Click to edit Master title style District Councils 1 September 2015

Click to edit Master title style The District Council Primary purpose to support Conferences Provides services and run programs too large or complex for a Conference Determines and assesses programs Ensures –Resources exist –Best use of resources –Council wide program –Consistent with Governance documents 2

Click to edit Master title style Operating Structure Conferences – Members make decisions District Councils – Assist and support Conferences Diocesan Councils – Assist and support Districts and Conferences and make decisions affecting SVdP in the Diocese National Council – Assist and support all Conferences, Districts & Diocesan Councils and make decisions affecting SVdP in the United States International Council- Responsible for the entire world-wide SVdP Society as described in the Rule, Bylaws and Policies 3

Click to edit Master title style The District Councils All Conference Presidents are members with a broader responsibility for all of the poor in the council area Authority to manage all SVdP assets within its area of responsibility Conduct training courses Combine all Conferences into a strong union Exist to serve and provide support to all Conferences May determine annual solidarity contribution Maintain communication and unity among Conferences 4

Click to edit Master title style District Councils Cont’d Provide for –Spiritual and Vincentian formation –Celebration of festival meetings –Friendship among members –Develop communications –Help with reports, collaboration, outreach and advocacy –Manage special works –Compliance – Rule and governance –Expand Vincentian horizons 5

Click to edit Master title style District Councils Cont’d Assist Conferences to determine appropriate reserve Help Conferences to –develop spiritual life –intensify service –diversify activities –always be responsive to those who suffer Expand Society and its works Protect against the dangers of isolation Develop a Strategic Plan 6

Click to edit Master title style District Councils Members All Conference Presidents are members of the Council and are responsible to: Attend Council Meetings Create new Conferences Help existing Conferences to expand Support Special Works Provide and promote training courses Determine District Policy/Procedures 7

Click to edit Master title style District Councils Members Cont’d Foster cooperation with Vincentian Family Promote cooperation with other organizations and Institutions Develop friendship between members in the same area Bring Vincentians together Provide communication to/from Conferences/Councils Promote sense of belonging 8

Click to edit Master title style Conducts Meetings Ensures the Rule is being followed Visits Conferences Addresses Conference needs Installs New Conference Presidents Ensures training and Spiritual Development Collaborates with other organizations Oversees Special Works Encourages Twinning and Projects Makes the work of Society known Effective unit in Diocesan and National Councils District Council President 9

Click to edit Master title style Reasons Councils go out of Business (or get into serious trouble) Lose track of mission Focus on special works – not Conferences Failure to raise funds Bankruptcy Loss of tax exempt status Loss of legal entity status Kicked out of diocese Noncompliance with the Rule, removal from the Society 10

Click to edit Master title style Summary Conference Presidents have an important responsibility in planning and working to meet the needs of all the poor in the district The District Council exists to serve all the Conferences The Council Creates new Conferences Helps existing Conferences to expand Conducts and promotes training Brings Vincentians together Promotes the sense of belonging 11

Click to edit Master title style Summary Council President Ensures the Rule is being followed Visits Conferences Installs New Presidents Ensures training and Spiritual Development 12