich part of the solution. "How can we be beggars to the rich in the name of the poor," asked Father Pedro. Vincent knew how to beg, how to tell the story of need and solve problems in France. We are called to use imagination, to communicate need without offending, and to seek solutions to systemic problems. We are called to be a voice of the poor, to proclaim the Good News of the Lord with charity and justice.

A March 29, 2007 article in the New York Times (US Income Gap is Widening Significantly, Data Shows by David C. Johnston) notes an analysis of 2005 Internal Revenue Service data. The data "shows that the top 300,000 Americans collectively enjoyed almost as much income as the bottom 150 million Americans. Per person, the top group received 440 times as much as the average person in the bottom half earned, nearly doubling the gap from 1980." The article is found at: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/29/163/

March 2007 – SVDP and Poverty in America Campaign

The following is from a letter to Catholic Charities USA President, Rev. Larry Snider, from Joseph Flannigan, President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul:

I want to thank Catholic Charities for taking the initiative to design and implement the "Poverty in America" campaign to make the needs of the poor visible and to call for action. These materials will be helpful in education efforts.

There is much that can be done. In "Tools for Reflection and Action," I was delighted to find mention of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac (page 16). The reflections can be used as a tool for spiritual reflection by local Conferences and Councils of the Society. Increased awareness of the depth of the situation will encourage justice activities in addition to charity.... I will also encourage Councils to collaborate with Catholic Charities on this important and critical topic at the Diocesan level.

Note: Further information on the poverty campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/Poverty/CampaignLaunch.cfm

February 11-14, 2007 – Catholic Social Gathering a Time to Speak as a Voice of the Poor

The Catholic Social Gathering drew over 500 participants from around the country for four days of prayer and reflection, witness and celebration! Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were a visible presence. Around 50 members attended and had an opportunity to learn about issues first hand from experts on a number of subjects. Mass was celebrated each day and it was awesome! There were a multitude of presentations to choose from and many opportunities for sharing. The main focus of the gathering was on issues identified by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: Iraq, Farm Bill (Food Stamps, WIC), HIV/AIDs, immigration. The Voice of the Poor Committee met during the gathering, and there was a VOP commissioning ceremony led by SVDP President Joseph Flannigan. In addition the group had a chance to share with one another about what was going on in their Councils. It was such a time of blessing to hear the stories shared of Vincentians being a voice of the poor. As a finale of the Catholic Social Gathering, attendees went to the Hill and visited with their US Senators and Representatives. There was a reception on the Hill for attendees with speeches to the group by two US Senators. All in all, it was an exciting and memorable time to stand together and speak as a unified body asking decision makers to remember those who are poor and vulnerable, to care for the environment, to act with charity and justice.

The Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, 2007, is sponsored by: The US Conference of Catholic Bishops Offices of: Social Development and World Peace; Catholic Campaign for Human Development; African American Catholics; Hispanic Affairs, Migration and Refugee Services and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul with The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors; Catholic Relief Services; Catholic Charities USA; National Catholic Rural Life Conference; National Catholic Partnership on Disability; Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; National Council of Catholic Women; Catholic Health Association of the United States; The Conference of Major Superiors of Men; Ladies of Charity of the United States; Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Vincentian Hot Topics - Issues of importance to members of the Society. Handout during Catholic Social Gathering.

January 11, 2007 – National President asks Congress to Help the Most Vulnerable

In a letter to members of Congress, National President Joseph Flannigan asks that they remember America's most needy in the 2007 Farm Bill and FY 2008 Budget. "Please give those who are poor in America a chance," he said. "Remember children and their caregivers, the elderly and the disabled who live in poverty. Their needs are simple yet urgent -- sufficient food to eat day-to-day, basic cleanliness, shelter from the elements. These needs should not be an option. If we are to be a strong country, every American must be free from fear of want with hope for a better life and the tools to make this possible." He asks Congress to:

· Invest new resources to make food stamp benefit allotments sufficient to meet real world needs.

· Extend eligibility to vulnerable populations.

· Connect more eligible people with benefits.

· Adequately support emergency feeding programs.

"An estimated 80 percent of food stamp benefits go to families with children and much of the balance goes to seniors and the disabled. Please provide adequately for their food needs." He added, "Sanitation is necessary for health and wellbeing, yet currently the Food Stamp Program does not cover basics such as laundry soap, bath soap, toilet paper and supplies -- items often taken for granted in day-to-day life. Please help to take care of the neediest."

