SVdP-VOP North Central Region
Together, speaking for those we serve....

Bringing to light the issues that plague the poor

Voice of the Poor (VOP) is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. With members representing every section and demographic of the nation, we identify those issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and help bring attention to them so communities and our elected representatives can help develop strategies and tactics that will provide the most effective and efficient means to reduce or eliminate poverty.

  • Our main goals are:
    (1) Creating awareness and generating interest amongst Vincentians.
    (2) Encouraging members to speak in one unified voice as an extension of our service to the individuals and families served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We have stories to tell about our service, the individuals and families we serve, and compelling statistics about the numbers of people in need that we assist
    (3) Advocate at the local, state and national level with key decision makers and lawmakers to bring about systemic change ― in other words, to work for change that makes a lasting difference in the systems, institutions and people that create and sustain poverty and need.

  • We need to build grassroots support by having one person designated as a Voice of the Poor Conference Contact in every conference in the US.
    We can be effective by bringing the stories of those we serve poor to life, by recasting their stories so that those in our pews and our communities know that these are more than statistics.



About Us image
  •  10/25/2021 04:47 PM

We are living in a time of COVID 19, racism, wealth inequality, and environmental crisis. Since COVID struck, Vincentians adapted and, in some cases, increased service to our neighbors and our means of spiritual growth. At this time of crisis, we need to adapt and increase our VOICE OF THE POOR advocacy as well.

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  •  12/3/2020 01:02 PM

Working to end poverty through systemic change - this article documents efforts being made in Rockford, Illinois assisting our brothers and sisters striving to overcome barriers when seeking employment.

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  •  11/30/2020 12:00 AM

Many Vincentians shy away from advocacy saying they “did not join the Society to be involved with politics”. Some use the separation of church and state excuse, an offshoot taken from Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist Association on January 1, 1802 as informing them of what the founders intended. If we are to dig deeper into what informed Jefferson on this building “a wall separation” concept or more simply what was he referring to – “freedom of religion” - does that preclude us from working with our elected officials in an effort to educating them about the plight of those we serve?

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  •  9/30/2020 12:00 AM

Working to end poverty through systemic change - this article documents efforts being made in Rockford, Illinois assisting our brothers and sisters striving to overcome barriers when seeking employment.

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The Petition

The Petition

Please click the button below to participate

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The numbers also tell the story.....

The numbers also tell the story.....

A study shows an increase in residential electricity consumption while industrial and commercial consumption has fallen during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. A staggering 16% increase on residential use between April and June - which translate to $6 billion. $6 billion dollars being carried by families who were given a mere $1,200 to meet immediate needs in the summer, millions have been out of work for over 10 months.

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Conference work

Conference work

The restrictions that have been put in place to control the While keeping in line with the many protocols we are asked to adhere to Vincentians continue to avail themselves to assist our neighbors in need that reach out to our parishes.

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Assistance

Assistance

Below are some of the options available for those in need of assistance during these challenging times

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Getting the word out

Getting the word out

As we serve our neighbors, visiting in their homes we learn more intimately about the policies that plague them. Policies that stifle their efforts to climb out poverty and into self-sustaining paths. We are called not only to feed, clothe and shelter but to also be their voice when they are unable to speak for themselves.

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Mary Anne Michelet

Illinois State Captain

James Penczykowski

Wisconsin State Captain

Patrick Kaiser

Minnesota State Captain

Pamela Matambanadzo & Marian Lamoureux

North Central Region - Regional Representative

Illinois

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Minnesota

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Wisconsin

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North Dakota

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South Dakota

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MI - Marquette

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  • 66 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO, USA

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VOP Advocacy Tool Kit

If you are interested in starting a VOP committee in your conference please consider reaching out to your state captain.

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Catholic Social Teaching

Living in Charity and Justice

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SVdP USA Position Papers

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"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." 
 Pope Francis, 9/16/13

Please click here to sign up for VoterVoice with SVdP-USA


  • 66 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO, USA
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Join us as we explore how the Good Samaritan would navigate the needs of those we serve within our communities today.Read More


  • Date: 5/26/2021 06:00 PM
  • Location: zoom (Map)