The Vincentian Voices Network (VVN) is a grass roots group which consists of both current members of the various branches of the Vincentian Family as well as non-Vincentians who share our goals, which acts independently to open a dialogue of social action for diversity, inclusion & equity being an integral part of our Vincentian efforts. Social justice is an important component of the Vincentian charism in today’s world as we seek to address the barriers that contribute to poverty and inequality. Systemic change is often required in existing structures in social services as well as organizations striving to alleviate poverty. Advocacy is in turn a major component of systemic change.
While poverty is an injustice to many, when we add the effect it often has for people of diverse cultures, it can become an issue which is at times insurmountable. Diversity, inclusion and equity are vital requirements to relieving such barriers. In Canada, there is also the added issue of Indigenous Peoples and their historic struggle for the rights they deserve. People living in poverty are seldom heard! The VVN seeks to find ways to give a voice to the voiceless.
The Vincentian Voices Network (VVN) has set the following goals:
- To educate, advocate and take actions that focus on the relationship between poverty and diverse cultures while advocating for diversity, inclusion and equity in our systemic structures.
- To support and continue efforts towards a reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including Metis, Inuit and First Nations.
- To develop ways and means by which we can give voice to the voiceless, who may be experiencing poverty, homelessness or racial prejudice.
- To gather like minded supporters from various cultures in a grass roots organization that shares our vision.
The VVN shall gather and share information that can educate other Vincentians and non-Vincentians on these issues. The VVN will be open to anyone interested in our goals who may join as associates for social justice and systemic change.
We also encourage you to share your comments and resources for the benefit of all members. Please join this informal sharing group by visiting us at FACEBOOK: VINCENTIAN VOICES NETWORK.
About the author:
Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is a Canadian Vincentian. 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.
I respectfully acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, on which lands we meet, work and live.
Thanks for the initiative, as it will go a long way to help those who are suffering in an unjust way. May the Lord bless you to achieve the goals you have set for yourselves. God bless all Vincentians.