January 10, 2007 – Campaign to Reduce Poverty

National President Joseph Flannigan represented the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at the Catholic Charities USA press conference on the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in Washington, DC. (press release) Catholic News Service carried a lead story ( http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0700187.htm )on the briefing, which was held as the "U.S. House was debating a bill to change the minimum wage from the current $5.15 an hour -- a rate unchanged since 1997 -- to $7.25 an hour by 2009." The briefing introducing the Campaign to Reduce Poverty was attended by media, legislators, legislative aides and leaders of other Catholic organizations, such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, engaged in social service and advocacy for the poor.

The aim is to reduce poverty in America 50 percent by the year 2020. Information on the campaign is found at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/campaign.cfm

Catholic Charities USA represents more than 1,500 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. In December the group urged members of Congress to protect health coverage for the most vulnerable. http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/content_displays.cfm?fuseaction=display_document&id=893&location=3

November 6, 2006 – McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Grant

National President Joseph Flannigan sent a letter in support of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance grant. After the election, funding for this bill will be considered in Congress. (Note: As of December 2006, the Library of Congress {www.thomas.gov} shows the following regarding S. 1416: "7/18/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs."

In the letter President Flannigan writes:

Please support the appropriation of $1.536 billion in FY2007 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Homeless Assistance Grants to help prop up efforts by local and state government and community, faith-based and non-profit organizations to end homelessness. Funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for affordable housing for FY 2007 is needed.

HUD information on McKinney Vento is found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/rulesandregs/laws/

SVDP 2006 Legislative Agenda is found at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/Legis%20Agenda%20Approved%20Sept-06.pdf

October 27-28, 2006 – Point 7 Now

Catholics from around the country and world gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco for the conference “Point7Now,” which “refers to the commitment made by developed countries to increase foreign aid to poor countries to 0.7% of a developed country’s national income. At the same time, poor developing countries promised reforms to improve transparency, democracy and anti-corruption efforts to ensure that increased foreign aid would reduce poverty,” explained the program agenda. Point 7 of 1% is equal to $220 billion per year from rich to poor countries. This aid is a contract for mutual responsibility and solidarity. During the conference, Economist Jeffrey Sachs noted that 0.7% of GNP was the amount stated in the Monterrey Consensus (paragraph 42). It may be viewed online at http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/Monterrey_Consensus.htm Jeffrey Sachs' TIME magazine article on "The End of Poverty" is located at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1034738,00.html

Note: SVDP's National President, Joseph Flannigan, and Executive Director, Roger Playwin, were presenters at the Point & Now gathering.

October 15, 2006 – Stand Against Poverty

On Sunday, October 15, Vincentians were encouraged to STAND UP to let the world’s leaders know that poverty is not acceptable and to remind governments of their promises to help the literally hundreds of millions living in extreme poverty around the globe by standing together. Promises to create positive change by 2015 must be kept. STAND UP against poverty was launched by the United Nations Millennium Campaign. http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/about/mdg

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development

October 2, 2006 – Vincentian Nominated for Award of Excellence

Phoenix Vincentian Lucy Howell was recently nominated for the Bishop Edward A. McCarthy award for Excellence in Mobilization of Communities to Enact Systemic Change. “Your many years of ministry with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and your advocacy work with the Voice of the Poor have earned you the respect and admiration of many, as evidenced by your nomination… your tireless efforts to help Vincentians to understand the need to address the root causes of poverty, of your appointment to the National Voice of the Poor Committee, of your work in legislative advocacy known to and admired by so many,” said Tricia Hoyt of the nominating committee. “The nomination was flattering but truly a reflection of the hard work by many Vincentians to create Voice of the Poor as a vehicle to address the underlying causes of poverty,” said Lucy. Congratulations Lucy on the nomination!

September 21, 2006 – Keep Comprehensive Immigration Reform on the Front Burner

SVDP President Joseph Flannigan emphasized the need for action to key decision makers in Washington, DC urging them to make comprehensive immigration reform a priority. “As citizens and elected officials of the United States, members of the Legislative Branch of our government and the White House must dialog and come together for the common good. We cannot allow this issue to tear our country apart. I urge you to work for just and comprehensive immigration reform.” The letter was sent to President George W. Bush; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R); Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D); Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R); and, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D),

September 21, 2006 – WIC Program and Better Nutrition

On behalf of the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who visit those who are poor in their homes and provide emergency assistance, President Joseph Flannigan wrote a letter to Patricia N. Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA and to key decision makers in Washington, DC stating, “Better nutrition is needed in low-income areas, and it is important that women and their children in the WIC Program have choices in addition to the juice, eggs, cheese and milk currently in the program. US dietary guidelines (Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/ ) recommend a variety of nutrient dense foods…. Please provide women and their children with the ability to meet these requirements. Healthy mothers and healthy children need to have access to fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”

Note; This proposed rule would revise regulations to align WIC food packages with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides people whose income is around the poverty level with vouchers or food checks. The Food Nutrition Service (USDA) is proposing WIC’s first significant update in over 25 years. Under proposed changes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains will be added to the program.

