2006 Social Justice Forum

We see...

Social Justice ForumSaturday 14 October 2006

We help...

We hear...

2 | St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.

Mission Statement

The mission of the St Vincent de PaulSociety in Australia is to deepen theCatholic faith of its members and to go outinto our nation to heighten awareness ofJesus Christ.

We do this by sharing ourselves – who weare, and what we have – with people inneed on a person-to-person basis. Weseek to co-operate in shaping a more justand compassionate Australian community,and to share our resources with ourtwinned countries.

Our preferred option in this mission ofservice is to work with people indevelopment by respecting their dignity,sharing our hope and encouraging them totake control of their own destiny.


3 | Social Justice Committee

Contents

Mission Statement 2

Agenda 4

From the President 5

Session 1: Case Studies and Findings 7

Session 2A: Mental Health 15

Session 2B: Compeer 20

Session 3: Good Practice for Social Justice 22



Agenda

9.00 am Registration

9.30 am Welcome and housekeeping

9.35 am Spiritual Reflection

9.50 am Forum Opening - Jim Grealish, State President

10.00 am Session 1: Case Studies and Findings

Introduction of session

Individual cases - Presentation, Discussion, Conclusions

11.15 am Morning break

11.35 am Session 1: Case Studies and Findings (continued)

12 20 pm Session 1: Case Studies and Findings (general conclusions)

12.30 pm Lunch

1.15 pm Session 2A: Mental Health

Presentation on mental health programs in Victoria and nationally by Frances Warren, Membership and Development Manager

Session 2B: Compeer

Presentation on Compeer programs in Victoria by Geoff Brown, Compeer Manager

2.00 pm Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice

Open dialogue on "good practice" in social justice and use of conference/Society resources

3.00 pm Forum conclusions, publication of findings

3.15 pm Thank you to all and closing prayers



From the President

I have great pleasure inwelcoming you all to thisforum today.

That so many of you areprepared to devote yourtime and your lifeexperiences to this causeis a reason for us to bereassured.

In reality, the call forjustice is not an optionfor those who claim to beChristians. It is a call that resonates through both the Old and the NewTestaments.

Recently Gavin Dufty stated that the Social Justice committee was only threeyears old.

I must say, I was surprised at that because the work you do has fitted into thework of the Society in a seamless way. You seem to have always been there. Iwould like to congratulate you all for the work you do, but more importantly forthe impact you are making on Society.

Your research is thorough and reasoned. Equally important, it is apolitical. If webecome partisan, then we are doomed.

I am also impressed that you pick your issues. Military history is littered withexamples of trying to fight on too many fronts simultaneously!

The impact you have made on the breaching argument has galvanised all theserious players in the welfare sector.

That you have been able to separate the power companies from millions ofdollars in overcharged bills is an epic story in itself.


Jim Grealish (left) and Tony Dalton


I am sure that today will evince many stories of successfully tackling justiceissues at the conference and council level. The important thing is that your workimpacts favourably on the lives of people who are powerless.

To be an advocate for social justice requires courage. Inevitably resolution of anissue requires a concession of some person's or group's entrenched interest.People or groups do not give up their advantages easily.

Courage is also required in recognising that the struggle can seem to go onendlessly. It may be easier to quit and get on with some more attractive option.

Pursuing these hard issues will always be a minority activity.

But there is help. We have talented people like Gavin Dufty and John Falzon.We have some talented people on our national, state and local committees.

We have a rich way of thought and philosophy from our founder.

And, finally, we have Christ's promise in the Beatitudes that those who hungerand thirst for what is right will be blessed.

So, on behalf of the Society, thank you for what you do.

Enjoy your day with your friends and good luck with your work.

Jim GrealishState President



Session 1: Case Studies and Findings

Case 1: The GamblerPresented by: Shirley Amsing, Golden Square

A woman called on the conference for help. About 32 yrs old, she has a three yearold daughter.

