St Vincent de Paul Society Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get involved in St Vinnies?

There are several ways to get involved with Vinnies. Check out the volunteering link on your State page for more info.

What does 'conference' mean, anyway?

The term 'conference' actually comes from the French language, with the meaning "coming together in fellowship to meet". In Vinnies, conferences are made up of a small group of volunteers who donate their time to help others and meet regularly to discuss issues and plan upcoming events.

Do I have to be a Catholic to get involved?

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic organisation, but you don't have to be a Catholic to volunteer - everyone's welcome.

Is Saint Vincent de Paul the founder of the Society?

St Vincent de Paul is actually the patron of the Society. The Society was founded by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, a twenty-year-old university student in France in 1833. Frederic Ozanam was inspired by St Vincent's legacy and decided to name the Society after the famous French saint of the poor. For more information on Vincent and Frederic, click here.

Are youth conferences 'proper' conferences?

Yes, like all St Vincent de Paul Society conferences, young adult conferences meet on a regular basis, engage in outreach activities and report to their local region.

Yes, it is possible to become directly involved in a special work without being involved in a conference and for some people, this is a more convenient option. However, sometimes being involved in this way means you miss out on the support and community that a conference provides. Also, some special works (like Kids Days Out, for example) are conference-based, so it's difficult to get involved without being part of a conference.

How old do I need to be to get involved?

This all depends on what you want to get involved in. Young adult conferences generally take in members who are seventeen and over, whereas college conference members can be any age between Year Seven and Twelve (although some schools may place restrictions on this). To be a leader on a Kids Camp, you need to be eighteen or over. For ideas on ways underage vinnies can get involved, click here.

Can I get involved in Special Works without being part of a conference?

Yes, it is possible to become directly involved in a Special Work without being involved in a conference and for some people, this is a more convenient option. However, sometimes being involved in this way means you miss out on the support and community that a conference provides.

How old do I need to be to get involved?

This all depends on what you want to get involved in. Check out the volunteering link on your State page for more info.

How do I know if Vinnies is for me?

Firstly have a look at the programs that we offer. Also think about your ideas of social justice and of faith. Do these align with the mission of the Society?

How much of a commitment do I have to make?

Everyone is different and a level of commitment to suit your lifestyle can be worked out.

Is Vinnies in primary schools?

Mini Vinnies is in some primary schools around Australia. Contact your local youth Coordinator to find out more about Mini Vinnies.