2009 Social Justice Forum

Social Justice ForumSaturday 10 October 2009

doing it better

the conference& social justice

2 | St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.


“Yours must be a work of love,of kindness, 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 injusticeswhich brought about suchpoverty, with the aim of a longterm improvement.”

Blessed Frederic Ozanam1813-1853

Social Justice Committee | 3

Contents

Bl Frederic Ozanam | Call to Action 2

Agenda 4

Opening Remarks 5

Opening Prayer 7

Introduction 12

Session 1: 12

Session 2: 15

Reflection 17

Acknowledgements 18

Mission Statement 19




Agenda

THE CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICEDOING IT BETTER?

9.30 am Registrations, tea/coffee

10.00 am Welcome and Spiritual Reflection

10.20 am Opening - Vice-President Dennis Griffin

10.30 am Introduction to the day

10.45 am Caring for the carer - Membership and Development Team

11.15 am Coffee break

11.30 am Doing it better - what does it mean?

12.00 pm Workshop Session 1: Ways to do it better

12.45 pm Lunch

1.30 pm Summary Report on Session 1

1.45 pm Workshop Session 2: Action in the conference

2.30 pm Summary Report from Session 2

2.45 pm Open discussion and review

3.15 pm Closing Prayers - Appreciations, Farewell

3.30 pm End



OPENING REMARKS

Good morning, and welcome.

Thanks to all who have come from all over thestate, and made the effort to attend the 7th.Annual Social Justice Forum.

Our thanks also go to Chairman Tony Daltonand his Committee for the dedicated work theyhave done and continue to do, and for creatingtoday's forum.

The theme for today is "Doing it better".

We know that we will achieve more by lookingafter one another, by nurturing, and listening toone another. Liz Taylor is to expand on thisaspect later in great depth .

On growth, it is good to see that the number of conferences with Social JusticeOfficers continues to grow. Without them, we would be the poorer.

Social Justice is not on the edge of what we do, but rather at the very heart. It is atthe very root of who we are and what we hope to achieve.

How may we help our brothers and sisters who are crushed by despair, mentalillness, poverty, or unemployment?

By being the Vincentians we are, we observe, listen and act to remove injusticeswe encounter. You have already done much on the local level, and are to becongratulated on what you have achieved.

The Society has become a vast social movement - governments and theiragencies respect and take notice of what we say in the Society, as we daily facethe poor of this country.

We have become a major tool in Australia, as governments and councils remainfocused on the Society and similar agencies to become their arms to distributesome of the social security funds so greatly needed.

Through our work, the marginalized are empowered to take some charge of theirown lives, their dignity restored as they do so. Through your practical assistanceand advocacy, people's lives are changed and hope restored. We can't helpeveryone, but e we can help those we meet in our immediate neighbourhood.

Dennis Griffin, Vice-President




Advocacy aimed at utility suppliers, government departments and real estateagents is but part of the great work you do.

The family is at the very core of civilisation - it remains under threat, morally,economically and socially. Therefore, whatever we can do to alleviate the dangersto families, and assist them to regain their proper place in the world, our communityas a whole will be so much the better for it.

Your wisdom and experience in these matters will continue to go a great way inalleviating some of the evils placed upon the people we meet in our work.

On behalf of State Council, I thank you for all you do for the poor and needy.The Society has assisted some 126,000 people through 301 conferences overthe past twelve months. Gavin Dufty continues his great work throughresearch, and has saved thousands of people thousands of dollars.

Especially at this time, as we begin to emerge from the GFC, we will need toremain vigilant to the needs of our brothers and sister who are and will remainin need of our assistance and advocacy.

I wish you great success in today's deliberations, as we move forward totomorrow's challenges. May God's grace be with us all, and fortify us as wecontinue in our Vincentian vocation.

Dennis GriffinVice President



Opening Prayer

Leader: As we gather again to share our experiences, our successes and our failures in working to change the unjust structures in our societywhich prevent equal access of opportunity to many, we ask that God will be with us in our deliberations. In the scriptures we see a wonderful invitation offered by Jesus to the Apostles after they returned from an extended time of ministry. It is essential that we too, as Vincentians, from time to time, follow our Lord into a place of rest and renewal.

Let us pray together:

God, we pray that all of those seeking your justice may also seek rest and restoration. Refresh those who struggle with burnout, and may they thirst for both nurture and action in your world. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen

Some thoughts from Scripture:

And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

"But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' "Andif a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:5-6)

"Come to me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me." 2Cor 12:9)



Reflection:

"Hurry sickness" is the serious illness of our modern world, where we rush from

One appointment to another, One client to another,One task to the next.