She has to visit the hospital dental clinic from time to time, because most of herteeth have been damaged or knocked out by her abusive husband/partner, who isan habitual gambler.

She needed food very badly, because he takes all the money to feed his habit. Ifshe tries to hide some money he finds it and then he gets very violent and hurtsher.

When asked if she had thought of leaving him, even for the sake of the child, shereplied that she loved him.

As she has no local support (her family is interstate), the conference contacted thelocal community centre, and spoke to a gambling counsellor, who then spoke withthe woman and arranged to see her personally a short time later.

The conference member also arranged to visit the counsellor the following day, togather information on the support offered by the centre for people with gamblingproblems:

They provide mini-seminars, run by their community coordinator.Within limits, they can pay for utilities and rental, provide food vouchers, and help with school expenses.They provide counselling and support for the gambler's family, including children.They have a counselling course for the gambler.

The conference member endeavoured to obtain brochures, but none was available.



Case 1: The Gambler (continued)

Findings

The real problem was not immediately obvious - it took conference sensitivity to discover it.Underlying issues / causes had to be addressed to bring true help.Networking / referral to other agencies (Gamblers Help) was vital in this case.

The conference resources used were time, small amount of money, communitynetworks, local knowledge, support and experience, and teamwork by conferencemembers.

Justice issues of public policy are identified in the case, involving scope ofregulation. The effects of addiction are wider than just the individual e.g. familyviolence can often follow.

Suggested local activity e.g. raise issue with local member to ensure adequateresources and supports for families afflicted by gambling.

Case 2: The Girl with WingsPresented by: Tom Maher, Bendigo

From a conference notebook circa. 2004:

Dad on a very low wage, daughter with kidney disease.Dad will donate one of his kidneys to his daughter - operation scheduled atMelbourne hospital later in year.Conference supplying medications, weekly food and fuel, money for phone.May need e-tag for travel to and from Melbourne during treatment.Extra clothes needed for hospital - supplied.School uniform and books supplied.Vouchers for Target supplied.

Forward to April 2006

Conference asked for extra help with petrol costs as family now spending $60 oneach trip to Melbourne for daughter's on-going treatment after the transplant. Withsoaring petrol prices, situation becoming unsustainable.




Case 2: The Girl with Wings (continued)

Conference arranges local newspaper story covering the family's plight.

Arising from the newspaper article, family contacted by Angel Flight Australia, whoare now flying the daughter and mother to and from Melbourne for each treatmentat no cost to the family.

Findings

In this case, Conference stayed the long course with this family.The Conference became a catalyst for community response, which was key to the success in this case.

A wide range of conference resources were involved, including members' time,finance, substantial material assistance, local knowledge, media contacts andpublicity.

Justice issues raised were access to medical services and discrimination due tolocation, including private costs of medical transport.

Can concessions on cost of E-Tags be obtained for medical transport?

Case 3: The Wet ChildrenPresented by: Jess Boccia, Vinnies Youth - Geelong

The sun was shining brightly as excited families gathered at the front of AdventurePark. Children chatted enthusiastically to volunteers, parents and anyone whowould listen, about what they were going to do once inside the gates.

Inside, the kids were eager to get right into the adventures, with the waterslidebeing a particular favourite. Many parents were also into the action with the kids,while others preferred to relax in the barn and chat with the volunteers who werepreparing for lunch.

After two noisy hours of fun, everyone had worked up an appetite and the smell ofthe barbecue brought the kids and their parents back to the barn for lunch. All werehungry and while some of the Vinnies Youth cooked sausages, others, aware ofthe growing line, piled sausages onto the barbie and tried to devise ways to makethem cook faster. One Young Vinnie even suggested that a song might just do thetrick.


Case 3: The Wet Children (continued)

Children (many dripping wet) excitedly told the Vinnies Youth all about the activitiesas they ate, while parents socialised with both Vinnies Youth and other families.After lunch, most of the Vinnies Youth were led away to the various park attractionsby the re-energised children. With the barbecue out of the way, the Vinnies Youthwere free to spend the remainder of the day joining in with the kids.

