Starting a Conference
Initial Steps
- Set up meeting to talk about procedures. How will calls come in? Where will they go from there—how will they be communicated to members? How will membership be involved in decision-making process?
- Decide on how to respond to food requests: food vouchers, food, or a combination of both. Call Central Office (313.393.2930) if you would like food voucher books.
- How will funds be raised?
- Decide on guidelines for responding to large requests (e.g. utility bills).
- Who will be Spiritual Advisor?
- Decide on regular meeting schedule.
- Set up checking account for your St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Two signatures are required for checks and withdrawals! (There is a special tax I.D. number for SVDP accounts. Please call Central Office.)
- Elect President, who then appoints other officers. Notify Central Office (of both officers and members).
- Publicize the Conference, especially through parish bulletin. Decide on whether local agencies etc. should be notified.
- Begin keeping records immediately (i.e., meetings, customers, statistics, expenses, etc.) to account to parish and to prepare for annual report.
- Become an active part of SVDP network:
- Attend Council meetings
- Attend Archdiocesan meetings and other special events (workshops etc.)
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