As a long time and older member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul here in Canada, we always seem to want to talk about needing more youth in the Society. However, when we do find them, we often fail to give them a full voice in our planning and actions. I have the opportunity of working with a very active youth conference here in London, Ontario under a wonderful leader and mentor.

While these youth certainly do several regular charitable activities, they also place a strong emphasis on social justice issues, including such topics as safe drinking water and teen suicide. Youth members have also joined our regular national social justice committee conference calls. Social justice is a great method to recruit more youth to the Society and a way to give them a real voice in our future planning. At our recent national Annual General Assembly (AGA), I attended a workshop presented by two youth members titled Fast Fashion and Catholic Social Teaching. The presenters led us through a concise and informative workshop regarding the garment industry and the conditions workers in other countries must endure to make a living for their families.

The workshop also discussed worker rights and just wages as well as the negative effect this industry has on the environment, including sandblasting, biodegradation and wastewater. We were given information about how our Catholic social teachings relate to these issues. We discussed human dignity, worker rights and solidarity. There was a discussion on how we living in North America can have a positive effect on these conditions through our buying choices as well as advocacy for change.

This workshop enjoyed some very lively and interesting discussions initiated by the presenters. This was a great example of what our youth can accomplish if given the opportunity. I would encourage our older membership to always be open to what our youth are saying and asking. Give them a chance to have an equal voice and the encouragement to try new ideas. If you are interested in accessing the entire workshop it can be found on our national website. (www.ssvp.ca) along with all workshops from our AGA.

About the author:

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is past president of the Ontario Regional Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He is currently chair of the National Social Justice Committee of the Society in Canada. He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.

Opinions expressed are the author’s own views and do not officially represent those of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.