It seems that the pace of modern life is taking its toll. A recent study suggests thatlong hours at work are harming our mental health-psychologically and emotionally.

Jonathan Scales, a research lecturer at the Health and Social Services Institute inBritain, observed that:

"There is evidence that working long hours over a long period of time is raising stress levels and reducing emotional well being."

Closely related to the perpetual hurry syndrome is increasing evidence of ourmonumental impatience. We do not easily come to terms with the discipline ofdeferred gratification. We want everything now. We live in an age of almostperpetual impatience. One symptom of this is road rage. And I am sure you can listsome more symptoms you have come across in your work as Vincentians.

Some of these symptoms of modern life are increasingly reflected in the behaviourof our children. According to Britain-based author and journalist Minette Martin,

"Their infant minds ... have been so grossly over-stimulated by the easy fixes oftelevision and computer games, and of low-grade, heavy-beat surround sound, that they are largely unable to concentrate for more than a few seconds" (Daily Telegraph).

We all need to sit down, breathe easily, relax and take time to think rationally andconstructively. Regrettably, in this past century we've even cut down on our sleeptime. It is reported that we now average 90 minutes less sleep at night than peopledid a century ago. Also a recent survey found that we now average 7 hours and 12minutes of sleep a night, down 25 minutes from only a decade ago. Many peopleaverage much less than that.

Clearly human beings were designed to rest at appropriate times. Yet increasinglywe are moving into a 24-hour society. Some of us work, eat, drink, dance and shoparound the clock. Some cities never sleep. Many services and shops are openaround the clock. We are very reluctant to turn in and go to bed. The internet isavailable anytime.


One person described this growing practice as "colonising the night," expandingour control over time to do things whenever it is convenient for us, regardless ofwhat the clock tells us.

The evidence is becoming clearer that our collective exhaustion threatens nationalhealth and well-being. Societal habits have changed significantly over the lastgeneration. For those who have some time for leisure pursuits, many TV stationsand cable channels are on the air around the clock. Supposedly we can beentertained at any time of our choosing.

But the net result of the 24-hour society is that schedules start to blur in our mindsand we begin to lose the significance of natural time patterns. Even our awarenessof the seven-day week starts to wane. Many today are in a state of perpetualconfusion and weighed down with various problems and anxieties.

As Vincentians we are part of our society and the trends which are evident today,will also affect us if we are not vigilant.

What's the solution?Jesus Christ tells us that if we will adapt to His way of life, He will give us rest fromour burdens (Matthew 11:28). On one occasion He encouraged His disciples to"come aside by yourselves ... and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). Once in a while we allneed to come to a complete halt-to totally stop what we are doing, take time to restand reflect, and take stock of our lives.

Clearly we do live in a chaotic, confused age.To cope successfully, we needvaluable time for sustained thought-periods in which we really have time to thinkthings over and prioritise our commitments. Also we need time to truly appreciatethe wonders of the creation. Solomon said that God "has made everything beautifulin its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

We also need time to pray. On returning from their missionary tour, the disciplescame to Jesus and told Him all things they had done. And He said unto them,"Come apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were so many comingand going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." They spoke with him oftheir favourable and unfavourable experiences, their joy at seeing results from theirlabours, and their sorrow at their failures. Jesus saw, too, that they had becomeweary in their labours, and that they needed to rest.

In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, Jesus found it necessary to withdrawfrom the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng that followed Him day afterday. He had to turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with humanneeds, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father. We too,should do the same.




J K McKenzie once wrote:

"Don't be unwise enough to think that we are serving God best by constant activity at the cost of headaches and broken rest. I am getting to be of the opinion that we may be doing too much."

God doesn't expect us to kill ourselves doing so much. Indeed, He bids us to"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"Matthew 11:28. If ever there is a verse for our overworked days, it is this preciouspromise."

Prayers of Intercession

Leader: My sisters and brothers let us entrust our needs to the Lord who comforts us with the promise of salvation.

Reader: For Church leaders and all who minister in the name of Christ. May they hear the word of God and bring it to birth in our waiting world. (pause) We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord hear our prayer

Reader: For all who make decisions that affect the welfare of others. May they follow God's will and seek the good of all people. (pause)We pray to the Lord.


Reader: For people in all parts of the world who are suffering as a result of natural disasters and deliberate acts of violence. May they know that God is with them in their distress. (pause)We pray to the Lord.