The day came to an end all too soon. Many parents expressed their gratitude tothe Vinnies Youth, and there were many smiles, handshakes and hugs fromchildren.

Just for one day, families had been able to forget their troubles and spend sometime just having fun. The smiles on the children's faces, the great conversationswith parents and seeing families spend some quality time together had made theAdventure Park Family Day well worth the time and effort spent organising andrunning it. It seemed that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their day, and allVinnies Youth agreed that it was a huge success.

Findings

Disadvantaged children became involved in activities that are normal for other children.Importance of conference action which promotes social inclusion, for children especially. Conference guidelines for good practice include support for recreational activities for contacts and their children.

Justice issue of social exclusion of children from low income families.

Case 4: The LonerPresented by: Bob Pollock, Red Cliffs

A shopkeeper in a small country town approached a member of the localconference about an elderly sick man who had an amount of $300 owing for goodsreceived and seemed unable to manage his affairs.

The man in question had, after battling alcohol and marriage problems, lost hishome, and moved in with a relative. When he became ill with cancer and afterbeing told that the doctors could do no more to treat his condition, he decided tolive alone and not be a burden to anyone else.



Case 4: The Loner (continued)

Consequently he approached a local social services organisation which was ableto provide him with a roof over his head, in a unit belonging to another localorganisation. He was taken to this unit and had lived there with his swag and asmall fridge until the shopkeeper mentioned above spoke to a conference member.

On our first visit the man said he needed nothing, but on being asked about somefruit and vegetables, he told us that he had seen a cauliflower in the shop but hecould not afford to buy it. We returned later in the day with vegetables and meat,and then discovered that he had no bed or furniture except the fridge. We suppliedhim with a table and chair, a bed and pillows, sheets and blankets. We also boughta washing machine for him and arranged for him to pay it off at ten dollars eachweek from his pension, which he was happy to do.

Conference members continued to visit him on a regular basis and when needed,helped out with some extra food. He was a lonely man who kept himself welllocked in his unit.

Just recently, he fell in his unit and hit his head and as a result died. Conferencemembers attended his funeral, very saddened to think that this man had beenplaced in a unit with no facilities for his comfort by a government fundedorganisation.

Findings

Failure of government funded community assistance to meet the contact's needs.Gaining contact's confidence allowed conference assistance to be provided.Networking with local resources added value to conference efforts.Dignity / ownership and independence of contact preserved by nominalrepayment of purchase.

Conference provided many supports in addition to housing, using range ofconference resources - member's time, finance, purchased food, furniture.Friendship and care provided for a lonely man.

Justice issues include funding by government (e.g. affordable housing, mentalhealth services) and social exclusion.

Conferences should pursue No Interest Loans Schemes.



Case 5: The Man in the CaravanPresented by: Brian Lenten, Bendigo

Conference was asked on a Tuesday to visit a man who was about to lose hishousing.

He had been living in a rented house with his long-term partner who held thelease. The partner had moved out, and the landlord had insisted that the premisesbe vacated within one week of the date of visit by the conference. With nowhere tolive, and now without transport (which had been taken by the partner), the manwas deeply depressed.

The conference members called on the real estate agent concerned, andarrangements were made for the man to meet with a housing group on Friday foradvice.

On Wednesday, the members again visited the man and arranged to take him towork on the Friday, and pick him up from work and take him to the housing groupmeeting.

On Thursday, members were contacted by the man's mother, enquiring if moneywas needed for a bond.

On Friday, members picked the man up at 6.00am and drove him to work. Theyagain picked him up at 2.30pm and drove him to the housing group meeting.

On Saturday, the members again picked up the man, and took him to a caravanpark, where accommodation was arranged. Fortunately, a work-mate of the manwas also staying at the caravan park, so his transport to and from work was sortedout.

