Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009
the conference & social justice doing it better
Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009
“Yours must be a work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves. “The poor person is a unique person of God’s fashioning with an inalienable right to respect. “You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis: You must study their condition and the injustices which brought about such poverty, with the aim of a long term improvement.” Blessed Frederic Ozanam 1813-1853
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 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
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 Agenda THE CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE DOING 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
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 OPENING REMARKS Good morning, and welcome. Thanks to all who have come from all over the state, and made the effort to attend the 7th. Annual Social Justice Forum. Our thanks also go to Chairman Tony Dalton and his Committee for the dedicated work they have done and continue to do, and for creating today's forum. The theme for today is "Doing it better".
Dennis Griffin, Vice-President
We know that we will achieve more by looking after one another, by nurturing, and listening to one another. Liz Taylor is to expand on this aspect later in great depth .
On growth, it is good to see that the number of conferences with Social Justice Officers 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 at the 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, mental illness, poverty, or unemployment? By being the Vincentians we are, we observe, listen and act to remove injustices we encounter. You have already done much on the local level, and are to be congratulated on what you have achieved. The Society has become a vast social movement - governments and their agencies respect and take notice of what we say in the Society, as we daily face the poor of this country. We have become a major tool in Australia, as governments and councils remain focused on the Society and similar agencies to become their arms to distribute some of the social security funds so greatly needed. Through our work, the marginalized are empowered to take some charge of their own lives, their dignity restored as they do so. Through your practical assistance and advocacy, people's lives are changed and hope restored. We can't help everyone, but e we can help those we meet in our immediate neighbourhood.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 Advocacy aimed at utility suppliers, government departments and real estate agents 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 dangers to families, and assist them to regain their proper place in the world, our community as a whole will be so much the better for it. Your wisdom and experience in these matters will continue to go a great way in alleviating 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 over the past twelve months. Gavin Dufty continues his great work through research, and has saved thousands of people thousands of dollars. Especially at this time, as we begin to emerge from the GFC, we will need to remain vigilant to the needs of our brothers and sister who are and will remain in need of our assistance and advocacy. I wish you great success in today's deliberations, as we move forward to tomorrow's challenges. May God's grace be with us all, and fortify us as we continue in our Vincentian vocation.
Dennis Griffin Vice President
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 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 society which 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.' "And if 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)
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 Reflection: "Hurry sickness" is the serious illness of our modern world, where we rush from z z z
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 that long hours at work are harming our mental health-psychologically and emotionally. Jonathan Scales, a research lecturer at the Health and Social Services Institute in Britain, 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 our monumental impatience. We do not easily come to terms with the discipline of deferred gratification. We want everything now. We live in an age of almost perpetual impatience. One symptom of this is road rage. And I am sure you can list some more symptoms you have come across in your work as Vincentians. Some of these symptoms of modern life are increasingly reflected in the behaviour of our children. According to Britain-based author and journalist Minette Martin, "Their infant minds ... have been so grossly over-stimulated by the easy fixes of television 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 and constructively. Regrettably, in this past century we've even cut down on our sleep time. It is reported that we now average 90 minutes less sleep at night than people did a century ago. Also a recent survey found that we now average 7 hours and 12 minutes of sleep a night, down 25 minutes from only a decade ago. Many people average much less than that. Clearly human beings were designed to rest at appropriate times. Yet increasingly we are moving into a 24-hour society. Some of us work, eat, drink, dance and shop around the clock. Some cities never sleep. Many services and shops are open around the clock. We are very reluctant to turn in and go to bed. The internet is available anytime. 8 | St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 One person described this growing practice as "colonising the night," expanding our control over time to do things whenever it is convenient for us, regardless of what the clock tells us. The evidence is becoming clearer that our collective exhaustion threatens national health and well-being. Societal habits have changed significantly over the last generation. For those who have some time for leisure pursuits, many TV stations and cable channels are on the air around the clock. Supposedly we can be entertained at any time of our choosing. But the net result of the 24-hour society is that schedules start to blur in our minds and we begin to lose the significance of natural time patterns. Even our awareness of the seven-day week starts to wane. Many today are in a state of perpetual confusion 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 from our 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 all need to come to a complete halt-to totally stop what we are doing, take time to rest and reflect, and take stock of our lives. Clearly we do live in a chaotic, confused age.To cope successfully, we need valuable time for sustained thought-periods in which we really have time to think things over and prioritise our commitments. Also we need time to truly appreciate the wonders of the creation. Solomon said that God "has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also need time to pray. On returning from their missionary tour, the disciples came 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 coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." They spoke with him of their favourable and unfavourable experiences, their joy at seeing results from their labours, and their sorrow at their failures. Jesus saw, too, that they had become weary in their labours, and that they needed to rest. In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, Jesus found it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng that followed Him day after day. He had to turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father. We too, should do the same. Social Justice Committee | 9
Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 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 precious promise." 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.
