“Is what we are doing TRANSFORMING lives?” The Vincentian Family Explores SYSTEMIC CHANGE

“Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attacks. ” Frederic Ozanam

VINCENTIAN WORD “AND” JUSTICE AND CHARITY RELIEVING NEED AND ADDRESSING ITS CAUSES

An Important and Fundamental Distinction Immediate assistance to those living in poverty and systemic change projects are:  Not either/or options  But both/and IMPERATIVES

VINCENTIAN WORD “WITH”  We have been accustomed to working FOR People…now they are waiting for us to work WITH them. “ COLLABORATION”  To work together with others…

“There are many ways of providing charity… The assistance of money or assistance in-kind that we give to those who are poor will not last long. We must aspire to a more complete and longer lasting benefit: study their abilities, their level of instruction and help them get work to help them out of their difficulties.” Blessed Rosalie Rendu

Systemic Change In works among those who live in poverty, Systemic Change:  Aims to go beyond providing food, clothing and shelter to alleviate immediate needs.  Endeavors to help people themselves engage in the identification of the root causes of their poverty.

Systemic Change Seeks to focus on assisting people to change the overall structures within which they live Helps them develop strategies by which they can emerge from poverty. Aspires to change attitudes in order to TRANSFORM LIVES.

Systemic Change  Strives to transform a complete series of interacting elements, rather than just an individual element.  Looks for the break-through point that can prevent a person moving step by step deeper into poverty.

CYCLE OF POVERTY

How can we break the Cycle of Poverty? Is what we are doing TRANSFORMING LIVES?

Changing Attitudes Poverty is not due to  Circumstances  Bad Luck  Laziness Poverty is a result of  Political Decisions  Economic Structures

Systemic Change Strategies  Mission-Oriented  Person-Oriented  Task-Oriented  Co-responsibility, networking and political action

Mission Oriented Strategies  Understand that poverty is not the inevitable result of circumstances, but as the product of unjust situations that can be changed  Design projects, create plans, policies and guidelines that flow from our Vincentian values and mission  Focus on those living in poverty as the ones most capable of changing their own situation

Person Oriented Strategies Listen carefully and seek to understand the needs and aspirations of those living in poverty Create an atmosphere of respect and mutual confidence Foster self-esteem Involve the people themselves in every step– identifying the needs, planning, implementation, evaluation and revision

Task Oriented Strategies Have a holistic vision, addressing a series of basic human needs: Individual, Social, Spiritual, Physical, Jobs, Healthcare, Housing, Education. Have an integral approach toward prevention and sustainable development

Co-responsibility, networking and political action  Construct a shared vision with:  Communities and individuals,  Churches and governments,  Organizations and networks  Have a prophetic attitude:  announce and denounce,  network and collaborate  engage in actions that exert pressure for bringing about change

Steps to Achieve Systemic Change 1. Establishing the urgency to change 2. Build the guiding team 3. Create a transformational vision 4. Communicate the vision for buy-in 5. Empower others to act 6. Create short-term wins 7. Don’t let up 8. Establish the policies and strategies to achieve the new vision.

What can WE Do? “Do not be afraid of new beginnings. Be creative. Be inventive. Organize new works of love in the service of the poor. You who have energy; who have enthusiasm; who want to do something of value for the future; be inventive, launch out; do not wait.” (Frederic Ozanam)