The caravan into which the man was moving did not have cooling, so theconference purchased a fan.

On Sunday, the man's mother phoned again, and arrangements were made for herto send money for two weeks at the caravan park to the members. This waspassed over to the caravan park on Monday.

On Tuesday, the conference moved the man out of the rented house and into thecaravan park.



Case 5: The Man in the Caravan (continued)

The conference is holding the man's washing machine and other household itemsin storage for him free of charge, and will continue to work with him, in the hopethat he can achieve a better lifestyle.

Findings

Through listening, members were able to relate to contact's emotions. Conference displayed genuine care for the person being assisted.Local networks were used to find accommodation (estate agent, housing group)Long term commitment was undertaken with this contact.

Concentrated efforts were made by members in the early stages of this case -highly focused use of conference resources.

A potential issue of depression/mental illness was identified, and referralsuggested.

Justice issues identified were social exclusion, lack of support for mental illness,loss of personal dignity.

Case 6: The New ArrivalsPresented by: Marita Taverner, Shepparton

I'd like to tell you a bit about the settlement of refugees in the Shepparton area.

About five years ago, many Iraqi and Afghan families came to Shepparton fromdetention centres. I don't know who helped them find housing, but their first port ofcall was then the St Vincent de Paul Society. Conferences provided food and alarge quantity and wide variety of household goods. These families have nowsettled well into the community, and seldom call on us for assistance, although wedo keep in touch with some of them.

In just the past year, seven families from the Congo, and four more Afghan familieshave arrived, and the local TAFE has the contract for settling the families in.

Conferences are working closely with TAFE. We provide warm jackets for eachperson on arrival at Tullamarine, and some additional blankets and a few toys forthe children on arrival in Shepparton.



Case 6: The New Arrivals (continued)

The day after arrival, we take them out to the centre, and supply all the clothesthey need.

Later, furniture on top of that provided by TAFE is given to the families, as thecontract allowance is in many cases insufficient for the number of people in thehousehold.

Conference members are also helping these people adjust to their new lifestyle,particularly in learning to use household appliances with which they are completelyunfamiliar. Eggs should not be kept in the freezer! The families are included on theconference bread run.

At present, we have seven families on the list, with 13 adults and 37 children. andwe are expecting three more Congolese families to arrive shortly.

Findings

Diversity of support/options needed in work with migrants - care, tolerance, listening, friendship, networks, energy, sense of community, dignity, charity, money and time.Conference was able to provide all of these, in addition to the material assistance with food, clothing and furniture.An excellent example of the great diversity of conference resources.

Justice issue identified is the inadequacy of material provision made bygovernment for incoming migrant refugees.




Session 2A: Mental Health

Frances Warren, Membership & Development Manager

I am pleased to be able to speak with you today about the training which is beingoffered through the Membership and Development team to help conferencemembers to be more effective in assisting people with a mental illness.

You can see from the brochure which you received when you arrived today that thetraining we are offering on mental illness is one of a range of programs beingoffered, all with the intention of helping conference members to develop goodpractices.

The good practices we are promoting in all our training programs involve helpingmembers to:

Communicate effectively with the people they are trying to help Identify and gain insight into the various factors which may be impacting on a person's situation Think broadly and creatively about how the person/family can be assisted Be aware of the various resources (including Social Justice officers) they can draw upon to assist the individual or family Be more confident in making referrals

History to the Training in Mental Illness

Our decision to develop and offer training specifically in mental illness came about as a result of a conference survey we undertook in early 2005 Part of that survey included questions about what conference memberssaw as their training needs About 25% of respondents indicated that they wanted training about mental illness We then did a second survey to "flesh out" more details about their training requirements In this second survey, to our surprise, we found that there were pockets of resistance to any mental health training at all. The reasons offered varied: some were arguing that they were not mental health professionals and didn't want to become so. They somehow (falsely) thought that having more knowledge would put them into a diagnostic



Session 2A: Mental Health (continued)

or therapeutic role. Some others argued that they were flat out doing home visits to provide basic material aid and felt that they did not have the time to spend with the people they visited in pursuing anything that involved time in relationship building (ie along the Compeer model). Quite frankly, the negative responses to training from some conferences did cause us to reflect on whether we were doing the rightthing in providing training in this area. We knew that it would be costly to develop and roll out (as we knew we would need to hire trainers withspecific expertise) and we knew we were in unchartered waters about knowing the true extent of demand for such training. However, we decided to proceed anyway.

