True optimism is the ability to see the emptiness of half the glass while choosing to focus on the fullness of the other half of the glass.

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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
by John Freund, CM | Jan 6, 2021 | Systemic change
True optimism is the ability to see the emptiness of half the glass while choosing to focus on the fullness of the other half of the glass.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 30, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Let us not settle only for what is necessary. The Lord does not want us to narrow our horizons or to remain parked on the roadside of life. He wants us to race boldly and joyfully towards lofty goals.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 23, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Jesus came to change our minds, not God’s! The Word became flesh to show us what God’s message and way of thinking looks like when lived humanly. Jesus is the living model of world-changing systemic change.
by John Freund, CM | Feb 6, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
An idea worth imitating! EnerCasa Co-op has come up with an idea of harvesting energy from mall shoppers who stop by to pedal on a stationary bicycle, giving electricity to local non-profit organizations.
by John Freund, CM | Jan 30, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice, Systemic change
We tend to only see what is within the horizon of our experiences. We need people who broaden our vision to wider possibilities.
by John Freund, CM | Jan 23, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Why Changing The World’s Perception Is Critical To How We Tackle Poverty
by John Freund, CM | Jan 16, 2019 | Formation, Systemic change
Christmas has come and gone… But not homelessness! What is being done by the Vincentian family and what still needs to be done?
by John Freund, CM | Jan 9, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Let me tell you about one man who has had no special training or lots of money who is cleaning up Detroit with the help of homeless people. (It is not St. Vincent.)
by Javier F. Chento | Jan 5, 2019 | News, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Systemic change
In Campinas, Sao Paulo (Brazil), the social projects of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Brazil (CNB) have reversed two very common situations experienced by the residents of Jardín de San Marcos and its surroundings: the difficulty of...
by John Freund, CM | Jan 2, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
What Herod and the Wisemen can teach us about revisioning our ministry with people trapped in poverty.
by Jim Claffey | Dec 26, 2018 | Formation, Systemic change
Bold advocacy calls for courage. We might lose friends, not everyone will agree with us. And for an organization it can be very challenging to take a public stance on a controversial issue.
by John Freund, CM | Dec 19, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Artists through the centuries have challenged superficial visions of poverty and inspired systemic change and dedication to direct services improving the condition of the poor.