August 29- September 3, 2006 – SVDP Annual Meeting, Indianapolis

(Photos left to right: National President Joseph Flannigan addresses National Council; members of the National Council listen carefully; Episcopal Advisor to the Society Bishop John M. Quinn of Detroit with President and Mrs. Flannigan)

National President Joseph Flannigan welcomed the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to the 92^nd National Meeting of the Society, “Our Journey Together the Vincentian Way.” This year’s meeting focused on the Rule of the Society. Keynote Speaker Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, CM and President of De Paul University in Chicago, spoke on The Living Rule describing how the “living Rule” and the “printed Rule” each should line up. (One’s life should be a reflection of the written Rule.) He told the story of his grandfather, a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and his beautiful work and influence on his life -- “a living Rule.” He also told a story that demonstrated the importance of getting at root causes of injustices rather than being content to provide emergency assistance in explaining the section of the Rule titled, “Work for Social Justice.” Also unveiled at the National Meeting was the latest approved Rule just out in print as well as module five of Serving in Hope entitled, “Our Vincentian Rule.” (Note: Module four of Serving in Hope and section seven of the Rule focuses on advocacy.) For copies, contact the National Council of the United States.

(Photos left to right above: Father Dennis with VOP’s Lucy Howell and Deborah Payne; Indianapolis President Jake Asher with Vincentians in front of the SVDP National HOPE emergency vehicle, which was on display at the National meeting site and christened by Bishop Quinn during the gathering; San Mateo’s Lorraine Moriarty and Deborah Payne with Sr. Kieran Kneaves, DC, author of the Serving in Hope series at the National SVDP Office.)

Voice of the Poor National Meeting Activities

VOP Committee Meeting - The VOP national committee met during the National meeting and covered a range of topics and regional VOP representatives shared the activities in their regions. (Examples are found on this website at http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/legislative_updates.htm.) The VOP Committee also reviewed “to do” items for making those who are poor visible. During the regional meetings that followed VOP representatives were encouraged to place emphasis in their regional reports on getting a network of VOP established so that as a Society we can effectively speak in one voice.

VOP Workshop – The workshop covered what the voice of the poor is and what can be done. Examples were provided as well as a variety of handouts including a Hot Topics sheet. The workshop was led by Rita Canestra along with Joe Hubbard, and Bonnie Davis. Lucy Howell and Dennis Miricle also pitched in. VOP’s Lucy Howell reports, “The workshop went well…. although the change in title and room was somewhat confusing to attendees (There was a stream arriving but Rita was patient and kept going while others made sure seats were found). The room was packed…and would think that if there had not been confusion, there would have been more.”

Resolutions Approved – During the National Council Business meeting two VOP related resolutions were approved. These included a resolution (7-7-2005/6 18) to approve the Legislative Agenda for 2006 and a Framework for the National VOP Committee. A second resolution (7-7-2005/6 19) approved was the adoption of the Voice of the Poor Position Statement on Restorative Justice.

August 2, 2006 – SVDP Annual Report Online

In an email release today, it was announced that the Consolidated Annual Report for 2005 is in the mail and a pdf version is posted at http://www.svdpusa.org or via http://www.svdpusa.org/Portals/0/Final%20Proof.pdf

July 24, 2006 – SVDP President Conveys Need for “Housing First” to End Homelessness

SVDP President Joseph Flannigan wrote a letter to US Senators on behalf of the 120,000 SVDP members nationwide and those the Society serves regarding the need for “housing first,” which includes supportive services to address chronic homelessness. In the letter he says:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the source of last resort for emergency assistance in many communities across this land. We serve the homeless in shelters and dining rooms, on the street, and through homeless help desks operated by the Society. Because of the Society’s mission, the plight of the homeless is all too familiar to us.

Please support two important pieces of legislation and help to prop up efforts by local and state government and community, faith-based and non-profit organizations to end homelessness.

1. 1. Increase funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants for affordable housing for FY 2007 by $209 million for a total of $1.536 billion.

2. Support the Services to End Long-term Homelessness Act (SELHA), which provides $55 million in FY 2006 to fund supportive housing through the Department of Health and Human Services (S 709 and HR 1471). SELHA would authorize funding for a flexible array of services in permanent supportive housing, focused on helping people move toward recovery and self-sufficiency.

There is no simple solution to homelessness. Moving to self sufficiency requires step-by-step professional assistance and ongoing support. Through SELHA services could be provided including mental health, substance abuse, health education and referral, self-sufficiency, and case management along with special consideration for geographic diversity, including rural areas; funding multi-year, renewable grants based on performance criteria, including the outcome of ending long-term