Rationale for offering the course

Our decision to offer the mental illness training was informed by our knowledgethat people with mental illness are amongst the most vulnerable anddisadvantaged people in our community and that, as such, servicing them isintegral to the Vincentian vocation.

Whilst I am sure that this audience of Social Justice officers already has a goodunderstanding of the strong link between mental illness and disadvantage, I'd liketo just quickly review some findings to substantiate that before I get specificallyonto the new St Vincent de Paul Society training program:

1. We know that the incidence of mental illness in Australia is high. Material put before the recent Senate Select Committee on Mental Health stated that:

1% of the population will experience schizophrenia at some time in their lives (there are currently 45,000 people in Victoria alone with schizophrenia)2% will experience a bi-polar disorderAround 20% of people may experience depression at some stage in their lives, and About 10% of people may experience an anxiety disorderThe Senate Select Committee was further advised that the two high prevalence disorders (depression and anxiety) can be extremely serious but can often go unnoticed and untreated, particularly if the person is not acutely ill.




2. We also know that mental illness can have serious consequences for both the person with the illness and those who support him/her.

a) We know that the person with the mental illness will experience many or all of the following:

Loss of confidence/self esteemPressure/loss/fracture in personal relationships Withdrawal/social isolation/alienationDifficulties in getting and keeping employment (The Mental Health Council of Australia submitted to the Senate Select Committee that lessthan 30% of people with a mental illness participate in the workforce, despite evidence that working is therapeutic). This has huge implications for keeping a person in poverty, increasing their social isolation and decreasing their feelings of self worthDifficulties in managing the additional costs associated with the illness, such as medications and additional transport costs to get to appointmentsDifficulties with daily tasks: lacking the energy, motivation, or clarity of thinking needed to organise bills, do housework, keep appointments, plan and prepare meals, look after childrenDifficulties in dealing with the consequences which can arise from periods of being unwell: eg following on from indiscriminate use of credit during a "high" or incurring fines for parking infringements and so forthDifficulties managing the side effects of some medications The increased risk of self medication with either alcohol or drugsDealing with discrimination in most aspects of their lives including employment, housing, getting credit, and participation in recreation

b) We also know that the carers (usually family) of people with a mental illness will also be affected by that person's illness:

The Senate Select Committee heard that a lot of families disintegrate due to the strain of learning to cope with mental illness and still trying to hold a family unit together.They heard about the challenge which carers can have in maintaining full time employment and that when they have to leave their jobbecause of the demands of caring, they are often not eligible for the carers' allowance




They heard how families may have to bear a number of additional costs such as: providing transport to appointments, paying for fees for accessing healthcare professionals not covered under Medicare, replacing items lost by loved ones during episodes of psychosis or dysfunction, including clothing, repairs and replacement of furniture andlost rental bonds, payment of fines and debts accumulated by the mentally ill family member including court fines, parking fines, credit card debts, hire purchase debts and telephone debts.They heard how family carers can lose their sense of self and that theycan experience massive stress, anxiety and grief about not being able to "fix" the problem.The Senate Select Committee also heard about the pressures that can be put on child and young people who are carers. Children of parents who are mentally ill have a greater likelihood than other children of having emotional and behavioural problems. We know that.Children worry about their parents and are not given information from health professionals which would reduce their anxiety.Parents do not seek help and support due to fear of their children being taken from them by welfare authorities.Parents and family are reluctant to talk with children about the mental illness of a family member and as a result, children feel isolated not knowing that other children share their family experience.

