Systemic change

The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Systemic Change

by .famvin | February 1, 2025 | Formation, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Systemic change | 0 Comments

The Rule of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul emphasizes a commitment to systemic change by addressing both immediate needs and the root causes of poverty through charity and justice. Guided by their values of human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor, Vincentians strive to transform lives, foster self-sufficiency, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate society.

Are You a “Whack-a-mole” or “Big picture” Person?

by John Freund, CM | March 16, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

It occurs to me that there are two approaches to problem-solving. – “Whack-a-mole” or “Big Picture.”

Luke’s Gospel – Trees or Forest?

by John Freund, CM | March 11, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

I often heard two seemingly contradictory thoughts about parents in “real families.”

Our “Real Families”

by John Freund, CM | March 9, 2022 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

I often heard two seemingly contradictory thoughts about parents in “real families.”

Aren’t We All “Flat-earthers”?

by John Freund, CM | Jan 27, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

There is no doubt in my mind that the earth is a globe revolving in space! So how could I be a “flat-earther”?

What Is Truth?

by John Freund, CM | Jan 15, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Pilate’s somewhat cynical question is among the most famous questions of history. In a somewhat prophetic message for World Communications Day 2020 Pope Francis offered what amounts to a “mindwalk” on truth.

Making Sense Of What Just Happened

by John Freund, CM | Jan 13, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

“Are you the only one in the world who has not heard what is going on in (Washington?)” (Luke 24:18) People from around the world are trying to make sense of recent events. I offer some resources for reflection.

More Than the Appendix in Bed 404B

by John Freund, CM | Apr 10, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Doctors need to treat that appendix. But that appendix is not something in a laboratory dish. It is part of the many systems we call a person. And that person is part of many other systems.

An Opportunity For The Vincentian Family To Halt Hate

by John Freund, CM | Mar 31, 2019 | Justice and Peace, News, Systemic change, Vincentian Family

What could be simpler than to collaborate in committing oneself to respond compassionately to situations for a 24 hour period?

Learning Not To See Homelessness

by John Freund, CM | Mar 27, 2019 | Formation, Homelessness, Poverty: Analysis and Responses, Reflections, Systemic change, Vincentian Family

My stereotypes of what homeless people look and act like taught me how not to recognize homeless people.

Are You Used to Thinking Systemically?

by John Freund, CM | Mar 20, 2019 | Formation, Systemic change

Would any of these skills help you serve people in need more effectively?

Does This Project Look Familiar?

by John Freund, CM | Mar 13, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

Try your hand at expressing how some projects work… or don’t work.

Questions Leading to “Metanoia” or Changing our Way of Thinking

by John Freund, CM | Mar 6, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

One of the big challenges many of us face is not only to think beyond ourselves. We also need to change the way we think about how we serve the needs of our sisters and brothers.