Giving a hand up
Become a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society and help change people's lives.
Our members are volunteers passionate about helping people in need within their local area.
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“In my life I want to become better and do a little good.”
When good works, lives are changed
ABOUT US
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor, with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
We have more than 3,900 incredibly dedicated members, associate members and volunteers working in our network of local groups, known as conferences, and each year we assist over 55,000 Victorians. On average our call centres receive 200+ calls daily from individuals seeking assistance and support.
In addition, we also have recovery-focused mental health services, specialist homelessness services, housing services, programs for young people, financial counselling and our retail and distribution centre operations.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Individually and together as members we offer and use our gifts to:
- Support and empower people who experience disadvantage and injustice, so that they may fulfil their potential, be witness to the restoration of their dignity and help in the alleviation of pain and suffering.
- Provide practical assistance to address the immediate needs for the people we serve.
- Bring unconditional love, serving without discrimination.
- Respect other faith beliefs at all times.
- Work with other organisations to help continue the Society’s mission.
- Meet regularly to share experiences, reflect on our service as well as monitor and discuss local needs.
Our three categories of membership:
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- CONFERENCE MEMBERS
Belong to the grassroots groups within the Society known as conferences. They live their faith in action through the spirit of Christian charity. All conference members must be 18+. - ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Are committed to the ethos, mission, aims and objectives of the Society and assist its good works but do not attend conference meetings. - VOLUNTEER MEMBERS
Respect the ethos, mission, aims and objectives of the Society and volunteer in any of the Society’s works.
- CONFERENCE MEMBERS
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS?
The vocation of the Society’s members, who are called Vincentians, is to follow Christ through service to people in need and so bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love.
Members show their commitment through person to person contact.
WHO CAN BE A MEMBER?
Members carry out their work guided by the Mission and Vision of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
The Society embraces and accepts members from all backgrounds, include people from other faiths who are drawn to the work of the Society and who are happy to abide by its ethos and standards.
BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER
Society members are passionate about helping people in need in their local community or in regional areas.
Members work together in groups known as conferences.
Conferences are usually attached to parishes, schools, universities, social groups, workplaces or groups of individuals from a local area.
The Society members live their faith in action by visiting people in their homes or assisting people in one of our assistance centres by providing friendship and helping people.
CONTACT US
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Whether it is a couple of hours a week or a day each month, every moment you can spare can make a real difference to the lives of Victorians.
Member Liaison & Conference Support
P 03 9895 5911
memberliaison@svdp-vic.org.au
What is a Conference?
Conferences are the backbone of the St Vincent de Paul Society, helping the people we support in a number of ways such as giving them a ‘hand up’ to make life-changing decisions as well as providing material aid to address their immediate requirements.