Mental Illness training

Having briefly described the impacts of mental illness on the person with the illnessand any carers which may be involved, I will now briefly describe the actual trainingprogram:

The program has been developed by the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, with strong input from Membership and Development to ensure it was relevant to Vincentians The program is now being delivered by The Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria across the State, again with Membership and Development support, throughout 2006. Another 12 sessions are scheduled and budgeted for 2007. There has been strong take up of the program. The training is concentrated into a single day (this by conference request demand)The program includes a component on dual diagnosis.




What will doing the Mental Illness course do for you?

If you do the course it will:

Help you to understand the different types of mental illness and possible indicators that someone has a mental illnessHelp you understand the treatments for Mental Illness, the episodic nature of most mental illness including the importance of encouraging people to continue medication, and, importantly, the recovery processHelp you understand the side effects of some medicationsHelp you gain some insight into how the person might be thinking, feeling, and behaving with various mental illnessesGive you some insights into how the ordinary tasks of daily living may be difficult/impossible for someone with mental illness and how, because of their illness, things can go haywire with bills not being paid,debts accumulating, appointments not being kept, etcHelp you to communicate appropriately, constructively and comfortably. Help you understand the myriad range of ways you could help by providing simple things which make such a difference: invite someone with a mental illness out for a coffee, invite them out for a walk, a drive in the car, take them a book, newspaper or magazine of interest, offer to do or pay for a facial/hairdo/pedicure/manicure, help with shopping, appointments or choresHelp you understand the likelihood of discrimination and the role you might play in advocacy with and on behalf of the person being discriminated againstGives you some insights into dual diagnosis, where people are both mentally ill and are also addicted to alcohol or other substances and the cycle of changeHelps you to be alert to safety but not unnecessarily alarmedHelps you to be more comfortable in responding if suicide is raised or ifyou are concerned in this regardGives you some referral options Helps you understand that you should be prepared to be in for the longhaul - things may not resolve quickly.

In summary it will improve the quality of what you do - it will help you to give theperson with the mental illness and any carer involved a "hand up".



Session 2B: Compeer

Geoff Brown, Compeer Manager

Mental illness in AustraliaOne in five Australians will experience a mental illness. Some people experiencetheir illness only once and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives.Most mental illness can be effectively treated.

About CompeerCompeer is a model mental health program established 30 years ago andoperating in over 100 locations in the United States, Canada and Australia.Compeer Melbourne is a member of Compeer International. The word "Compeer"is a combination of "companion" and "peer". Volunteers are to be supportivecompanions and role models, not social workers, carers or parents.

Professor Allan Fels AO, Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School ofGovernment is the Patron of the program in Victoria.

St Vincent de Paul Society supports Compeer in Australia.

What does Compeer offer?Compeer volunteers are matched with a companion who is receiving mental healthtreatment.

Compeer volunteers meet with their companions for one hour each week (for atleast one year). They share interests and activities, go to the pictures, play sport,walk or share coffee. Some volunteers extend their commitment past one year andsome spend more than one hour weekly with their companion.

Compeer offers training, ongoing support and regular supervision to volunteers.Steady, reliable and caring companionship can make all the difference, bringing joyand hope into a life that may be empty of both. Through the gift of their friendship,volunteers will gain a sense of satisfaction and personal growth and have theopportunity to help another.



Session 2B: Compeer (continued)

Who can volunteer?Compeer volunteers come from all walks of life, all nationalities, all religions (or noreligious affiliation). They are men and women aged over 21 who are:

friendlyacceptingemotionally mature and stableable to commit for one year or morelive in Melbourne's eastern suburbs

How do people volunteer?

ApplyComplete a written applicationSchedule an interview with CompeerProvide three refereesComplete a police check

TrainAttend training sessions

MatchGuided by Compeer staff and the referring mental health professional, be matched to a companion compatible in gender, age, location and interests

MeetBegin weekly time together with this new companion.