Reader: For Vincentians working to support those affected by drought and bushfires. May their endeavours be blessed and their efforts richly rewarded. (pause) We pray to the Lord.




Reader: We pray for ourselves that we may recognise our own needs for rest and renewal, and take appropriate steps to ensure we renew ourselves for the sake of others. (pause)

We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

Leader: Refreshed by your Spirit, and following in the way of Jesus Christ, may practical compassion flow from our hearts as we continue to serve You in your people.

Song: I Will Give You Rest (David Haas)

Take my yoke upon you, all who labour longI am always with you, I am always with youLearn my way of living, simple and forgivingAnd I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.

Come away disciples, come retreat awhileI will travel with you, I will travel with youBlessing desert places, filling silent spacesAnd I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.

Trusting and returning, you shall grow in strengthI am always with you, I am always with youSince my love designed you, seek and I will find you And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.

When your world is changing at a breathless paceI am always present, I am always presentSent to you in life's journey to lighten life's learningAnd I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.

When the night grows longer, and the end is nearI am your companion, I am your companionHappen joy or sorrow, call beyond tomorrowAnd I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.


INTRODUCTION

Our theme today is "The Conference & Social Justice - Doing it better". And as afirst step, we need to ask ourselves just what does the term "do it better" mean inthe context of conference work.

To help us find an answer, our forum today is divided into three separate but linkedsessions.

In Session 1, Liz Taylor will tell us about a very important part of doing it better -making sure that we as members do not stretch ourselves so far as to loseeffectiveness.

For the forum to consider successfully what it means to "do it better", theCommittee believes that it is important that you, the members, determine what itmeans.

Thus, in Session 2, in open dialogue, we will ask you to express your views onwhat "do it better" means, particularly seeing "better" from the point of view of thepeople we are trying to help.

We will work in discussion groups, and at the end of this session, the Committeewill collate the findings from the discussion groups into a workable list of keythoughts.

In the Session 3, we will again work in discussion groups to expand the findingsfrom Session 2 into a comprehensive list of specific ideas on "how to do it better".

If we can do this successfully, the forum will have produced a set of practicalactions which conferences may use to improve their delivery of social justice inconference work, and provide help which those who come to us for assistance willsee as truly a 'hand up'.

SESSION 1

The forum worked in groups for 45 minutes, determining some ways in which wecan improve the level and quality of social justice we bring to our work with thosewho come to us for assistance. Ideas, experiences and anecdotes were shared tobuild a list of how we can have a bigger influence on providing a ‘hand up’.

The findings from the groups were collected and collated into a table of the six keythoughts for consideration in the next session.



IDEAS GENERATED IN SESSION 1

Table #1Improved budgeting advice.More active networking, information sharing.Training for work with mental health sufferers. Promotion of Society work within parish.More social gatherings within the Society.

Table #2Rooming houses and caravan parks - issues re the "enforcer" in collectingrent - local councils "honorable" but ineffective.Decline of public housing. Need for "proper" housing - not studio.Personal fridges for rooming house tenants.Bush fire relief is a very slow process (and access to resources).OS students.Invite members of government to meetings.Information for activities higher up in the Society.Asking questions at visits - use of budgeting form. Networking - take list of local agencies on visit (information from local government and internet use lifeline booklet).Mental health - utilise Vinnies training and refer to government agencies.Education of people we assist - identify education opportunities for the people we assist.Recruit new members.Social gatherings.

Table #3Conference time management.Member recruitment.Focus on children.Respect privacy of people, build trust.




Table #4Tenants rights - rooming houses tenants to understand their rights.Understand the role of social justice officer.Networking.Use of other funding / resources.Membership and development support.Time management / case management. Increase membership to spread the load to deal with the social justice issues.Higher priority to issues effecting children (with privacy requirements in mind).Work with other agencies and organisations .

Table #5Role play in training sessions.Networking.Flexible visit frequency.Emergency assistance or long term assistance.Free call number for conference HO assistance.

Table #6Advocacy.Overload - Prioritise. Education. Use Holiday homes. Cooperative referral process with other agencies. Utilise Internal and other supports available. Training - more in depth role playing and target new conferences.Social justice by location.Life skills training.Referrals.Lack understanding of why is this happening - assessment to be somebody else.Frequency of visits more or less.Emergency assistance VS income supplement.1800 number for guidance support for members .How do we address long term injustice.Petrol support for members.