All:
Lord hear our prayer
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.
All:
Lord hear our prayer
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.
All:
Lord hear our prayer
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 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 long I am always with you, I am always with you Learn my way of living, simple and forgiving And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest. Come away disciples, come retreat awhile I will travel with you, I will travel with you Blessing desert places, filling silent spaces And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest. Trusting and returning, you shall grow in strength I am always with you, I am always with you Since 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 pace I am always present, I am always present Sent to you in life's journey to lighten life's learning And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest. When the night grows longer, and the end is near I am your companion, I am your companion Happen joy or sorrow, call beyond tomorrow And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 INTRODUCTION Our theme today is "The Conference & Social Justice - Doing it better". And as a first step, we need to ask ourselves just what does the term "do it better" mean in the context of conference work. To help us find an answer, our forum today is divided into three separate but linked sessions. 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 lose effectiveness. For the forum to consider successfully what it means to "do it better", the Committee believes that it is important that you, the members, determine what it means. Thus, in Session 2, in open dialogue, we will ask you to express your views on what "do it better" means, particularly seeing "better" from the point of view of the people we are trying to help. We will work in discussion groups, and at the end of this session, the Committee will collate the findings from the discussion groups into a workable list of key thoughts. In the Session 3, we will again work in discussion groups to expand the findings from 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 practical actions which conferences may use to improve their delivery of social justice in conference work, and provide help which those who come to us for assistance will see as truly a 'hand up'. SESSION 1 The forum worked in groups for 45 minutes, determining some ways in which we can improve the level and quality of social justice we bring to our work with those who come to us for assistance. Ideas, experiences and anecdotes were shared to build 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 key thoughts for consideration in the next session.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 IDEAS GENERATED IN SESSION 1 Table #1 z Improved budgeting advice. z More active networking, information sharing. z Training for work with mental health sufferers. z Promotion of Society work within parish. z More social gatherings within the Society. Table #2 z Rooming houses and caravan parks - issues re the "enforcer" in collecting rent - local councils "honorable" but ineffective. z Decline of public housing. z Need for "proper" housing - not studio. z Personal fridges for rooming house tenants. z Bush fire relief is a very slow process (and access to resources). z OS students. z Invite members of government to meetings. z Information for activities higher up in the Society. z Asking questions at visits - use of budgeting form. z Networking - take list of local agencies on visit (information from local government and internet use lifeline booklet). z Mental health - utilise Vinnies training and refer to government agencies. z Education of people we assist - identify education opportunities for the people we assist. z Recruit new members. z Social gatherings. Table #3 z Conference time management. z Member recruitment. z Focus on children. z Respect privacy of people, build trust.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 Table #4 z Tenants rights - rooming houses tenants to understand their rights. z Understand the role of social justice officer. z Networking. z Use of other funding / resources. z Membership and development support. z Time management / case management. z Increase membership to spread the load to deal with the social justice issues. z Higher priority to issues effecting children (with privacy requirements in mind). z Work with other agencies and organisations . Table #5 z Role play in training sessions. z Networking. z Flexible visit frequency. z Emergency assistance or long term assistance. z Free call number for conference HO assistance. Table #6 z Advocacy. z Overload - Prioritise. z Education. z Use Holiday homes. z Cooperative referral process with other agencies. z Utilise Internal and other supports available. z Training - more in depth role playing and target new conferences. z Social justice by location. z Life skills training. z Referrals. z Lack understanding of why is this happening - assessment to be somebody else. z Frequency of visits more or less. z Emergency assistance VS income supplement. z 1800 number for guidance support for members . z How do we address long term injustice. z Petrol support for members. 14 | St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 KEY ACTION AREAS FROM SESSION 1 z z z z z z
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, to turn those thoughts into timely and practical action on behalf of those we are helping. IMPROVE CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT z
z z z
z z z z z z z z z z z
Establish training course for Conference Presidents on management of the Conference - 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.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 INCREASE ADVOCACY FOR THE PERSON z z z z z z z z
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 details Use 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 z z z
z
z z
z
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 z
z
z
z z z
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.
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Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 STRENGTHEN COLLEGIALITY AMONG MEMBERS z z z z z z z z z
z z
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 z
z z z
z z z z z z
Provide conferences with catalogue of resources held at state level, such as Concessions 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 MANAGEMENT Somethings 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. Social Justice Committee | 17
Social Justice Forum Saturday 10 October 2009 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 z waste it, z kill it, and z spend it rather than z invest it. We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend 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 Forum for 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.
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Mission Statement 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, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
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St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. ABN: 28 911 702 061 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850 Email: info@svdp-vic.org.au Website: www.vinnies.org.au/vic March 2010