Changing Lives… Serving Communities, Since 1903

What We Do

Advocacy

Action E-list

Join the SVdP Advocacy CAPWIZ Action Alert system and receive emailed updates on issues of concern to the poor and those in need.

This automatic system will allow you to contact your Federal elected officials and express your support for pending legislation.  You CAN make a difference.

SIGN UP TODAY

Voice of the Poor: Mission Statement

The Atlanta Council VOP will advocate to eliminate systemic causes that contribute to our client’s needs using the following criteria: 

  • Is it close to the Heart of Vincentians?
  • Is there something positive we can do about it?
  • Does the issue affect many/most clients?
  • Is there a probability of success?
  • Application and consistency with Catholic Social Teaching.

Voice of the Poor (VOP) is a nation-wide Vincentian effort to identify the root causes that contribute to our clients situations.  As our Rule states, “…The Society is concerned not only with relieving need, but also with addressing the situations that cause it.”  Because our vocation has at its core service to the poor by visiting them in their homes, we have a unique perspective on the kinds of challenges our clients face and the obstacles they must overcome to get out of their situations. VOP is our effort to help eliminate those obstacles that affect the greatest number of our clients.  Guided by the fundamental teaching and values of the Catholic Church, the VOP Committee will advocate as an organized and unified force, speaking up for those who are unable to speak for themselves.

The purpose of the Voice of the Poor was well illustrated by the situation described by a Conference president in north Georgia.  A woman with a 10-year-old son called him because her electric company cut off her power when the temperature was 17 degrees at night.  He contacted officials and legislators and found that the law against cut-offs only applies to public companies and not EMC’s, like hers.  In a case like this, instead of one woman or one Conference addressing this issue, we can bring the expertise and voice of 2,000 Vincentians.

National Committee Position Papers

If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to help, please contact us here.