KEY ACTION AREAS FROM SESSION 1

Improve Conference management Extend and grow networking.Strengthen collegiality among members.Widen member participation in training. Increase advocacy for the person.Use education for better results.

SESSION 2

Again in groups, the Forum looked at the key thoughts presented from Session 1,and developed a list of specific measures which can be taken in conferences, toturn those thoughts into timely and practical action on behalf of those we arehelping.

IMPROVE CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT

Establish training course for Conference Presidents on management of theConference - information on new ideas and ways of doing things.Establish structure within the Conference for planning days. Develop succession planning for the conference.Provide briefings for the Conference by professional people on problem areas, eg gambling.Improve communication links between Head Office and Conferences. Increase Regional President support for Conference.Make use of Social Justice Officer in Conference.Mail social justice information to both Conference President and SJ Officer. Continue "SJC Speaking" releases. Renew practice of inter-conference activities - Festival Masses, socials, etc.Emphasise and practice spiritual refection within the Conference. Appoint and use Conference visit coordinator if the work load is high.Involve all members, make them feel useful. Presidents delegate tasks where possible.Use case study discussions at Conference meetings.



INCREASE ADVOCACY FOR THE PERSON

Recognise different levels of advocacy - personal, local, state, national.Always encourage clients to advocate for themselves. Network as widely as possible.Establish/maintain database of local support organisations, contact detailsUse legal support services to help people though legal processes.Explain and foster use of ombudsman schemes.Help people engage with energy companies' hardship programs. Encourage use of State government HomeWise program.

USE EDUCATION FOR BETTER RESULTS

Widen education for us as Vincentians.Participate in local councils' community development conferences.Establish Regional Councils links with local government community development group. Conduct Regional meetings of conference members to discuss issues and exchange ideas. Invite appropriate outsiders to these meetings to cultivate relationships. Take full advantage of training offered by M&D. Appoint a conference member to keep an updated list of information, and share it amongst members. Establish a "Conference home page" as a resource.

EXTEND AND GROW NETWORKING

Update Concessions booklet, phone numbers and names of networking contacts frequently. Identify local agencies and what they do - such as other charities, schools, lifeline, health supports, Anglicare, etc. Establish contacts.Build contacts with people from Centerlink - invite them and others to the meeting.Join with other support groups and people. Leave this information with people we visit.Network through other conferences within the local area if necessary.



STRENGTHEN COLLEGIALITY AMONG MEMBERS

Have social get-togethers throughout the year. Use collective counseling. Provide positive support and affirmations for members.Join with other conferences to attend Society events, ie Ozanam Lecture.Socialise after conference meetings.Work together on periphal common projects.Celebrate members' birthdays, anniversaries, etc.Share a party or a meal.Work together with other volunteers within the Society, at centres, Ozanam House, etc. Share common personal concerns. Share common personal activities - sports, etc.

WIDEN MEMBER PARTICIPATION IN TRAINING

Provide conferences with catalogue of resources held at state level, such asConcessions kits, etc. Provide specific training for new conferences. Provide refresher training in particular areas.Establish "new conference" support team, to visit and support on a regular basis until conference is settled. Utilise training from other agencies and sources.Provide Internet (online) training resources.Encourage new members to interface with persons seeking assistance.Hold training sessions regularly.Use interactive work-shops as training technique. Train the trainer.

REFLECTION

TIME MANAGEMENTSomethings will master and others will serve.

Either you run the day or the day runs you;

Either you run the business or the business runs you.



Learn how to separate the majors and the minors.

A lot of people don't do well simply because they major in minor things.

Don't mistake movement for achievement.

It's easy to get faked out by being busy.

The question is: Busy doing what?

Days are expensive.

When you spend a day you have one less day to spend.

So make sure you spend each one wisely.

Sometimes you need to stay in touch but be out of reach.

Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it, kill it, and spend it rather than invest it.

We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can tospend

minor time on major things.

Time is more valuable than money.

You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.

Learn how to say no.

Don't let your mouth overload your back.

Time is the best-kept secret of the rich.

Remember too

Prior planning and preparation prevents panic and poor performance

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Social Justice Committee would like to thank all participants in the Forumfor their generous contribution to the discussions and exchanges.

A special thank you also goes to all who helped with the "nuts and bolts"of the Forum.


Mission StatementThe St Vincent de Paul Societyis a lay Catholic organisationthat aspires to live the gospelmessage by serving Christ inthe poor with love, respect,justice, hope and joy, and byworking to shape a more justand compassionate society.

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.vinnies.org.au/vic

March 2010

Documents

2009 Social Justice Forum