Companionship helpsAll of us know that occasionally someone befriends us and touches our lives, thatsomeone cares about our wellbeing without expecting anything in return. Becausethey believe in us, we are encouraged to believe in ourselves.

Volunteers are asked to use the power of friendship to help someone isolatedthrough mental illness to live a happier, more productive life. A small gift of timeand care can make a world of difference to someone who is lonely and needs afriend.

"When I am out with my companion I feel I am part of what is happening in abusy world and I am not alone. I see other people together and I no longerfeel different because I am with my companion."



Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice

The session on this important subject was led by Paul Fraser, from theVictorian Social Justice Committee (Northern Central Council).

Paul invited the Forum members to engage in open dialogue on a range of topicsrelated to conference practices in social justice. Under Paul's leadership, thediscussions were wide ranging and enthusiastic, involving a large number ofparticipants. They resulted in the expression of extensive views, which aresummarised below, in broad categories for convenience.

Spirituality

Spirituality in conferences is paramount - we are driven to social justiceby our Christianity. Key issue is to maintain spirituality at all times.Stick to the principles of Ozanam - our convictions must be strong. Do not be bend to other peoples' way of thinking, such as attacking standson social justice eg welfare.

Contacts (those we help)

Preconceived judgments must be avoided. Use of word "client" should be avoided.Build up relationship with people we assist.Don't blame poor for situation.Discover the basic need behind the request for material assistance? Conferences need to be mindful of confidentiality/privacy laws.Need to actively listen to contact situation - this occurs through relationships.Consistency in assistance given - what's good for ourselves has to be good for the households being assisted .Build relationships with families by reaching out in friendship.

Public Advocacy

Media spokesperson to raise issues of social justice "speaking out on injustices".Raise issues at local level, eg local politicians. Be aware and follow media guidelines approved by State Council. Advocacy requires additional skills - undergo additional training.Advance reconciliation (Society supports Opening the Doors Foundation).



Session 3: Good Practice for Conference Social Justice(continued)

Conference Teamwork

Every member should be a de-facto social justice officer.Use experience and knowledge of conference members. "Success" of conferences depends on the individuals within the conference.Follow good practice guidelines promulgated by State Council.Set priorities.

Awareness

Manuals are never complete - need to be updated constantly.Development of service register to be carried in interview folder. Cannot expect to be experts on everything, but should know to whom to refer people contacts.Importance of awareness of concessions, supports and resources that are available - what is available and who offers them. How can manuals be developed? New members don't know where to go or whom to see. We have to be informed ourselves of the issues affecting people and the appropriate resources supports that assist bring justice -knowing rights.Each of us as individuals, and the conference as an organisation need to be as informed as best we can.Development of local information kits (manuals that bring together resource available in local areas)

Networking

Are there local community forums that Vincentians can join? Often Centerlink officers attend these.Building community relationship (networks) is essential. Networking - how far and extensive should this go? Networking includes going to local forums and activities which introduce people to new information and resources. Networks are there but maybe we don't know about them.Networking - typical links on women's affairs, mental health, Centrelink.



Frances Warren

Tony Dalton

(l to r)Kevin Waugh,Christine Vella and Fr Frank Smith



Geoff Brown

(l to r)John McCarthy,Brian Lenten and Maurie Taylor

(l to r)Sr Rosemary Graham and Pat Toomey



NOTES


“Yours must be a work of love, ofkindness, you must give yourtime, your talents, yourselves.

“The poor person is a uniqueperson of God’s fashioning withan inalienable right to respect.

“You must not be content withtiding the poor over the povertycrisis: You must study theircondition and the injustices whichbrought about such poverty, withthe aim of a long termimprovement.”

Blessed Frederic Ozanam1813-1853

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. ABN: 28 911 702 061 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850Email: [email protected] Website: www.svdp-vic.org.au

December 2006

Documents

2006 Social Justice Forum